The Urge To Jump

In April 2006, a man attempted to jump from the summit of the Empire State Building. At the last minute, security guards physically restrained him and New York police charged him with first-degree reckless endangerment. A judge later dismissed the charges, noting that the man had taken steps to ensure the safety of others.

The man’s name is Jeb Corliss. His extreme sport of choice is jumping from the world’s tallest structures with a parachute strapped to his back. Prior to his Empire State attempt he had made 3,000 successful jumps, including leaps from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the Eifeel Tower, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

As dangerous as Jeb’s extreme sport might sound, it’s not nearly as risky as something we all do when we jump to wrong conclusions about important issues.
Jumping off the Empire State Building might seem reckless and dangerous, even with a parachute. But nothing is more dangerous for us and others than jumping too quickly to conclusions that can lead to lost reputations and family divisions.

Let’s remind one another that if a rumor is important enough to cause concern, it is important enough to confirm. We are so inclined to think the worst of others. It is best if we are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

(Adapted from Our Daily Journey)