October 16, 2010

From NPR Weekend Edition and Scott Simon, regarding the miners in Chile: “The first 17 days were hardest … some of the men squabbled, which they made a pact never to speak about. Chile’s President said: You are not the same after this, neither are we. “We” embraces the world. Millions of families watched and got our children out of bed to watch the men rise from the earth. We told our children ‘remember this night, whenever you think something is impossible’. This week it was good to be reminded that skill, courage and dedication can move the earth. When 33 men were buried, people uncovered strength they never knew was inside. Failure was not an option. This week, we were all Chilean … Viva.”

How much belief does one need to have, in what must have seemed like a tomb? I can imagine fear was in everyone’s mind and stomach, especially during the first 17 days when there was no word from above. Or at least from humans above. God alone was able to get through to them those first days and the miners were forced to listen, to hope and to believe.

I pray today that those who are in a sense “entombed” inside frustrating or anxious or even desperate lives, find the God who can get through to them. It is hard to listen but not as hard as the 33 men had it. And there is survival in the end, if you let God into your tomb.