The pandemonium and chaos of people trying to save themselves in one scene is contrasted with the dismal and distant cries of those doomed to freezing death in the cold waters of the Northern Atlantic in another scenario. The Titanic is sinking and there are only so many lifeboats. The voice of fear is loud and clear: Why risk losing one’s life at the cost of trying to save others out there…and especially when there’s not enough room in the boat?

However, despite the perceived scarcity the voice of hope prevails.

Molly Brown, now posthumously remembered as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” (played by Kathy Bates in the 1997 Titanic) speaks up: “There’s plenty of room for more.” Now, what made Molly (short for Margaret) Brown, one of the privileged elites on board the Titanic who apparently was rescued in place of some other, not-so-privileged, speak up in the face of the silent opposition–those who felt threatened that they would lose their spot in the life boat and dare not speak up? What made Molly speak up against the dominant self-serving generation for whom risking one’s life for the sake of another was an obnoxious proposition?

Thought for the Day: how must we respond to those in crisis and who need our help in such a time as this? Are we learning to risk serving others?

Picking up from Day 11’s meditation, if Jesus is in the boat, then who’s going to save the people not in the boat? What about all the people stranded, floating on strips of scrap, hanging on for dear life?

Valid questions, but these could stem from a scarcity mindset, which assumes that there’s not enough for everyone. In reality, Jesus, being God-in-the-flesh by definition, is not confined to the boat. He is able and willing to save the world (John 1:29).

The scarcity mindset must be offset by one of abundance. Jesus told his disciples, “I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). But careful, a disposition of abundance lies not in the assurance of what we possess, or think is rightfully ours. In response to a property dispute, Jesus warns the arbitrators, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.”

Perhaps it wasn’t fear, but greed that kept the mouths of those “already saved” in the lifeboat shut. They were not voiceless, but heartless….is that me?

The question, of “…who’s going to save the people not in the boat” speaks more to the condition of our hearts. Are we willing to do our bit when it comes to considering others as better than ourselves, putting the needs of others first rather than me and my own?

Some of us may get the chance to save people from the jaws of death in this life. And we need to embrace such opportunities as a Godsend. When Jesus comes into the picture however, the scope of saving others takes on cosmic proportions.

In a manner of speaking, Molly Brown served her purpose in her generation. She was unlike the person who suspects that there in fact may be enough for everyone, but does not want to take the chance and risk losing his or her life. There is also the person who may take the chance and risk losing life, but only for something in return. It takes a rare breed to take a chance and risk losing one’s life for someone else for no worldly return. Such is the courage and consistency (to do it again if one had to) of Molly Brown, of the 3 American servicemen on the Paris train attack (The 15:17 to Paris, 2018), and scores of others who willingly laid down their lives for the sake of others for no conceivable self-gratifying reason whatsoever. They acted in the spur of the moment risking their lives for the sake of others.

Compared to Molly Brown, Jesus’ sacrifice was unique. Molly Brown’s efforts gave some a second chance at life in this world. Jesus’ sacrifice gives people a chance for a new life in this world and the next. Molly Brown’s effort complemented that of Jesus’. The “unsinkable Molly Brown” ultimately did die. But Jesus ultimately rose from the dead.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 10:39, The Bible (ESV)

Breakthrough creativity is unafraid to lose its life. Rather it finds life by giving itself up for others. It’s life is not in itself, but in the creativity that was before and will be after this world as we know it. It is a human creativity. It is a personal creativity. Because creativity is not an abstract concept but a principle anchored in a person, for us, Jesus Christ as the Creator God. Such creativity transcends our human depravity.

Molly Brown instinctively, perhaps unwittingly, demonstrated this unique principle of breakthrough creativity.

We too can follow suit.

As we confront people who are going crazy and would do anything in order to save themselves, may we in the legacy of Molly Brown and the inspiration of Jesus Christ, be available to serve in a way that transcends our common human creativity choosing to put the needs of others before our own and considering others are more deserving and better than ourselves.

prayer

dear lord, give me the eyes to see others for who they are — people created in your image with as much dignity and purpose as myself. search my heart and heal me of my pride and tendency to always put myself first and to think that i am entitled to more and better than others around me. i want to be available to you, and to offer myself to serve the world in the ways that you think is best. my creative best at your service.

i join with many others and pray especially for us as a human race–that we would turn from our wicked ways, humble ourselves, and seek your face and pray to you, the god of heaven and earth. and that indeed as per your promise you would hear and respond and heal our world. in jesus’ name. amen.

ps. grant me courage to be creative as you are creative in the world. Would I have been as bold as Molly Brown? Help me to be the person that you envisioned me to be when you created me, always and everywhere for all time. Thank you Jesus!