8 MAR 08: COOL OVER FIRE

(BLOGGER'S NOTE: You may find this item humorous, serious, or a little of both - but we offer these thoughts from time to time, as we keep a seventh-day Sabbath.)

When "Dateline NBC" promised to show the "ten scariest escapes from death" the other night, I knew what one of them would be. But I was a bit surprised to discover none of them involved David Blaine....

Dateline NBC put a 1999 rescue near downtown Atlanta at #6 on its list. An old cotton mill caught fire, and a construction worker was trapped atop a tall crane as the flames raged. Burger King may support grilling over an open flame, but I don't think they'd do a commercial with this.

The Atlanta Fire Department devised a way to rescue the man from atop the crane - by lowering a firefighter attached to a rope from a helicopter, and having the worker hold on to the firefighter. This was one time when two men openly hugged, and nobody was offended by the sight at all.

The worker held on for dear life - and as a result, he still has that life today. The helicopter carried both him and the firefighter to a safe grassy area. Both men escaped practically unharmed. But I can understand why neither would want to light fireplaces for a while.

I marveled at the sight of this rescue, which was shown on Atlanta television. But the next day, I was stunned to learn who the man was atop the crane. It was Ivers Sims, a man with whom I attended church in Atlanta years before. I'd lost touch with Sims, since he had moved to east Alabama. But suddenly he was a TV star - and this was a year before "Survivor" premiered.

My best memory of Ivers Sims was when we were together in a church speaking club, modeled after Toastmasters. I had the "Toastmaster" title one Tuesday night, and introduced Sims giving a fact-filled speech called "Finding Out About Mammals." Admittedly that's not the most thrilling title -- but Sims was a construction worker, not a headline writer for the New York Post.

Ivers Sims was a quiet man of few words back then - so perhaps it wasn't surprising that the Dateline NBC report focused much more on rescuing firefighter Matt Moseley. About all Sims said on camera was that he was "enjoying the ride" away from that crane, and "I was happy" when it ended. Simply happy?! In some congregations, there would be jumping and running up and down the aisles.

A Google search for "Ivers Sims" Friday revealed something I didn't know about that day in 1999 - that Sims said a quiet prayer, as he waited for help to come. I suppose anyone would say a prayer, in a situation like that. Even an atheist might think about that Bible story about three guys in the fiery furnace.

If you asked Ivers Sims, he probably would tell you his faith in God helped him through that real-life fiery trial. And that same sort of faith can help you, with even less dramatic trials of life. Ask God in prayer to give you wisdom in making important decisions -- as well as the peace of mind to handle whatever may come. Contestants on "The Price is Right" often show shaky emotions can lead to shaky decisions.

By the way, did you know God wants to rescue YOU from a fire? It's called "gehenna fire," where rebellious people are put in what's called the "second death." You can escape that to enjoy eternal life - but that involves looking up for help, as Ivers Sims did. Then cling to God's Son tightly, and follow His instructions. May the only "roasting" you face be a roast supper - the "marriage supper of the Lamb."

BURKARD'S BEST BETS: Third Day headlining a Christian concert tonight at the RiverCenter.... and unlike Jerry Seinfeld, the tickets actually might be affordable....

SCHEDULED SUNDAY: We clean out our e-mails, as we change our clocks.... and we introduce our blog's "WalkGeorgia" team....

This blog has thousands of visits every month, from Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

BURKARD BULK MAIL INDEX: 665 (- 131, 16.5%, record low)

TRUDGE REPORT, DAY 5: 1.3 miles run, 0.1 walked. Total: 12.2 miles run, 1.05 walked

The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author -- not necessarily those of anyone else in Columbus living or dead, and perhaps not even you.

© 2003-08 Richard Burkard, all rights reserved.