EPIC FAILS
2015 was filled with many funny and often awkward gaffs. Since I have been the conductor of many fiascos, it is easy to relate to these poor folks who botched an opportunity to succeed. My fails are too numerous to mention, but they prove that I am overwhelmingly human, and less of a critical thinker than I want to admit.
We all had to be sympathetic with the Master of Ceremonies when he announced the wrong person as the winner of the Miss. Universe pageant. Can you imagine his agony for those few minutes as he wrestled with how he was going to correct his mistake? At least my fails were not translated into most of the languages of the world!
Then there was Fox Television who had the coveted opportunity to televise the 2015 World Series around the world. But during the first game October 27, they suffered an epic transmission failure and suddenly blacked out! The poor commentators back in the home studio had to stumble around trying to find something to say while technicians panicked.
Or do you remember the confused New England Patriots Team Captain at the beginning of the overtime period of the game between the Patriots and the Jets, who misunderstood his options when he won the coin toss? He did the complete opposite of what he should have done and his team quickly lost. OOPS!
There are names in history that will always be associated with failure: Chernobyl, Bhopal, Fukushima, the Levees in New Orleans, and the BP Deepwater Horizon drilling platform. Sad reminders of the failure of humans who simply cannot get it right all the time.
Yogi Berra said: “Failure is just another opportunity to start over.”
Thomas A. Edison said: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Chuck Colson was sent to prison. But, by giving his life to Christ, God used his failures for enormous good. Saul fought against God and brought great harm to the Church. But the Holy Spirit changed his life, and he became the mighty Apostle Paul. Peter went on from failure to become a powerful preacher and influential Church leader.
Actress Mary Pickford said, “To fall is not to fail, unless you fail to get up again.”
Zig Zigler said, “Failure is a detour not a dead end street.”
As you enter 2016, don’t let your failures define you. Instead, let your failures inspire you to cry out to God for His forgiveness, wisdom, and strength! Remember Proverbs 24:16, “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again!”
Break out of your routine, and let God intervene in 2016!