It happened on this date in 1986. I remember it well. On January 28, 1986, the U.S. space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Florida, killing all seven aboard, including a school teacher who had been selected as the first American civilian to travel in space.
That was a devastating day for America, and for my area, in particular. You see, the church I pastored at the time was five miles from the Johnson Space Center, where each of those fallen astronauts lived and trained. It hit us hard.
God shows up in times like that. “The Lord rescues those whose spirits have been crushed” (Psalm 34:18).
When you have suffered unspeakable grief, do four things.
- Keep trusting.
- Keep moving.
- Keep listening.
- Keep praying.
Recovery Step: In your hardest times and darkest moments, keep looking to God.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
