Friendships born on the field of athletic strife are the real gold of competition. Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust.
The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself–the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us–that’s where it’s at.
Jesse Owens (1913-1980) was an American track and field athlete. During the 1936 summer Olympics, he became the first athlete to win four gold medals in a single Olympiad.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
Thomas Edison (1847-1931) was an American inventor and businessman. His birthplace was Milan, Ohio.
A select few face overwhelming challenges in life. Encouraged by a heart filled with perseverance, these trailblazers adopt an attitude where “Can” outplays “Can’t.”
Renowned American lighthouse keeper, Ida Lewis, is recognized as one of the nation’s true heroes. Her dedication to her service as well as rescuing many forlorn boaters in the waters around Newport, Rhode Island, is well-documented.
Idawalley Zorada Lewis begins her life journey on February 25, 1842. Born to parents, Hosea and Zoradia, she becomes a vital, working member of the family by the age of 12.
Her father is appointed as the lighthouse keeper in 1854 at the Lime Rock Light Station. The tiny postage-stamp sized island of Lime Rock is inaccessible by land. In the first few months of Hosea Lewis’ tenure as the keeper, he suffers a stroke. Unable to complete his duties, his wife Zoradia takes over his responsibilities.
Because her mother must also care for her husband’s needs, Ida is called upon to assist with the tending and caring of the lighthouse. Eventually, she will inherit the official position as the lighthouse keeper. These daily duties include:
Ida becomes an accomplished swimmer and rower. Each day, she pilots the family’s wooden skiff across the harbor in taking her siblings to school. She also brings back provisions from town.
In the fall of 1958 at age 16, Ida completes her first rescue. Four young men are clinging to their capsized sailboat, and she rows out to bring them safely back to land.
One of Ida’s best known rescues happens on March 29, 1869. A vicious snowstorm covers the Newport harbor, and two soldiers are rowing toward Fort Adams. A 14-year old boy is acting as their guide. The surging waters become too much, and the boat capsizes. The boy disappears in the stormy seas while the two men cling to their sinking boat. Ida and her younger brother row out to the scene and rescue the two men.
Ida’s exploits are reported in newspapers, and one even hails her as the “bravest woman in America.” She meets many famous people, including President Ulysses S. Grant.
In July, 1881, Ida receives the Gold Lifesaving Medal from the U.S. Coast Guard for her heroism in this rescue. Her likeness appears on the cover of Harper’s Weekly, and her photograph is reproduced on postcards.
The Secretary of the U.S. Lighthouse Board, William Windom, offers gratitude and praise for Ida’s courage. Here are some of his words:
“. . . it is peculiarly appropriate that you should receive the national life-saving medal in commemoration of your brave acts as a life-saver, while it is an occasion for added satisfaction that such a memorial of unquestionable heroism should have been won by a woman.”
During her many years of service, Ida is credited with 18 official rescues (and numerous unofficial ones). She completes her last rescue when she is in her mid-60s. On October 24, 1911, Ida dies from a stroke.
In her final years of service, Ida earns an annual salary of $750, which is the highest paid to any lighthouse keeper in the United States. No doubt, her many acts of heroism earn her this high level of compensation.
In 1924, the U.S. Coast Guard renames the Lime Rock Light Station. It becomes the Ida Lewis Lighthouse, and it is the only American lighthouse ever named after a keeper.
Ida Lewis becomes a strong role model for future generations of American girls. Her own words proclaim her sustaining faith: “God always gives me the strength to help others in need.”
Previous editions of other narratives of “Overcoming Life’s Insurmountable” can be found from the links below.
Glenn Cunningham, American athlete
Wilma Rudolph, American athlete
In my weakness, I have learned, like Moses, to lean on God. The weaker I am, the harder I lean on Him. The harder I lean, the stronger I discover Him to be. The stronger I discover God to be, the more resolute I am in this job He’s given me to do.
From Joel 3:16: “The Lord roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shake. But the Lord is a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.”
Joni Eareckson Tada (born 1949) is an American Christian author and radio host. Much of her work has focused on ministry in the disability community. Her life journey is a living testament to this quote.
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
John Wooden (1910-2010) was an American college basketball coach. While coaching the UCLA Bruins mens basketball team from 1948-1975, he was nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood.” During a 12-year period, his teams won ten national championships, including seven in a row.
Experience is a master teacher, even when it’s not our own.
Mistakes help to sharpen your next steps. They don’t prove that you shouldn’t try again.
Gina Greenlee is an American author, speaker, and teacher. She resides in Florida where she has written countless books, and she believes in the positive experiences of being a lifelong learner.
When you focus on problems, you get more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you have more opportunities.
You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.
Zig Ziglar (1926-2012) was an American author and motivational speaker. He inspired many with his wit, optimism, and Christian faith.
Running
With perseverance
Looking to Jesus
Rising with faith’s endurance
Disciplined
Disciplined
Righteous spirit
Accepting Savior’s grace
Kneeling in steadfast prayer
Transformed
Transformed
Mercy’s light
Leaving sin’s darkness
Finding love in Christ
Redeemed
From the words of Latin priest and theologian Jerome of Stridon: “Love Holy Scripture, and wisdom will love you. Love her, and she will keep you. Honor her, and she will keep you.”
Pursuing wisdom over a lifetime
Gathering, enriching a single life
Applying to everyday challenges
Loving Scripture, supplanting darkest strife
Seeking wisdom with a hunger for more
Searching in the truthful and proper place
Persevering with consistency now
Tasting God’s Holy Word and loving grace
Sustaining the tree of life, holding fast
Following a righteous path, leads to peace
Finding God’s wisdom, life’s only true wealth
Blessing His wisdom, sustains life’s new lease
Trusting these blessed fruits of God’s wisdom
Turning evil away, aligned with Him
Refreshing mind and body, healing flesh
Respecting God’s Word, singing a new hymn
Treating our neighbors better than ourselves
Trusting, loving, supporting each other
Walking together with God, hand in hand
Partnering with each sister and brother
From Proverbs 3:13: “Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding,”
Originally published June, 2020.
Storms make trees take deeper roots.
Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
Dolly Parton (born 1946) is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter. Her success in country music has enriched her life with opportunities to become a philanthropist, actress, and businesswoman.
Big Sky Buckeye 