WHY? That was probably a predominant question asked on October 24, 1901. WHY would you do this? WHY would you chose to celebrate your birthday this way? WHY – at your age – would you even consider doing something like this? WHY at any age would you consider doing something like this?
Annie Edson Taylor was a 62 year old school teacher in Michigan. Her husband died in the Civil War and she was left alone, trying to fend for herself and to make ends meet. She knew that there had to be a way to secure her future and earn some immediate income. This is where reading can get you into trouble!
They were called “stunters.” Annie began reading books and articles talking about their stunt. We might call them daredevils or thrill seekers. These individuals that had captivated Annie’s interest thought it would be a fun idea to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. WHY? Good question. So many before had failed and it cost them their lives. Now, Annie starts thinking about it, believing that if she succeeded where no one had succeeded before – and as a woman – she would earn fame, speaking engagements, and sponsorships that would secure her financial future.
Annie designed a pickle barrel and lined it with cushions. Seems logical, right? But so many past failures caused her to want to put it to the test. She needed a test subject and as she looked for a subject, her eyes landed on her cat. Well, the kitty was the first “Queen of the Mist” and came through the ordeal rather calmly. With the barrel kitty-approved, Annie decided she would be next.
Dressed in a long, black dress contemporary for the era and a large hat complete with plume, she and her barrel were towed to a release point. Afterall, this was her birthday and she wanted to look grand for the occasion.
Once they reached the release point, she removed the black top coat of the dress and put on a simple white sweater. Her picture hat was traded for a stocking cap. Once attired for the fall, she climbed into the barrel, it was sealed, and released at 4 p.m..
Annie became the first person in history to LIVE after this stunt. “She only suffered a small cut to her head, which … might have happened while her handlers were helping her out of the barrel. Annie’s first words after the stunt: “I prayed every second I was in the barrel — except for a few seconds after the fall when I went unconscious.”1
Unfortunately, her stunt did not result in the fame, fortune, and security she sought. However, she sure had a great story to tell the remaining 19 years of her life.
Do you ever feel like some days are like going over the falls in a barrel, you have no control, you’re getting bumped and banged around all the time, and when the ride comes to a stop, you emerge mildly shaken even though you were praying every second? Maybe some of life’s ride made you feel like you were knocked unconscious – or you wish you would have been!
One of my favorite Bible characters is Asaph. He writes with open honesty about the struggles he has endured. Psalms 73:2-16 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. (3) For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (4) For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. (5) They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. (6) Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. (7) Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. (8) They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. (9) They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. (10) Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. (11) And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? (12) Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. (13) Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. (14) For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. (15) If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. (16) When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me.”
The disparity between the Christian life and the life of the lost sent Asaph reeling over the falls in a barrel of confusion. He couldn’t reconcile his mind with all that he was seeing and experiencing, that is, not “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” (Psalms 73:17)
If you’ve ever felt like this, take heart in 1 Peter 5:7. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” And remember the truth found in Isaiah 26:3. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
1https://littlethings.com/lifestyle/annie-edson-taylor-niagara-falls
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