Searchers

Lost and Found

When an aircraft goes missing, searchers scour the area around the last known location.

The search isn’t really for the aircraft, but for the people on board.

Sometimes, the:

— Aircraft and those on board are found safe.

— Aircraft is lost, but the souls on board are safe.

Other times:

— Some of the souls are safe, and others lost.

— All souls on board perish.

Lost and Never Found

But the worst case scenario, is when the aircraft and people are never found.

One instance that still haunts is the 1937 disappearance of the famous aviatrix, Amelia Earhart, and her navigator, Fred Noonan. No trace was ever found, even after an extensive search.

Searchers

When anyone goes missing on land, water, or in the sky, the search begins.

Trained search and rescue, as well as loved ones and friends, look as far and as wide as they can to find the lost. And strangers search as well.

The searchers want to find the missing.

Most don’t search to be heroes.

They search because they want the missing returned safely. They want a happy ending.

Because deep inside all of us, we imagine how it would feel if our loved one was missing. Or perhaps the thought of that happening is too crushing and excruciating to contemplate.

And unfortunately, many of us have even experienced that terrible fate.

Unending and Overwhelming Gratitude

To everyone who has ever searched for the missing, no matter why you searched, and regardless of the outcome:

Thank you.

How have you helped, or been helped by others in similar situations?

Searchers – How have you helped, or been helped by others? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.