Stranded!
(a Steve Orr Bible reflection)
At the summit, the temperature on Mount Everest never rises above freezing.
Most ascents are in May to take advantage of relatively gentler conditions. Wind speeds then are 20-35 miles per hour, temps range from 0° to -2° Fahrenheit, and the precipitation at base camp is rain instead of the usual snow.
David Breashears wanted to ascend Everest in May 1996 to make an IMAX film. But long before they assembled the team, long before the film crew was selected, long before the sherpas were hired, and long before they climbed to the top:
David Breashears made a plan.
When the time came to climb the mountain, he had what Jim Collins (of Good to Great fame) calls a "SMaC recipe" (a plan that is Specific, Methodical, and Consistent). It’s purpose was to impose certainty on every aspect of the climb, to have assurance that every safety precaution was taken, to inspire confidence that they were going to make a great film about a great adventure, to ensure that absolutely nothing was left to chance. It was filled with very practical steps. For example:
Step 3: Thread the camera with bare hands, no matter how cold, to ensure a perfect shot every time.
Step 8: Always bring backups for critical gear and supplies: extra oxygen, extra crampons, extra mittens, and extra supplies. Be prepared to stay longer than planned.
The other steps were just as meaningful. Consider Step 7: In selecting teammates, choose people to get stranded with.
The SMaC steps were specific to the Everest climb and making the film. But Step 7 is also universal. It can be applied anywhere. We don’t have to be mountain climbers to appreciate the wisdom in carefully choosing our companions, no matter what adventures we share.
This week's Philippians passage goes hand-in-glove with Step 7. The apostle Paul writes that he wants believers to be a community, to agree with each other, to put each other first, to truly love each other. Then he ratchets up the stakes with this example: Jesus choosing to give up his place in heaven so He could put us first.
Paul wants us to be willing to let everything go—if that’s what it takes—to help each other, to be selfless, obedient, and sacrificial. Paul's encouragements underscore why we should carefully choose our spiritual journey teammates. Are they people we’re willing to be stranded with? Because until Jesus returns, that’s exactly where we are: stranded.
So, yes, activate Step 7 on your spiritual journey. It’s important to choose people you want to be stranded with. But, equally important, be the teammate they want to be stranded with.
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We have a great time Friday mornings at DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast! Join us at 8:00 on Zoom** and in Waco at Our Breakfast Place for an hour like no other. We read scripture, discuss, laugh.
Blessings,
Steve
(Zoom allows you to mute the camera and the microphone if you don’t wish to be seen or heard)
SCRIPTURES FOR SUNDAY AND THE COMING WEEK
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
Psalm 25:1-9
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32
Proper 21 (26) (September 27, 2026)
