Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

      I remember one particular counseling case I worked. This client was extraordinarily inarticulate, spoke in monosyllables, was depressive, and exhibited poor eye contact. Though counseling was expected to be more singular than marital, his wife came with him “to interpret” for me. The man had displayed these behavior patterns since “time immemorial.”

     Of course, counseling per se cannot begin under such conditions. Therefore, I suggested we focus on teaching devoted to communication tools, over the course of the initial several weeks. I also recommended that he speak to a medical doctor about an antidepressant medication, which he did. The physician was happy to prescribe for him.

      “John” continued to come in for several weeks, and we continued to work together on various communication techniques. He slowly, but surely progressed ‘til on his last “tools and techniques” visit, he was conversing with me in paragraphs, rather than monosyllables. I was thrilled, as was his wife. Even extended family members commented on the positive changes they were seeing in him.

     We are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” We are capable of more than we might dream. We are given power to excel. Even those who are “stymied and stuck” may blossom like wild flowers, after a spring rain.

      Ernest Shackleton was a man of like passion as we are, but his exploits easily rank with the Neil Armstrong’s and Charles Lindbergh’s of the world. Shackleton lead a British expedition to the South Pole during World War I. A great-masted ship, with a diesel engine, was procured for the trip, and he and his men left with light hearts and grand expectations.

     Everything seemed to fall together well ‘til the ship encountered ice flows, too thick to navigate. The ship slowed, and stopped. The proud wooden ship never made another mile. The crew attempted every trick to dislodge her, but she was stuck fast.

    Weeks passed, and the sturdy ship began to creak and shudder, as the sea ice took its toll. Eventually, the fine vessel was crushed between competing flows of ice.

     Though the ship’s fate had been anticipated, shock registered on the faces of every crew member. Only Shackleton’s voice brought them out of their stupor.

     “Let’s go home, boys!”

     The expressions on the faces of the crew members changed immediately, and they prepared to turn for home.

     Much has been told of that fateful journey home. The men set out on dog sleds, and made slow progress towards civilization. Ernest knew that a small island, named Elephant, was within reach, but it would take immeasurable effort and skill to get there. When navigable water was reached, the dogs were sacrificed for food, and the ship’s lifeboats, which had been drug behind the sleds, were lowered into the icy sea. Elephant Island was reached, and the first leg of the journey was accomplished. But there were extreme challenges ahead.

     Shackleton selected a few of the most fit men to try for South Georgia Island. South Georgia boasted a small whaling colony, and this small speck in a “world of hurt” was his only hope. The island was 800 miles distant, and these poor travelers had only a couple of lifeboats to their credit.

     But nothing would deter our hero. Navigation was imperative, for had the crew been by off by only one degree, the island would have been missed completely. Ernest was absolutely intent on reaching his goal. He had left ten men on Elephant Island, and he was determined to go back for them.

 

     Miraculously Shackleton reached South Georgia Island, but the "fun" wasn't yet over. A range of mountains lay between the stalwart Englishman and his prize. Thirty-six hours later he reached the fishing village, having climbed over numerous snow-capped mountains; which had never before been navigated. Recently, a modern mountaineering team, decked out with all the modern equipment available today, took three days to traverse the same route!

     Well my friends, Ernest did go back for his men, though months passed e’er he was able to navigate the sea ice. His men were safe, and not one had perished.

     We are marvelous creatures indeed, and God has set such a mind and attitude in us. We have seen the most secular and wicked of men achieve things beyond their wildest figments and imaginations. What can God do with a man who is wholly sold out to Him?

      I think the more we cooperate with God, the greater our opportunity for success. He chooses to work in us and through us, and bids us dream big dreams.

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 13
 

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