Southwest Pilot, Shults, Is “A Solid Woman Of Faith”


You’ve probably heard about the Southwest Airlines flight that was in the news this week. It appears that as one of the engines failed a piece flew off and struck the side of the aircraft knocking out one of the windows. Tragically, one passenger’s life was lost although heroic efforts were made to save her.

The plane still had to be landed, and pilot Tammi Jo Shults did just that. With only one engine operating she rapidly descended while keeping the plane level. Not only was the plane level, Shults was as well. In recordings with air traffic controllers she is completely calm and collected.

Her journey to becoming a pilot had unique challenges. The Air Force denied her an opportunity to fly so she went with the Navy where she became one of the first female fighter pilots. Shults was the first woman to fly an F/A-18 Hornet for the Navy. To this day only 6.2% of commercial pilots are women. Having a son who is a commercial pilot I can assure you that all pilots work hard to reach their goals. Shults’ journey was especially difficult in the 90s though, as she was doing something no women had ever done before.

NBC News interviewed someone from MidAmerica Nazarene where she did her undergrad work. This is an excerpt from their article:

“MidAmerica Nazarene's director of alumni relations, Kevin Garber, said Shults traveled to campus last spring from her home in Texas to talk with students about her career. He described her as a "solid woman of faith" and very down-to-earth.”

Without a doubt that faith was a help in keeping Shults level while she kept the plane level this week. She’s truly an inspirational woman.

You don’t have to fly planes to need the presence of God with you in the workplace. Thankfully the same faith Shults has can keep us at peace when the pressure is on in our lives as well.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3

May God grant each of us that perfect peace every day. Let’s keep trusting him.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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