The first person to climb Denali (Mt. McKinley) may surprise you. It happened 111 years ago today.
Hudson Stuck led a group of friends across the difficult terrain of Alaska. In March, the 20,310-foot climb was planned. Undeterred by altitude sickness, bitter cold, and avalanches, the team of three men reached the summit on June 7, 1913.
But what makes the story even more interesting is the vocation of the climbers. Hudson Stuck was a 50-year-old missionary who had planted churches and started schools as an archdeacon of the Episcopal Church. His two partners were theology students.
The preacher was a risk-taker.
That is how God wired men – all men. Solomon said we must set aside our fear out of trust in the God who keeps us safe (Proverbs 29:25).
John Eldridge wrote Wild at Heart in 2001. His premise was that men are created with a need to conquer, take risks, and experience thrill. He says that men would rather live in “oops” than “what ifs.” That’s who we are.
Recovery Step: Guys, your penchant for risk-taking must be tempered, but not eliminated. It is okay to pursue your version of mountain climbing. In fact, it would be a mistake not to.
