| Apollo Thirteen - Lessons in Faith, Miracles and Team Work |
We have just watched Apollo Thirteen ... again.
Can't remember how many times now. This story still creates the same amazing, inspiring and humbling punch to both the intellect and the emotions.
Remembering a bit of family history . . .
Back in 1953 a handful of people at a military training center in upstate New York were inspired to write and produce a very special historic memorial. In word, music, film clips and visual effects we spoke and sang the praises of bold and brave men and women of flight. It was the 50th anniversary year of the first powered flight of Wilbur and Orville Wright, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
We called the piece, Conquest of the Air. When we wrote the words for the Eternal Flyer (symbolic person of flying vision) to sing, we little realized that soon America's space program would begin. At the end of Conquest of the Air the Eternal Flyer looks into the future and sings,
"The rings of Saturn shall be my runways!"
We were awed some years later, to see pictures of the unmanned space probe put up by a European consortium, transmitting photos of Saturn's rings back to earth!
Now, back to Apollo Thirteen.
It was about 4 am today, and one phrase kept repeating itself in the writer's mind, over and over again.
"Let patience have her perfect work."
Marilyn Lovell keeping watch
After searching, this is what we found:
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations,
knowing this: that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. James 1:2-5 (KJV)
This passage from the book of James is the essence of what this website, Lindsay House Publishing, is all about. Our very existence is a witness to the work of Almighty God in our birth family, and extended relationships.
Each time a new tragedy, a falling from grace, a shame, an alienation would happen within the family, there's been a new opportunity to forgive, to have mercy, to pray and believe for Christ's redemption in the situation.
Each time there has been a victory, it's been a reason for celebration!
In short, we have been growing up.
The reader may ask, "What's this got to do with Apollo Thirteen?"
Come explore that question with us.
Aside from the technical issues of the astronauts and support staff on the ground, the personal, family, national and global issues that surfaced in the story of Apollo Thirteen are common to us all.
Of course, they happened historically and expanded to a global event. Then they were collected by those working in the art and science of film-making into a classic work of the highest calibre that can be experienced over and over again.
Duct tape used in repairing air filter
-- There were disappointments, as when Ken Mattingly's measles exposure removed him from the crew. As it turned out, Mattingly's back-up work in the simulator during the crew's emergency in space, provided the answers desperately needed by mission control.
-- The relative inexperience of Jim Lovell's two astronaut companions onboard the Apollo craft, provided human dangers to their successful return. But they overcame!
-- Jim Lovell's earlier war experience had included a miraculous intervention enabling him to return to his carrier base, with his life and aircraft intact.
-- All those, worldwide, who were praying for the safe return of the three men had their faith tested and tried in a high drama.
-- Jim Lovell's wife, Marilyn, kept the faith on the homefront, encouraging her children, Jim's mother, and the families of the other astronauts. She also resisted official and media attempts at intimidation.
-- When a NASA official expressed doubt and unbelief about the chances of the men's safe return, Gene Kranz, leader of the mission control team, said,
"With all due respect, sir, I believe this will be our finest hour."
Kranz knew His God, and was trusting in His goodness.
Helicopters deploy from USS Iwo Jima
For everyone today who can "see" the dangers and opportunities
in today's historical moments,
in the United States of America and around the world,
we invite you to view the film, Apollo Thirteen, once again.
You will be inspired and encouraged --
and as you choose heaven's side,
you will be strengthened.
Then you will be shown what you are to pray,
what you are to say and to write,
and what you are to do!
SEMPER FI !
For a ministry perspective inspired by
Apollo Thirteen, see the following: