On July 18th, 1989, Mark Wellman made history by climbing 3,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and on September 4, 1991, Wellman and Corbett set out to conquer Yosemite’s other big wall, Half Dome. Thirteen days later they reached the top of the 2,200 foot vertical Tis-Sa-Ack route on Half Dome. Though many made this attempt, what makes Mark’s accomplishment very unique and consider history making ?
Mark Wellman, has been a mountaineer since the age of 12 but an unfortunate accident on his descent of the Seven Gables in the John Muir Wilderness left him paralyzed from the waist down in 1982.
He could have given up on mountain climbing. In fact, he could have given up on all climbing since hiking a vertical climb with two strong feet is challenging enough but he didn’t. He trained and even designed “adaptive” equipment. He climbed the rope his friend set for him by pulling himself up using only his upper body strength. It took him 9 days pulling himself 6 inches at a time. It took more 7,000 pulls to get up there but he did it!
What an inspiration! Because of Mark, I am positive there will be many more physically challenged people attempting to accomplish greater challenge than their physical limitation.
When David killed Goliath, he did more than just slaying a giant but he set a precedent. There are 4 more stories of giant slaying in 2 Samuel 21 and all because one little boy who trusted in God that he can do anything in Him.
So don’t give up. Don’t let “El Capitan” stops you from climbing and achieving great and mighty things for God and in God.
Have a blessed week!