Character in times of tragedy is not built during those times of tragedy. It is revealed in times of tragedy, but such moral strength is built in times of joy and peace.
Character in times of tragedy was revealed last week by families who lost sons, fathers, husbands, and siblings in the snows of Mount Hood. Waiting for helicopters to take search and rescue teams to the mountain’s summit, these families laid hands on the helicopters, and prayed for the search and rescue teams’ safety. When teams returned from the mountain, these families thanked them fervently for their efforts, and for the risks they were taking in behalf of their loved ones. A member of these families said of the helicopter pilots, “We’re the cheerleaders for these guys.” By their actions, those families exercised respect and love toward every member of the search and rescue teams
Character in times of tragedy was revealed further when the frozen body of one of the lost men was found over the weekend. Fresh grief overcoming him, the brother of the deceased climber read a moving statement from his family. Although nearly swallowed up by personal bereavement, the family took time to think of others, and not just themselves. They once more thanked the search and rescue teams who had labored so hard to find their brother. They thanked the people who had prayed with them. They thanked everyone involved in the search effort. Then, still thinking of others, the brother of the dead climber spoke of the two men still missing. He called them “two other brothers still on the mountain” and voiced his determination to stay with their families as they await news. Rather than take his brother’s family and return home to prepare for a funeral, this man of character thought of others. He turned his attention, his prayers, and his thoughts to the needs of the other families. Again, they exercised respect and love.
Character in times of tragedy was personified by this brother and others of the families gathered at the base of Oregon’s Mount Hood. Not only did they exhibit respect and love toward others around them, they also exhibited courage – the courage of their convictions. Unafraid of what people would think, not worried by the opinions of peers, these families took a stand on their convictions. They made the following statement:
As Christians, we find peace that Kelly is with God. Kelly always told us that he felt closest to God when he was on the mountain. That is what drove him to climb and we find enormous comfort in knowing that he lifted off that mountain from the place that he loved and doing something that he loved very, very much.
Many people are afraid to voice their convictions. In our age of “politically correct” speech, many fear what others will think of them if they state clearly that they are Christians. They lack the courage of their convictions. Not so with these families. These families let it be known from the beginning that they were Christians. And when the deceased man’s body was located, they continued to let it be known.
Character in times of tragedy is strong character, and these families are shining examples of that kind of moral excellence.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?