Just before Peter Marshall died, the author of The Light and the Glory” was on a radio talk show and he told this story about Christopher Columbus’ boyhood inspirations.
Christopher’s Grandfather had sailed to North Africa and while there they discovered a Catholic Missionary who had been beaten almost to death by the Muslims. The crew carried the old Saint on board and tried to make him comfortable, but his condition worsened and he asked to be carried on deck to breathe his last. Just before he died he stretched out his arm pointing to the West, and said, “SEND MEN THERE!” Peter Marshall, believed this made a large impact on young Columbus whose name meant “Christ Bearer”. He felt Isaiah and the Holy Spirit were calling him to bring the light of Jesus to the Gentiles.
Christopher Columbus started sailing at a young age. His journeys took him all over, from the Mediterranean, North to Iceland and along the coast of Africa, past the Equator to the Canary Islands. It was on those Southern Journeys that he noticed that the prevailing winds were no longer from the West but from the East. Columbus also discovered currents that were tending to the West. He was the first man to believe that he could sail to the Orient by going West. He loved the Bible, Astronomy, the study of Science and maps, and In 1483 he approached John II of Portugal with his Bible and his vision to go East by sailing around the earth to the West.
Christopher, however wisely kept his secret of the Easterly winds, south of the Equator to himself. John II appointed a commission to study the proposal and after refusing to fund Columbus, the King sent his own ships West from Gibralter, but the headwinds from the West made his Expedition give up after making little progress for several days.
In 1486 he presented his Vision to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, who were much more zealous in their Christian Faith than most European Royalty. Columbus stated that his main goal was to bring the Christian Religion to the Pagan world. They didn’t shut the door, but they were fighting a war with the Moors (Muslims) and didn’t want to divert funds from that Holy War.
I believe that God causes Divine Appointments and as the years moved on a discouraged Columbus sought refuge in the Monastery where he had left his young son after his wife died. There he met a Monk of unusual Spiritual Wisdom who heard Columbus with open ears. Of all the Priests in the world, Columbus had poured out his heart to Juan Perez, the man who was the Confessor to the Queen, Isabella. THIS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT! When God has a plan, He will Provide the Means.
Next time I will write about one of the most dynamic years in all of History 1492.
*** Mark “The Freedom Poet” Skogerboe *** is a Life and Liberty News contributor and a lover of American freedom. Mark has authored several books, hosted well known radio talk shows. He has also appeared regularly on the Liberty Today television program. His knowledge of history and our Founding Fathers makes him a popular speaker for conservative groups and rallies.
Mark is providing us with valuable historical content that reaffirms our faith in the Hand of God on the founding of the great United States of America.