Argumentative Essay On American Airlines

936 Words2 Pages

On December 6, 1975, Val, our six-month-old daughter Michelle and I boarded a plane headed from Portland to Chicago. Shortly after taking off 16,700 mechanics working for United Airlines went on strike forcing all of United's in-flight aircraft to land at the nearest available airports – ours was in Spokane. (The strike would end up lasting 16 days)

Planeload after diverted planeload of passengers started showing up at our already crowded tiny airport, and within a short time, we were with over one thousand stranded people.

The Passenger Service Agents at the United Check-In counter – yeah, they only had one, were inundated with a long line of frustrated and angry travelers. The other airline's counters were overrun by the deluge as well. …show more content…

A group of people formed where we were sitting. Within a short time, our conversation drifted toward Christian topics. It was evident a number of those in the circle with us were Christians.

I shared personal life stories about God’s faithfulness in the midst of my trials and scriptures about trusting Him and not murmuring or complaining but instead being thankful in all circumstances. I encouraged those listening to try to be grateful for the trial we were experiencing and to trust God for His provision.

Around 6 PM one of the guys who had been sitting in the circle came over to me and invited Valerie, I and Michelle to spend the night at his house in Spokane.

He cherry-picked several Christians from the circle, and we all went with him in his van back to his house where we had dinner and a time of prayer and worship together. The next morning we woke refreshed and were served an excellent breakfast after which we all went back to the airport. Upon our return, we encountered those who had spent the night. They were noticeably tired many of whom were still …show more content…

A crowd of people who wanted to go to the Midwest quickly formed a line. Valerie and I just sat still as it was too much work for us to try and squeeze in with a six-month-old baby.

To our amazement, we heard over the sound system, “anyone wanting to go to Minneapolis with a baby; please come to the departure gate.” Our destination was Chicago, but under the circumstances, Minneapolis seemed a lot closer than Spokane, so we went to the gate. By God’s grace, we were the first people to board the first plane out of the airport as those we had shared with the day before watched as God provided for us.

Once on the plane, we were met with a mixture of relieved and discontent passengers. Due to the strike, only two stewardesses were on our flight which ordinarily had a minimum of four flight attendants. I felt empathy as I observed the two women try to serve meals in a typical fashion only to have a few passengers making critical unappreciative remarks. They were in an awkward position, so I went to the back of the plane and offered to help them bring food out to the passengers. At first, they told me they could handle it, but I insisted, “this isn’t a normal flight, and the two of you are overwhelmed — it really would be best to let me help you.” They looked at one another and with a sigh agreed to let me

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