“Lord, my heart is smoldering, it’s hotter than it’s ever been before. There is fuel on the coals and they tremble under the pressure, but there is no flame. A single spark could trigger such a fire that could not be put out. But there is no flame, there is no wisdom. Where is the understanding of the times? Where is the truth and where can I find where You are? I want to run and never stop running – and climb upon the mountain of God – where only few tread. But let me bring some with me – let me follow some who are going that way – send those here to lead me. Do this or let the rain come and cool the smoldering coals. Do not leave me here for the pressure is unbearable. I want to be so much more.” -Lygon
On January 10, 2008, 20-year Lygon Stevens and her brother, Nicklis Stevens were swept away in an avalanche, falling over 1,000 feet from near the summit of Little Bear Peak in southern Colorado. Nicklis miraculously survived that avalanche; Lygon did not. In the days that ensued, as joyous rescue merged with grievous recovery, we discovered words of life, hope, and deep faith in Lygon’s journals.
In her writings, Lygon penned, “The time to live is now. The time to run and wake up every morning excited about what the world might throw your way is now. The time to lay low in turmoil and humility before God is now. The time to seek and find, the time to change and learn is now. Yes, the time to live and to live truly is now!”
Time to Live, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring those words. Life is precious and not to be wasted! We have published several of Lygon’s writings in a devotional book entitled Cairns for the Climb. Now in its 3rd edition, the stirring thoughts coupled with stunning photography from many of Lygon and Nicklis’ climbing expeditions, Cairns has inspired people around the world. In addition, each August we host the annual Live Now! Event known as the Lygon Stevens Memorial Climb. We feature an inspirational speaker to broaden our borders and remind us of what matters. We follow this with a challenge to all to set a goal and see it through. We do that here in Colorado by hosting a climbing day in Rocky Mountain National Park with climbs for all skill levels. Others have begun to participate in their own Live Now! Day wherever they are – hiking the Appalachians or sea kayaking in the Gulf. It is our desire to build faith in what one can accomplish when goals are set and hearts are ignited to truly live.