Sun, 10 November 2019
One of the most exuberant and engaging TV personalities of recent memory was Steve Irwin—the “crocodile hunter.” He was an Australian who grew up, literally, in a zoo that his parents operated. When he was six-years-old, he got his first python. By the time he was nine, he wrestled his first croc. He loved wildlife and was an advocate for them.
When he was 44-years-old he was snorkeling in chest-high water. His crew was filming a stingray. Normally stingrays are described as docile but they do have a venomous barb at the end of their tail. When threatened it is a formidable weapon. Something must have spooked the stingray because it began thrusting its tail wildly.
Steve was hit in his heart. Within a few short minutes he died.
There is so much irony in his death. He loved animals and advocated for them. He was young and vibrant. Death by a stingray injury is very, very rare.
But the story of Steve Irwin reminds us of how fragile and fleeting life is. We never know when our time will come or how it will end.
How, then, ought we to face the future? That will be our theme this Sunday at Istrouma as we focus on James 4:13-17. Be sure to join us! |