For the firefighters

Proverbs 27:17

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
    so a friend sharpens a friend.

Truly feeling inspired after witnessing the events at the 9/11 memorial stair climb in Clayton today.  Several firefighters and their families gathered to raise money for the 9/11 memorial fund.  In all 22 teams were in the first wave of the climb where they would climb 110 flights of stairs in honor of the world trade center.  11 teams went to the south staircase representing the “south tower” and 11 to the “north tower.”  14 more teams would climb later in the day.  Most participants were active firefighters and wore full gear while climbing. 

What may have impressed me most is the teamwork and brotherhood that was involved.  Team 7 was from Dexter and comprised of Ryan Rascher (captain), Lauren Rascher, Matt Thurmon, Mindy Thurmon, Hannah Thurmon, and Ladawn Northcutt.  Ryan Rascher said, “We are a team.  We will start as a team and we will finish as a team.”  And, that, they did.  As the stair climb went on, some of the participants began to tire, everyone encouraged them on.  Some began to shed gear, others picked it up and carried it for them.  Some stopped to rest, their team waited.  After the last elevator ride to the bottom floor, each team member rang a bell as they walked by it in the lobby.  It was a lonesome sound that lingered.  The ring was chilling and reminded me of the bell rang at a firefighters funeral.  343 firefighters were killed in the 9/11 attacks and I can tell you one thing for sure, this world is worse off without them.  They are a special kind of people.  They are heros.  You want them on your team.

So, who’s on your “team” in life?  Are you carrying each other’s burdens?  Are you encouraging or being encouraged?  Have you been left behind?  Have a team meeting and remember there is no “I” in team.