The power of the quest can be stronger than a request from the powerful.
Four months after Lindbergh made history crossing the Atlantic, an aircraft named Old Glory with two pilots and one passenger attempted to fly from Maine to Italy.
Although the flight was funded by the powerful newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, he tried to stop the flight. Loss of life from other attempts concerned Hearst. He even offered the crew a prize NOT to attempt the quest.
But the men thought they were well-prepared and wanted to fulfill their contract with Hearst.
The power of the quest called them. And was stronger than the request from one of the most powerful men in the country at the time.
The scheduled flight departed, and later radioed it was in distress about 500 miles from Newfoundland. Two ships heard the calls, and one later found the wreckage of the aircraft in the water some 100 miles from its last known position. The men were never located.
When Power Overcomes the Quest
People sometimes ask me why I still pursue writing books when it has been what everyone considers “way too long to keep trying without being published.”
It’s because in the past, I abandoned some important dreams — parts of my soul — to gain the approval of people important to me. People who I let have power over me. People who clearly showed that my dreams didn’t matter to them. And continued to demand I do everything they wanted, or their approval would be revoked.
And in every single case, I have suffered the loss of those priceless, irretrievable parts of myself.
So I understand why the crew of Old Glory disregarded Hearst’s wishes and power, to risk everything for their quest.
The only times I don’t regret giving up a quest was when I felt God wanted me to abandon it and pursue another quest. While at first I might have been sad or confused about why God directed me to give up one dream, in the long run, I’ve never regretted those decisions or their result.
I’m grateful for the power of the quest.
But even more than that, I’m grateful for the Power that helps me determine the right quest, and then gives me the power to pursue it.
What gives you the power to pursue your quest?
The Power of the Quest – What gives you the power to pursue your quest? Share on XJoni 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.
Your message touched me, Joni. I ask myself those questions too, “Why keep going? Aren’t you tired of rejections?” and more. Thanks for tackling this tough subject.
Thank you for your comments, Katherine. I appreciate your support and your posts.
This is an encouraging post to never give up. Sometimes dreams have to be put on the back burner for a season, and then the LORD can awaken them back up at just the right time. If we’re still alive, we have a chance to accomplish our dreams no matter our age.
I appreciate you reading and commenting, Jane. Praying for you.
Dreams matter, Joni. Thanks for the post, and keep writing.
Thanks for reading and sharing, Phyllis. Keep writing as well – your posts are helpful.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It would be easier to throw in the proverbial towel, but what seems easy now may be regretted later. Stay the course, Joni . . . and all writers!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Tim. Praying for you as you continue to pursue your dreams.
Keep at it, Joni. Thank you for the encouraging post.
Thanks for reading and for your support, Tim.