Imagine being 82 years-old and having to abruptly leave your home, climb down a mountain in the dark, and flee from approaching wildfires. That’s exactly what happened to Robert and Daryl Hullander as they barely escaped the wildfires in Gatlinburg, TN. The Hullanders, who have been married 57 years, survived one of the worst disasters in the history of Tennessee with only minor cuts and bruises.
Fire crossing the road made escape by car impossible, so the Hullanders walked in darkness, feeling their way down the mountain, holding on to any tree they could find. The Hullander’s later said that once they began their descent, they were able to remain calm, and didn’t give in to panic or fear. Mr. Hullander kept repeating to his wife, “You put one foot in front of the other and you just keep on going. And if you fall, get up and keep on going.”
As I read the story of the Hullanders, I couldn’t help but see some spiritual applications. Consider these spiritual truths that are illustrated by the Hullander’s experience.
- Hold on to “things” loosely. The Hullanders had to leave behind everything they owned in order to survive. Don’t allow materialism to weigh you down on your life’s journey.
- The events that transpire in our lives may not be what we would have chosen for ourselves, but we can still reach our destination.
- Do whatever it takes to reach your goal, no matter how difficult. It will be worth it.
- You may fall, but when you do, don’t stay down. Get up and get back on track.
- Find things to hold on to that can give you support.
- Focusing on your goal will help calm your fears.
- Take the hand of another and make the journey together. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
I’m reminded of
two stanzas from one of my favorite hymns…
Be with me, Lord–I cannot live without Thee,
I dare not try to take one step alone.
I cannot bear the loads of life, unaided,
I need Thy strength to lean myself upon.
Be with me Lord, when loneliness o’er-takes me,
When I must weep amid the fires of pain,
And when shall come the hour of “my departure”
For “worlds unknown,” O Lord, be with me then.
We all have times in life when we feel as though the fires of pain and heartache will overtake us. When this happens, don’t allow ourselves to be so overwhelmed with fear that we lose sight of our destination. Remember the courage and determination of the Hullanders.
Thank you so much for this inspiring message. I have struggled since the death of my husband in 2011 by suicide and just when I seemed to be up again my 20 year old grandson ended his life last year on November 30th. I have been in a fog this whole year and the grief is almost unbearable. I pray that I will continue to put one foot in front of the other and if I stumble and fall that I will have the courage and faith to get back up and strive for that eternal home in heaven, where there will be no more pain, tears, grief or sorrow. Bless you for your kind words.
I’m so sorry that you’ve been through such an incredibly difficult time. I think the more things we have to bear in this life just makes the hope of heaven that much sweeter. We have so much to look forward to! May God bless you through these hard situations.
This is a beautiful story out of all the tragedy. It reminds us that we have to sometimes climb down into the valleys to get to the heavenly places.
You’re absolutely right! Difficulties and trials here make us long that much more for heaven.