Come on, somebody be brave.

–David Gould

Choosing to be brave in a situation. Selecting words, making decisions and overriding utter terror or heartbreak or stress to personally supply courage to those around you is something I value. I privately challenge myself to act bravely on a regular basis and this usually means making choices that bring inconvenience and a level of discomfort or sacrifice into my life.

As I looked in on the Chilean mine workers rescue this week, watching the men and their 5 rescuers reach the surface, I was deeply moved to learn of their communications with family members and the government’s attention to detail while planning the rescue. I also watched carefully for lessons we might apply to our own lives from this group of 33 men, living 69 days in a hot and steamy 500 square foot cellar, 2,000 feet below earth’s surface.

Not only did the miners themselves gift us with short messages, but reporters did a noteworthy job of giving us background information that revealed portions of their stories that serve to educate and encourage us, as well.

I was first moved by their love of country and national enthusiasm. Americans certainly have bragging rights in this story, for our ingenuity and technical skills (associated most closely with our ventures into space and drilling expertise) contributed enormously to their safekeeping, rescue and plans for long-term care. It was obvious, however, as they chanted and robed themselves in flags, that these men were fueled by a love for their country.

It matters.

So does faith and your ability to see God working in your life and making a difference in the lives of those with whom you work and live. One man told his wife he now sees the value of getting married by a priest and wanted to renew his vows with her as soon as possible. Another told his wife that her insistence about daily prayer never meant anything until she was no longer there to utter those prayers out loud for him to hear. He learned the value of prayer underground and the moment his feet hit the surface he dropped to his knees, thanking God for his rescue and the new line of communication he now values.

But it was the President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, who probably moved me most. As one miner adjusted himself on a stretcher, readying himself for a helocopter ride to a nearby hospital, the translator revealed the president’s words. “You mattered to us from the very beginning. We worked night and day to find you, to take care of you while you were deep in the earth, and we will continue to serve you now.”

That’s the same message, the same theme, revealed in the New Testament. God accepts us just as we are. When we are lost, He seeks us tirelessly. He longs to lavish forgiveness and love on us. He seeks an ongoing, daily relationship and will supply our needs during the most traumatic of events.

I accept the Gift. How about you?

Reach Joan Bay Klope, faithfulliving@hotmail.com.