I have noticed in a world of chaos, there are some people who have the strength to remain solid, regardless of the endless challenges. Trials strike repeatedly, but they endure the buffetings as though the tribulations have no power against them. I truly admire those who have the strength and character to stand firm amidst the turmoils of life, and their great example emulates enough light to leads others to safety.
One of my favorite stories illustrates the strength and power of knowing ones direction, and being grounded in that purpose. Its a story about a career naval officer who finally got his four stripes, became a captain, and then was given command of a giant battleship.
While on maneuvers in the Atlantic, during the dead of the night, the officer of the deck was cautiously piloting the warship through fog-shrouded waters. With straining eyes he scanned the hazy darkness, searching for dangers lurking just out of sight, when his worst fears were realized. There in front of them was a bright light straight ahead and on a collision course with the ship.
The sleeping captain was immediately summoned from his quarters to the bridge and told about a signal light in the distance. To avert disaster he quickly told the signalman, “Signal them to bear ten degrees starboard.” To the captain’s amazement however, the foggy image did not move, but instead, sent back a signal saying, “Bear ten degrees starboard.”
Appalled at the audacity of the message, the indignant captain, insulted by the blatant refusal to respect his rank as a commander of a battleship, the biggest thing afloat, and the pride of the fleet said, “Signal that light again and tell them that this Captain orders them to bear ten degrees starboard now.”
A second time the oncoming light did not budge. “With all due respect, Captain,” came the signal again, “I am a Seaman First Class and I order you to alter your course immediately ten degrees starboard!”
Angered and frustrated that this impudent sailor would endanger the lives of his men and crew, the captain signaled back, “Seaman, I can have you court-martialed for this! For the last time, I command you on the authority of the United States government to alter your course ten degrees starboard! I am a battleship!”
The seaman’s final transmission was chilling: “Captain, sir. Once again with all due respect, I command you to alter your course ten degrees starboard! I am a lighthouse!”
In the ignorance of darkness, the battleship had challenged the very authority that had the power to preserve the lives aboard the ship. The battleship immediately moved! There are many who stand as lighthouses in a dark world.
Their light continually guides others to safety, even during the most difficult storms. These individuals face life with the strength to create a safe passage for others to follow. Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.
