Go for it, Abby!

June 12, 2010

By Rev Nev

Abby Sunderland wants another crack at sailing around the world solo. A lot of people are making a fuss about the fact that she was making such a dangerous journey anyway. I say: Good for you Abby!

Sunderland’s ambition recalls America’s adventurous spirit. I am afraid that spirit is nearly lost. What ever happened to the pluck that drove Americans westward? Have we forgotten that this country was started by people making the most dangerous journey of their lives coming from Europe to an uncertain and assuredly difficult future? What made them do it? Sure wasn’t a desire for safety and security.

: Image by sakraft1 via Flickr

Have we forgotten so soon the heroes of the twentieth century? Remember just one in Charles Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic and just try to not be amazed. Remember this is when flight was still in its infancy and there were a great many risks. His story is still inspiring.

Working as a mail pilot a year earlier he heard of the $25,000 prize for the first flight between New York and Paris. Backed by a group of St. Louis businessmen, Lindbergh supervised the building of his special plane and set out after the prize. Other teams were attempting the feat – some had met disaster. Lindbergh equipped himself with four sandwiches, two canteens of water and 451 gallons of gas. Midway through the flight “sleet began to cling to the plane. That worried me a great deal and I debated whether I should keep on or go back. I decided I must not think any more about going back.”

I hope there are more Abby Sunderlands coming up in the next generation. We need them.

Read about the adventure here and here.

Some argue that that the biggest problem with Sunderland’s dangerous trip is her youth. To them I say, what business is it of yours to say what she can and cannot do and when? We ought to be grateful that American courage is not dead and inspired that it is manifest in one so young.

Americans are natural risk takers. It’s just in our national character and I believe reflects a bit of God’s image in us. I hope there are more Abby Sunderlands coming up in the next generation. We need them.