Across from the train station, just south of the railroad tracks, in Santa Paula, is a monument of two motorcyclists, in honor of a heroic feat they performed one night. In the early morning of March 13, 1928, the St. Francis Dam gave way and started its path of destruction to the Pacific Ocean. Without the benefit of on the spot reporters, CNN, or video cams, the water leaving the dam was over 10-stories tall, without warning, and when the night operator, Louise Gipe, got the message, she didn't know when the 100 foot wall of water would be hitting Santa Paula, or what would happen. These telephone operators, known as Hello Girls, stayed at their posts warning neighbors in the valley, not knowing when the waters from the dam, located five miles northeast of Santa Clarita and rushing to Ventura would hit. But wisely one of the first calls she made was to Thornton Edwards, a motor officer. You see phones were still a luxury item, and who would warn those in the low areas without one. And from approximately 130am, until 305am , when the water hit Santa Paula,two men rode warning others, and becoming heroes.
So Officer Edwards jumped on his Indian 4 rode through the lowlands. This was the area that would be covered in the flood and destroyed. Going to every third house, he warned them, and had them warn their neighbors then get out! He also enlisted Stanley Baker, another motor cop on his Harley. Together these two brave motor cops woke neighbors, and had them assist in warning others, all risking their lives that night, in the dark, not knowing when the waters would rush over them. Waters which would sweep 54 miles, waking and warning neighbors to get to higher ground.
And despite their efforts, hundreds, at least 450, still died, and many others lost everything. But if not for these brave riders, warning others and enlisting them to help, it would have been total destruction. True heroes, who in midst of turmoil and chaos, risked their lives to save others. And this monument, called the Warning, represents their heroism-in fact it stands as an honor to all who helped their neighbors that night. And it is only fitting a statue of the two bikers should represent the heroism of that night.
And despite their efforts, hundreds, at least 450, still died, and many others lost everything. But if not for these brave riders, warning others and enlisting them to help, it would have been total destruction. True heroes, who in midst of turmoil and chaos, risked their lives to save others. And this monument, called the Warning, represents their heroism-in fact it stands as an honor to all who helped their neighbors that night. And it is only fitting a statue of the two bikers should represent the heroism of that night.
Heroes are usually not prepared for the challenges they rise too. Something in the human heart takes a normal person, and when the situation presents itself, heroism bursts forth into flame and lives are saved. And afterwards, just go back to being the normal person they were before. But they leave an indelible mark for those to follow.
Jesus tells us that greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends. And by doing so, for us sinners, displayed the ultimate heroism-love, displayed at the cross. But yet, how many of us describe him as a hero? How many hear His call, His warning of salvation, and respond to it? How many just think it is about religion, and you know how religious people can be. I'm sure that night that some just went through the night sleeping, ignoring the policemen's warning, there is no dam broke. And it could never reach us anyway. That's two hours away from us. Let's just say the truth was overwhelming.
Jesus still offers the same salvation today as 2000 years ago. The same simple message, but how many will let Him be their hero? How many will ignore that biker who shares a tract? Who stops when they are stuck on the side of the road? How would you respond if a tattooed, long haired, biker stopped to help you? Maybe it all depends upon the size of the deluge pouring down on you.
People can drown in inches of water-they don't need a flood. Don't wait until it is too late. Like the motor cops, the warning is there, the way out is available-how you react is up to you. After the flood, they listed the names of the dead and missing. In heaven it's different, they list the names of those alive. Someday you will make a list-choose Jesus and get your name in the book of life. Let Him be your hero, and then be a hero to others. While the world worships all that is new and shiny-take time to worship Him who is eternal.
Jesus rode with those cops that night, and the scripture came alive in them. Who you ride with makes a difference. All based on one heroic act, 2000 years ago, at the cross.
Get your motor running....met out on the highway..looking for adventure... and whatever comes our way...
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com
