Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection . . . an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus.
From Psalm 107:8-9: “Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to humankind. For He satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry He fills with good things.”
The state of Ohio has proudly displayed one of its favorite nicknames on vehicle license plates, “Birthplace of Aviation.” This recognition has traced history back to the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, and their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. Here they planned and successfully designed America’s first aircraft.
Fast forwarding from these early days of aviation as the 20th century unfolded, an Ohio woman sought to make aviation history in 1964. Geraldine (Jerrie) Mock became the first woman to fly solo around the world.
As a mother of three, this Newark native described herself as “the flying housewife.” After earning her pilot license at age 32, Jerrie joined her pilot husband, Russ, for frequent small aircraft flights.
Growing up, Jerrie seemed destined for a more adventurous life. She recalled these memorable words, “I knew one thing. I wanted to see the world. I did not conform to what girls did. What the girls did was boring.”
As her plans advanced toward reality, many assisted her journey financially. Cessna, Javelin Aviation, and the Columbus Dispatch (newspaper) provided timely help.
Jerrie’s plane was a single-engine Cessna 180. The plane’s call sign was N1538C, but it was shortened to Three-Eight Charlie. Her plane was nicknamed the “Spirit of Columbus.”
The Cessna aircraft was outfitted with several upgrades:
Jerrie’s adventure took-off from the Port Columbus Airport on March 19, and she successfully returned on April 17. Her around-the-world trek endured radio and brake problems as well as bad weather.
One of the flight’s biggest challenges was when Jerrie landed by mistake on an Egyptian military base. Another occurred when she noticed a burning wire while surrounded by extra tanks of fuel. Fortunately, these two potentially flight-ending mishaps were taken care of quickly and without any further issues.
The flight exceeded 23,000 miles (actually 23,103) with an elapsed time of 29 days, 11 hours, and 59 minutes.
Jerrie’s route went east from Columbus toward the Atlantic Ocean with further miles flown over the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, and Pacific Ocean. Some of her stops included the Azores, Casablanca, Cairo, Karachi, Calcutta, Bangkok, and Honolulu.
American President Lyndon Johnson awarded Jerrie the Federal Aviation Administration’s Gold Medal for Exceptional Service. Her faithful partner, the Cessna aircraft, was exhibited at the National Air and Space Museum at Washington, DC.
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
When our day begins with a confident first step, the next one will come sooner with even more confidence.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated November 25)
Jerrie Mock (1925-2014) was an American pilot who grew up in the state of Ohio. In 1964, she became the first woman to fly solo around the world.
Nobody was going to tell me I couldn’t do it because I was a woman.
Airplanes are meant to fly. I was completely confident in my plane.
Exhausted
Weariness overtakes
God’s renewing grace
Faith nourished with love
Strengthened
Confronted
Life’s battles
Always our wingman
Jesus marches with us
Strengthened
Overwhelmed
Darkest times
Trusting in faith
Light from Holy Spirit
Strengthened
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Sanctuary and peace flow as parallel thoughts, which strengthen when they come together as one.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated November 24)
Living wholeheartedly for the Lord is impossible in our own strength. But if we’ll humble ourselves and ask, He will give us the grace to diligently and persistently live for Him.
From 2 Chronicles 31:20-21: “Hezekiah did this throughout all Judah; he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, to seek his God, he did with all his heart, and he prospered.”
Sleeping beneath midnight stars
Dreaming of faraway lands
Tracing desktop’s spinning globe
Traveling with comfort’s hands
Searching for bold adventures
Filling imagination
Revolving world comes to rest
Discovering location
Boarding fastest clipper ship
Setting sail, freedom ahead
Lighting up destiny’s route
Leaving comfortable bed
Traversing treacherous seas
Sailing toward setting sun
Scanning distant horizon
Anticipating more fun
Pulsating alarm intrudes
Crashing through innocent dreams
Waking for Monday’s school day
Leaving journey in midstream
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
A poet’s own travels with words and their imagery makes for an amazing trip, filled with countless destinations.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated November 23)
Good friendships take intentionality; you can’t ignore them and expect them to be healthy.
If you’re always too busy for your friends, you will have shallow friendships.
Amy Weatherly is an American author who remains active with writing and her down-to-earth blog (amyweatherly.com).
Big Sky Buckeye 