Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. ~ Psalm 71:20
This past Sunday I had the opportunity to just lounge around and watch movies all day.
My daughter suggested that we watch 127 Hours which is based on a true survival story about a seasoned hiker,ย Aron Ralston, who gets trapped in a Utah canyon, with his hand caught between a rock and the wall. For 5 1/2 days Aron was left to his thoughts, his memories, the sound of his screams echoing, ants and worse of all the idea of having to cut his own arm off in order to save his life. It was a very intense movie and one that got me wondering if I could do the same thing if put in that situation (not that I want to even find out but nonetheless a thought).
Then I watched the special with Diane Sawyer who interviewed Jaycee Dugard, the young girl that was kidnapped back in 1991 at the age of 11 yrs. and held captive for 18 years of her life.
In those 18 years she was repeatedly raped, handcuffed, left alone and at the age of 14 & 17 gave birth to two beautiful little girls.
I was in awe as I listened to her talk about this horrific experience with such a peace, a resolve and a strength that goes beyond understanding.
When her mother spoke, empathy came over me and I found myself crying for those lost 18 years with her daughter not really knowing if she would ever see her again but holding onto HOPE, just as Jaycee was doing.
The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak, became a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong. ~ Thomas Carlyle
Just a couple days ago I asked my husband if he thought God gives each of us a mechanism that switches to survivor mode when we are faced with unthinkable things, he said, “Most definitely YES!”
After watching both Aron and Jaycee take this granite (their experiences) and use it as a stepping stone to reach greater heights, I have to agree with my husband. God has created each of us with a survivor mechanism that switches on and he gives us the strength to take the steps we need to take to rise above the granite.
My prayer for you today is that no matter what granite (obstacle) you are facing, that you would not look at it an excuse to stop but look at it as a chance to succeed at whatever you are reaching for.
Be Blessed,
Audrey ๐