Flying Solo

            In the article, “Flying Solo,” by Susan Federici, the author reminisced about the first time she flew a plane all by herself or solo. Federici mentioned that she had a disability that made learning difficult. Some people told her she wasn’t “smart enough” to learn to fly.

            Susan began taking flying lessons at the age of 14. She had to wait two years before she could fly solo due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. For two years, Federici practiced her takeoffs and landings. Her favorite part of flying was the takeoffs. She “loved to push the throttle in and feel the power of the engine as the plane moved faster and faster down the runway…”

            At age 16, she went with her father, who was also her flight instructor, to the airport. The morning was cold, but clear. Her father had warned her about possible high winds the night before. He remained in the plane for one takeoff and landing, but then to Susan’s surprise told her to pull off the runway and got out of the plane. Federici, a lone 16 year-old, took off and landed three more times that day, flying solo.

            Forty years later, Susan still follows her dream of flying, but now she instructs others, so that they can take to the skies and fly solo as well. 
            I wonder how many of us have been told by others that we were not "good enough," "smart enough," or "pretty enough" to be what we dreamed of being. The saddest part is that some of us may have believed the lies of our "friends" and chosen other paths for our lives due to discouragement. 
            The wonderful blessing of God is that He tells us, not only are we "good enough," but that He will stand with us as we struggle. He will be our strength in weakness. He will be our shelter in the storm. We don't have to fly solo, we have a God that lifts us up on wings like eagles. Praise be to God!

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.