From sorrow to success
Mark Simpson overcomes challenge of mountain with help from trainer
The mountain loomed in the distance, massive and unyielding to Mark Simpson’s determined stare. Birds twittered excitedly and scratched at the nearby branches as he prepared for his hike.
Sharp Top — Youth Ministries major Mark Simpson and his trainer, Matt Lawrence, ascend Sharp Top mountain. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby
Four short weeks with his trainer, a modified version of P90X and a determined outlook brought Mark Simpson to the base of Sharp Top Mountain the summer before his senior year at Liberty University.
After losing both of his legs at a young age due to a medical condition, Mark understood the obstacle he faced would be strenuous.
“I wanted to hike Sharp Top not only to motivate people, but to have that satisfaction to hike a mountain and say I did it,” Mark said.
Setting goals and preparing with the head trainer at Gold’s gym paved the road to success for this dedicated college senior. Mark began his two-hour climb riding in his trainer’s backpack, but was quickly set down to face the climb on his hands. Pain instantly began to gnaw its way up his arms, threatening to cut his dream short. The pain then numbed his arms, transforming them to robotic limbs that carried his weight with no recognition of the actions they were performing. “My arms were so tired,” Mark said.
He continued on, battling with himself and pushing his body to its limit. The daunting task soon became a mind game that he was determined to win.
“I like challenges,” he said. “I like pushing myself until it hurts really badly.” Although the crest of Sharp Top was within Mark’s reach, the last 10 minutes proved to be an obstacle all their own. His body cried in agony as he strained to reach the peak raved about by locals.
Conquering Sharp Top is satisfying for any individual. For Mark, it was a 360-degree reminder that God can bring him through any circumstance.
“Being able to make it to the top was the most amazing thing,” he said.
All hands — Simpson and his trainer hike to the top of Liberty’s monogram. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby
With a breathtaking view before him and a breathless climb behind him, Mark was reminded that God is his only source of strength. As Mark’s cornerstone, God led him through his trials and prepared him to use the pain he suffered to further God’s kingdom.
“Anything you want to do is going to be a challenge. It’s how you meet that challenge that will make the difference,” he said. Recognized by local news for his courageous climb, Mark grasped the spotlight in order to reflect it back onto His savior.
Making the daily choice to place God first in his life enabled Mark to look past any limitations this life may bring in order to focus solely on the impact his testimony may have on others.
“My friend used to tell me if you want to reach the mountaintop, you have to go through the valley,” Mark said. This champion for Christ has learned that neither his body nor any other obstacle is ever too much when God is leading his life.