It is Well

As a student of human performance and as a motivational speaker, writer, and moviemaker, I’m always looking for plots or concepts that will inspire people.  Rarely, if ever, do fiction or hypothetical examples come close to reality.  I’m always amazed by human beings who perform normally in extraordinary situations or individuals who perform extraordinary feats under ordinary conditions. 

More than a century ago, Horatio Spafford was a successful businessman enjoying a life of privilege and prosperity.  His idyllic world was shattered when his son died, and he began living through the worst nightmare any parent can face.  Then his financial fortunes took a turn for the worse when his business was destroyed during the Chicago Fire in 1871.  He had invested heavily in real estate along the lakeshore in Chicago and was wiped out in the aftermath of the horrific fire.   

Mr. Spafford planned a European trip with his wife and four daughters to try to get away from their troubles and gain new perspective.  Then, at the last moment, business matters intervened, and Spafford had to delay his travels but sent his wife and daughters ahead, planning to sail on a later ship and join his family in Europe.  In a freak maritime accident, the ship carrying Horatio Spafford’s wife and daughters collided with another vessel and sank almost immediately.  Several days later, the survivors of the tragic accident were brought to port in Wales where Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband a chilling two-word message.  “Saved alone.”   

Horatio Spafford sailed on the next ship to Wales.  During the crossing, he called on his deep faith, and as the ship was approaching the area where his four daughters drowned, Horatio Spafford wrote the powerful hymn It is Well with My Soul.  Like me, you may have heard or sung that hymn many times, but I know I will never hear it again without thinking of Horatio Spafford and how faith and the human spirit can overcome unimaginable tragedies to not only survive but create masterpieces that can encourage future generations.  Horatio Spafford wrote: 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

 Whenever we are dealing with trials and tribulations, we must call on the examples of those who have gone before us and not only endure but triumph.  As we thrive through challenges, we are not only building our own future, but we are creating an example to inspire those who are following on the path behind us.

 As you go through your day today, remember Horatio Spafford and know that it is well.

 Today’s the day!