View From the Heights

The primary purpose of our trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, was to pick out countertops for our kitchen and bathrooms. Adding a few days to explore Chattanooga offered a break from our daily routine. Several friends recommended attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium and the Incline Railway to Lookout Mountain. Driving to our Airbnb on Chattanooga’s east side, we wound our way along Missionary Ridge up steep streets and arrived at the charming restored cottage on a quiet street, La Petite Chateau. 

With an early start the following day, we rode on the Incline Railway, which rose sharply to a 2000-foot rocky cliff on the city's west side, Lookout Mountain. In several places during the ten-minute ride, the car rode at a seventy-eight-degree incline. Spectacular views of Chattanooga wowed us as the railcar moved steadily upward. 

After arriving at the station and passing through the souvenir shop, we walked three short blocks to Point Park, part of Chattanooga National Military Park. Restored southern homes lined the ridge as we stopped several times to take in the view of the city from the heights. I breathed deeply and gratefully for this time of exploration with John, absorbing man’s inventiveness and God’s stunning creation.

As we approached the park entrance gate, John asked, “Hey, hon, do you still have your National Park Pass in your wallet?”

“Yes, I do. Let’s ask if the park accepts it.” They did. Senior passes have their perks. 

We strolled around the tranquil park, reading the interpretive plaques describing the battles and casualty counts between the Union and Confederacy, a grim reminder of the Civil War’s consequences. The sheer drop to the Tennessee river below and hazy skies evoked a haunted feeling.

Reese, a volunteer park guide, delivered a spell-binding narrative of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga battles of 1863 as we gathered near the Confederate cannons. The primary engagement for Chattanooga was not fought on the heights of Lookout Mountain but spread out below among the bends of the Tennessee River valley. The Confederate soldiers watched from the relative safety of the mountain as their side lost the battle to maintain a strategic railway supply junction. The troop’s demoralized loss gave way to solemn reflection.

“I am amazed that a disastrous decision by one unpopular Confederate general swung the war in the Union’s favor,” John stated thoughtfully. “How can one man’s ill-timed maneuvers turn the tide of a major offensive?”

I added, “The troops on top of the mountain watched their side lose the skirmish and had no recourse to aid their fellow troops. They eventually gave up hope and retreated off the mountain. How sad, but they lived another day to fight and die.”

This verse came to mind.

“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 NIV)

I considered the death and destruction in the valley, for the Civil war men and myself. I’ve dwelled in turmoil down below which all of us experience. 

In the wisdom of His perfect timing, my Father lifts me out of suffering, and I gain a clearer understanding of the valley of the shadow of death. Witnessing the battle from His high standpoint brings peace. And when my soul is at peace with God, love flows freely to battle-weary friends and family. This life becomes more about the needs of others than my hopelessness to help. Surrender to the authentic character of God and run into his safe tower on the heights.