A construction crew working on a nearby bridge saved a woman from drowning in the Des Moines River on June 30, 2009. She and her husband went over a low-head dam in a small boat, which capsized. Her husband drowned, and she was caught in the backflow. Her life vest helped her bob up occasionally for a breath, but the power of the water had ripped off most of her clothes and she was nearly exhausted. A crane operator lowered Jason Oglesbee down close enough for him to grab the woman and rescue her. Jason said afterwards, “I knew I was completely safe on the steel cable and harness. I decided I wasn’t coming out of there without her.”
Leaders should resonate with this story.
Jason Oglesbee chose his actions that day. He was brave in a dangerous situation. He had confidence in the strength of the equipment and the skill of his crane operator. He committed himself to hanging in there (literally) to save this woman from certain death.
Leadership is a choice.
As a Christian, I believe God uses us to rescue people. To make things better. To guide, direct, and help.
You can choose to be brave. The power of the love of Jesus Christ is infinitely stronger than a steel cable. We can put our trust in the One who knows precisely how to position you to help others.
You can choose to “hang in there” – to be committed to the cause of helping people. You’re secure with God. You can reach out from that security to others who need love, hope, and help.
Leave a Reply