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"Oh No, Not Again!" ... Lessons From a Heroic POW
Hello,
Louie Zamperini was a heroic survivor. He
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nursed an aircraft over five hours back to base despite severed control cables, loss of rudder and 594 bullet holes from a Zero attack,
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heard spinning bombs during a blistering raid that left one crater 35 feet deep and 60 across,
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escaped the sinking bomber fuselage after crashing into the Pacific,
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adrift in a raft for 47 days and 2,000 miles withstood hunger, persistent shark attacks, strafing and typhoon,
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endured deprivation, dysentery and unspeakable prison tortures, including gleeful beating by a sadistic captor, emerging worn, but intact.
Recently I saw a headline, “Oh No, Not Again!” referencing bad economic news and corresponding double dip fears. The exclamation echoed Louie’s as he braced for a beating. As I have reflected on Louie’s survival and ultimate triumph, I see instructive attributes:
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Hope. Louis and friends looked to a future hard to envision.
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Discipline. Even when rote, doing the necessaries pays off.
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Incrementalism. Take small bites.
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Seize small triumphs and gain strength.
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Faith. We can’t control the storm, but we serve a god who does and He will sustain us.
"He conquers who endures." Persius (34 AD – 62 AD)
As the Brits say, “Soldier on!” If I can help with turnaround, business valuation or other project services, give me a call.
Persistently,
John R. Bise
Accredited Valuation Analyst
P.S. Louie’s story is told in riveting fashion by Laura Hillenbrand in Unbroken. I highly recommend the read.
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