Greg Kiel
“Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” Roy Bennett
In learning of the details of the recent tragedy in Washington D.C. between a commercial airliner and a Blackhawk helicopter that claimed the life of 67 precious souls, I reflected back upon my own personal experiences of flying into Reagan National Airport and the flights aboard American Airline regional jets. I felt sadness for all of the victims and their loved ones.
I eventually realized that I actually had met one of the victims. Ian Epstein was a flight attendant on the ill-fated American Airlines Flight 5342. Many have shared their love and memories of Ian on social media and within just a few days it went viral with more than a million views. Through numerous flights over the years, there is only one flight attendant who I can recall and only one having such an impact as Ian Epstein.
Four years ago, Ian made a career transition from being a very successful Camping World salesman and comedian to becoming a flight attendant for the travel opportunities that the job offered. There is no doubt that this man loved his career and people. His ability to connect with his youngest passengers to those most senior, enabled him to display a calming interaction with what could easily become a tense and stressful experience. I will never forget Ian’s sales pitch for the American credit card where he humorously touted its benefits. I did not bite the bullet and sign up for the card. But, thanks to Ian’s remarkable salesmanship, I definitely considered it. Who wouldn’t want to help him and his co-flight attendant win a new car! During my brief encounter, Ian Epstein left such a memorable impression upon me not only for his exemplary ability at his job, but his ability to share kindness. Kind words are like honey; they cheer you up and make you feel strong – Proverbs 16:24.
In the biblical story of Job, we learn about the sobering reality from the life of this righteous man, one that is seemingly complicated and difficult to process. There is a seemingly measure of parallelism between our lives and the life of Job. At least by our standards, life isn’t always fair or goes the way that we would like.
Job is described as a God-fearing man who experienced severe trials and afflictions, losing ten children, significant possessions and even his health. It was during this period of mourning and suffering that we are introduced to his friends (Zophar, Bildad, and Eliphaz). What an awesome blessing to have encouraging friends during times of adversity! A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity – Proverbs 17:17.
Unfortunately, we understand that an appropriate response is often not the case and such it is with the friends of Job. “Words that fit the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29. While Job’s friends may have had good intentions, they failed in their opportunity to provide the kind of empathic support that was so desired. The words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness – Proverbs 15:2.
In this example, the friends erroneously associate Job’s suffering to a form of punishment for some unknown sin. However, God has revealed “that time and chance happen to all” – Ecclesiastes 9:11, as well as “He causes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good as well as the rain on the just and on the unjust” – Matthew 5:45. While sinful choices can result in consequential outcomes in the current as well as future life, there is no absolute association in whether the result of one’s calamity or distress is deserved or undeserved. It too is possible for one while invoking the will of God to be foolish in its application as with just the timing. The Apostle Paul wrote for us that God comforts us in our afflictions, so that we can comfort those who are in any affliction – 2 Corinthians 1:4.
What is the significance of examining the contrasting qualities of a chance encounter with Ian Epstein and the inspired record of Job’s friends? I believe that there is exceptional value in surrounding ourselves with positive influences, as well as recognizing the importance of lessons learned from the mistakes and failures of others.
Ian Epstein is now being remembered for a legacy of laughter and kindness. A kind word always brings cheer – Proverbs 12:25. We need more good people like Ian in this world. We might not be as socially outgoing as Ian, but we can have a positive impact on those through whom we have contact just by simple demonstrations of encouragement. My heart breaks for Ian and his family. It has been reported that he was looking forward to his daughter’s wedding in just a few weeks. May God bless Ian’s family and for all of those that mourn the loss of those that they love and as they may suffer at different times in life. May God help us all in our daily interactions with others. A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray – Proverbs 25:11. May God give us all the wisdom to Be The Reason!
