Tragedy over the Potomac
It had been nearly 15 years and approximately eight billion passengers since the last fatal commercial airline crash in the United States. That streak ended tragically over the Potomac River near Washington, DC, when an American Airlines flight with 64 people onboard collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers. There were no survivors, and investigators continue to pull wreckage from the river and work to determine the cause of the crash.
Analysis and eternal perspective: The families of 67 loved ones who perished are mourning. While it is true commercial aviation has become one of, if not the, safest forms of commercial transportation, that reality does nothing to blunt the abrupt and piercing loss of such a tragedy. On this most basic level, we as The Equipped family should look for ways to comfort the grieving (2 Cor. 1:4).
Next, as investigators work to determine the cause or causes of the crash, there will be significant conjecture in the public discourse. We as Jesus followers would be wise to carefully consider the evidence as it is uncovered and lend our voice in a way that reduces the likelihood of a future tragedy.
Finally, my friend, every day is a gift from your heavenly Father! Rejoice because of the breath in your lungs, the relationships in your life, and the certainty you have in eternity. This Earth is temporary, heaven is forever, and it is all for His glory!
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.