Why has the world become so desensitized? It’s as if we guard what’s really going on because we think others aren’t smart enough to digest and process through happenings on their own.
Alright, so maybe that was a little harsh — but seriously!
I’ve been pretty stirred up for over a week now. With the passing of Astronaut Neil Armstrong, America lost a great hero. Not just because he was the first man to walk on the moon, but because he was so much more.
I remember ever so blurry as I was a very young whipper-snapper his famous words: “That’s one small step for man…one giant leap for mankind.”
Sitting there in my wooden school desk with my eyes fixed on the black and white static-y television my heart was captivated by how far away they were. At such a young age it was hard to comprehend the magnitude of all that was accomplished to make that happen.
But the years passed and the same story was told over and over. We would recite those famous words “That’s one small step for man…one giant leap for mankind” almost in a robotic way. We’d been there and done that. What was next?
But there was more to the story.
This landing on the moon was something special for Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buz Aldrin. It was more than another check-off on their goal list.
go to school – check
go to college – check
learn to fly – check
submit to become an astronaut – check
intense training – check
make the crew – check
land on the moon – check
No, it was something special. It was a moment they wanted to commemorate in time and deem it as a “holy moment.”
These men weren’t “just” astronauts, they had well-rounded lives. Buz was an elder at his Presbyterian Church.
Why didn’t they tell the whole story?
Why were we left in the dark?
Are we as individuals not able to process other’s beliefs and traditions?
Do we really need the media to decipher how or when we hear things?
This is what I just learned.
Here’s a snippet of an article from cbn.com.
Aldrin carried a communion wafer and a small vial of communion wine that had been blessed by his pastor.
After the lunar module touched down, Aldrin asked everyone to take a moment to give thanks in their own way. He then read scripture and took communion on the moon.
“I am the vine, you are the branches,” Aldrin read from John 15:5. “Whoever abides in me will bring forth much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.”
Aldrin wanted the event to be broadcast back to earth. But NASA decided against it since the agency was embroiled with a lawsuit with atheist Madelyn Murry O’Hair.
The suit was over the reading from the book of Genesis when Apollo 8 circled the moon in December of ’68.
Americans never knew about the Aldrin’s communion ceremony on the moon until years later.”
So, I sat in school and HAD to take years and years of science and history and because NASA, the media and the courts decide I shouldn’t know the whole story – I don’t know the whole story for 40 years. That says KrAZy to me!
Can we each not agree we can celebrate special moments in our own way?
Research this story. Google it. It’s the most fascinating cover-up!
I know this story, the truth, has made a difference to me. It’s amazing to know that these men celebrated their accomplishment in such a meaningful way to them. They wanted to stop and remember that holy moment. They wanted a spiritual marker in their life. And their celebration has opened up a whole new window for my soul to see and celebrate the moon that was made.
Man might have had the first step on the moon, but Christ had the first liquid. His blood! How cool is that?
And while the Astronaut team got everything they dreamed of – other than the truth being told – these men had such character they kept it to themselves. It wasn’t a moment that they fought for so that the whole world would know. It was a moment just between them and their Creator. A celebration!
A moment to commune with the Creator who made the moon on which they walked.
Did you know about this?
Was I the only one left out in the dark? Maybe I should have taken one more science and history class.
Can I beg a favor? Would you mind taking a few minutes and filling out this short (promise short!!!) survey to help me encourage you better? Survey link HERE.
Linking up with Ann at A Holy Experience talking about focus amid distractions.
Thank you for sharing the whole story with us, Alene. I never knew that. It is a shame that the media filters anything positive about Christianity out of our news. It warms my heart to know that communion was taken on the moon. How precious!
Isn’t it crazy that we let the world filter what is truth. But I agree – the thought of communion on the moon is the coolest thought that permeates my soul now as I look to the heavens. There’s something so special in the significance that my soul longs to see more, to commune more.
Thanks for enlightening us! It does not surprise me that nothing was said, 1. because its the media and 2. because men of character often do not boast. But, can you imagine the moments after communion, when the men looked to earth and beyond…. did they think to themselves “is this what my Creator see’s?” and did they have this overwhelming sense of peace, but yet feel extemely small in the vastness? Your thoughts lead me to this question, though. Are we to follow Matthew 6:1-4 or Matthew 5:15-16?
Richelle – love your comments! Because I was so disturbed over not knowing the truth I missed the holy moment that surely must have been as they took communion. I can’t imagine what they thought, saw, and said in such an overwhelming place in time. I’m sure their view of creation is so special from what they witnessed in that moment, let alone trip.
Love those scriptures and I really think we are to follow both and that the example the astronauts displayed were of both as well.
They surely did not boast in what they did – meaning they didn’t fight to have the truth exposed. That was a holy and precious moment for them and that was enough. It wasn’t about letting the world know – it was about letting Christ know they remembered them at such a special time.
As well, the way they handled the whole situation was truly them letting their light shine. Their character speaks volumes to me. Their impact on me – even though I just found out – in great. They didn’t let the fight of the crusade cheapen the specialness of what they did. They let their “whole” lives speak for them. Let let their lights shine.
Love this – you’re making me think! Love you.
So, another words, your actions speak louder than your words? Actions=shining light and words=boasting?
Just think…there must be some truth to that “age old saying.” I like that!! BTW…. I google scripture. I know what is written, I’m just not any good at recalling chapter and verse. My own little inside laugh :)
Love it! Hey – google is the best. When I ask my kids anything, they respond “Mom, just google it!” It’s fantastic for scriptures too.
There is also a site at http://www.biblegateway.com/
Not sure if you’ve heard of it, but you can search by key words, etc. I love it because you can change the translations of the Bible and get different references.
I’m with you girl – I know scripture, but have no clue of their addresses though.
http://www.snopes.com/glurge/communion.asp
Alene, I thought this was a great thing too. I did find this and it looks like at the bottom of the page it states that news accounts released while the Apollo 11 mission was in progress that Aldrin was bringing Communion bread with him to the moon. AS noted in the july 20 1969 Associated Press dispatch. It is a good read. Love the fact that he had such a special moment for him :o)
I love it Barb. I’ve been so fascinated with this story. It’s beautiful and such a shame that it is not told. History is history and a mans actions speak so loudly to his character. From what I’m learning these men were fabulous — not just on the moon, but in “real” life.
love ya!
I actually did know this but cannot tell you where I read it. My brain only stores so many facts ;)
It’s a great story though and I’m glad you shared it. I bet a lot of people don’t know this.
How awesome it must have been to have that special moment on the moon. But then, we have it here on the earth. May it always be a special moment between the Creator and us!
Yes, Kristin — it’s totally beautiful no matter where we take it. A beautiful symbol. A beautiful moment. A beautiful sacrifice for us!
Girl – my brain doesn’t store facts either. Gotta love google!!!