Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
If you’ve ever visited Yosemite National Park, you likely recognize this granite monolith. For those who haven’t, it’s called El Capitan, or “The Captain.” It is one of the park’s most iconic landmarks, known for its towering 3,000-foot granite face, breathtaking views from every angle, and world-renowned climbing routes.
In the first image, just above and to the right of the tree line, hidden in the shadows, are the climbers featured in the second image. At first glance, they appear as little more than tiny specks against the massive face of El Capitan. Yet those specks are people slowly making their way upward, connected by ropes, carrying supplies, and trusting their equipment with every move they make.
The pack hanging below (between the two) may even contain the collapsible platforms they will use to sleep while suspended from the granite wall. Depending on the route, reaching the summit can take several days. Every step requires planning, skill, endurance, and an incredible amount of trust.
Standing in Yosemite Valley, it’s easy to become captivated by the beauty of El Capitan itself. The textures, colors, shadows, and sheer size of the rock command your attention. But when you notice those tiny climbers on its face, another thought begins to emerge. How much trust must they have in the ropes that hold them, the anchors secured in the rock, their equipment, and even their own strength? That level of trust is remarkable.
As I watched them climbing, I couldn’t help but think about where I place my own trust. In life, we often put our confidence in our abilities, our plans, our finances, our health, or the things we can see and touch. Yet all of those can fail. Scripture reminds us that there is a firmer foundation available to us:
Proverbs 3:5 & 6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Those climbers were literally putting their lives in the hands of something they trusted. Something we need to ask ourselves – Do we trust God with the same confidence? When the path is steep, uncertain, or even a little frightening, are we relying on our own strength, or placing faith in the One who never fails?
The climbers will eventually reach the summit of El Capitan. My prayer is that, whatever mountain is in front of us, we will learn to trust the Lord with the same determination, knowing that His grip on us is far more secure than any rope could ever be.