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Discouragement—the real enemy
A couple of recent news stories remind us of how incredibly courageous and determined some people are to avoid responding with hopeless discouragement in the face of overwhelming circumstances. The 97-year-old Iranian woman pulled from the rubble of the December 26, 2003, Bam earthquake made headlines around the world for her humble explanation of how she survived being buried six days and nights: "God saved me," she said.
And even more recently, a 25-year-old skier from Washington state, Dan Witkowski, was found alive after surviving four days and four nights of below-freezing temperatures with no gear other than the clothes he was wearing. By the fourth day, even his father had begun to lose hope. But as ski patrol director Jon Barker told CBS Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen, "Nobody ever gave up. We would just continue [searching, and] start again the next morning."
How inspiring those words are: "Nobody ever gave up." If they had, Witkowski might not have been found. And if he had given up (he kept moving, resting only for two hours at the longest), he might not have made it through those grueling days and nights. The 97-year-old Iranian survivor didn't give up. But she apparently knew that the courage and determination that kept her going came from a profoundly deep, unlimited source of courage—from God.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
February 2, 2004 issue
View Issue-
The courage to trust God—no matter what
Marilyn Jones
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letters
with contributions from Toni Graves Alexander, Gloria J. Robinson, Mussa Tongori, Jim Raynesford
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items of interest
with contributions from Chris McGillion, Jude Ubaka, Edward T. Creagan, Jordan Stoll
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Wake up to courage
By Margaret Rogers
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When loss becomes gain
By Mehru Sorab
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The courage to forgive
By Brian Kissock
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On the wings of prayer
By Beverly Goldsmith
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ON THE WINGS OF PRAYER—A HUSBAND'S RESPONSE
David Goldsmith
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Angels at 14,410 feet
By Jonatha Wey
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Persistent PRAYER for healing
By Eric Horner
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The art of healing
By Mario Tosto
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From cynicism, to 'pew-warming,' to loving back
By Judith Hardy Olson
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An ideal sanctuary
By Ryder Stevens
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You can face down corruption
By Kurt Shillinger
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My prayer was 'doing something'
Iva Okesson
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Sciatica is healed and a family blessed
Rosemary Vaiano
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Ankle injury healed
Natasha Millington