Is it possible for a butterfly to flutter its wings on one side of the world and have it impact the weather on the other side of the world?
That is ultimately the premise of the doctoral thesis written by Edward Lorenz back in 1963 as he pursued his advanced degree at the New York Academy of Sciences.
Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a video by Andy Andrews as he described The Butterfly Effect and how it related to people. It’s a powerful ten minutes and I encourage you to watch it by clicking here.
In essence, Andrews belief is that the actions or inactions we take on a daily basis can have an impact on history.
Often those actions require great courage.
One example I immediately think of is Rosa Parks. Rosa’s flapping of her butterfly wings back on December 1, 1955 when she refused to give up her seat had a profound impact on history.
What would life be like today if she hadn’t made that courageous decision to simply stay put?
I’m sure she didn’t do it thinking about the impact over sixty years later.
Now let me share with you a little more personal story about courage and the butterfly effect.
Back in the summer of 1950 my mom and dad met for the first time while they were both working at Luther Crest Bible Camp near Alexandria, MN.
Mom was there working for the entire summer while dad was there serving as the pastor for just a week or two.
Mom had recently received her official papers and would soon begin training to leave for the mission field the following year in the Tanganyika Territory in Africa, now known as Tanzania.
Dad was serving his first church in tiny Roseau, MN after recently graduating from seminary.
When dad first saw mom at the camp he was smitten and he started asking some questions of those who knew her.
He was told not to bother as she was soon heading to the mission field.
He didn’t like what he heard so he knew he needed to act fast.
Dad asked mom to go out for some ice cream one evening during their time together at the camp.
She accepted not knowing what was coming.
I know I wouldn’t have had the courage my dad did that night. I wish I had the opportunity to hear his side of the story but I never did.
Courageously, dad asked my mom to marry him on that very first date out for ice cream. He didn’t want her to get away.
She didn’t accept right away but it wasn’t long before she said yes and she never left for the mission field.
They were married on June 19, 1951 and were married for 18 years before dad passed unexpectedly on November 7, 1969.
We can only speculate on what might have happened in life if dad hadn’t been so courageous that night.
We do know for sure what happened because he did.
Likely you wouldn’t be reading this today if he hadn’t been so bold.
However, you are reading this and I hope that in some way I am flapping my butterfly wings and making a difference for you.
Watching that Andy Andrews video also made me keenly aware of my own need to be more courageous in telling and helping others to be courageous.
I often shrink in my feelings of unworthiness to do what I do. “Who am I that anybody would want to hear what I have to say” is a common phrase that echoes loudly in my head.
Watching the video helps me to realize that what I do isn’t about me but about the people I have an opportunity to reach and impact with my message of courageous living.
How about you?
Do you often shrink into smallness when courage and boldness are required?
Is someone waiting, or even needing, for you to be courageous today?
I challenge and encourage you today to begin to flutter your butterfly wings knowing your impact is likely greater than you could ever imagine!
1 Peter 4:10-11
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
Dave, this surely gives new meaning to “love at first sight”. We are all so grateful you mom accepted the proposal, because now we have YOU. Amazing story and had forgotten that your father had passed away so young. Blessings my friend, you are very special and talented indeed!
Craig, thank you for your encouraging and very kind words!