By Danny Minton

On Easter morning in 2009, Doug White, with his wife Terri and daughters Bailey (16) and Maggie (19), boarded a King Air 200 to travel home. They had been at Doug’s brother’s funeral in Florida, and a friend, Joe Cabuk, offered to fly the family back to Mississippi, where Doug had left his car. From there they planned to drive to their home in Archibald, Louisiana. The trip would become a life-changing event for the family.

Approximately ten minutes into the flight, the pilot had a heart attack and passed away, leaving Doug, who had a pilot’s license but only in a single-engine Cessna, to try to get the family to safety. The King Air was a twin-engine plane and completely different from the small Cessna that Doug had flown. He had less than 90 hours of flight time, and it had been almost 15 years since he got his license.  

With the help of several controllers, Doug was guided to the airport at Fort Myers, Florida. Kari Sorenson, a King Air pilot, was the one who ended up leading Doug during the final approach to land. Doug was concerned about braking, and Sorenson told him when he was on the ground to “let go,” and the plane would coast to a stop. Doug followed the instructions and “let go” of the controls with his hands and feet, and the aircraft came to a safe stop. (Note: The movie “On a Wing and a Prayer” depicts the story.)

When Kari told Doug that Doug had to “let go,” it meant he would have to rely on someone else and not himself. He had a choice: he could keep trying to fly himself, or he could trust the experienced pilot and “let go,” leaving the fate of his family to someone he could not see.

As we begin a new year, people will make all types of resolutions. Most will be about money, exercise, or diet. Others will want to accomplish a dream. Most will fail with their resolution before summer arrives. We all have good intentions, but relying on ourselves makes achieving the tasks difficult.

I encourage you to make this year’s resolution one to “Let Go!”

“Let Go” of worry. Trust in God to help you through the problems you might face. I once learned that there are three reasons it’s useless to worry. First, what you worry about may not happen, so it would be a waste of time. Secondly, if you can do something about it, do it, and don’t worry about it. Thirdly, if you can do nothing about it, then it’s useless to worry. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV2011)

“Let Go” of the negative. People tend always to notice what is wrong even though it is a minor spot in a sea of good. We become blinded by one fault, one mistake, or one flaw and forget to see the bright light all around us. Learn to “let go” of paying so much attention to the negative that you miss the beauty of the good. “Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.” Proverbs 11:27 (NIV2011)

“Let Go” of disappointment. We all suffer disappointments through life’s journey. Jobs, school, family, and life often do not go how we wanted or dreamed. These disappointments often become a depression or a stumbling block to move forward. We are not defined by things that didn’t go how we wanted. Our lives are defined by what we make of ourselves despite what the world throws at us. Further in Philippians chapter four, Paul writes, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV2011) 

“Let Go” of the minor things. Of all things, letting go of the “minor things” may be the most difficult. We tend to let minor things get to us, which can lead to hurt feelings over things that weren’t worth it. I’ve tried to learn to ignore those things that may “bug” me, but to bring them up would only make things worse. Many marriages, friendships, and alliances have been broken because someone is overly sensitive to the small things that are unimportant or not worth mentioning. Paul warns the Ephesians, “¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” Ephesians 5:15,16 (NIV2011) 

The voice of the man Doug could not see said, “You must ‘Let Go.’” The voice was telling him that to bring his family home safely, he had to put his trust in someone who knows. Doug and his family are safe and sound because he trusted the unseen voice and “Let Go.”

Life can get challenging at times. Our marriages, jobs, school, family, church, and all other aspects can be difficult. We cannot always overcome the conflicts and stumbling blocks by ourselves. Sometimes, we must learn to “Let Go” and let God take over. Once we let that unseen voice take control, we can feel the ease of knowing things will be okay.

I don’t know in what part of your life the voice calls for you to “Let Go!” Whatever it is, listen to it. As the new year begins, “Let Go” and let God handle things.

Danny Minton is a former Elder and minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ