07/01/2026
Flashlights in the Mountains
Nineteen Years of Grace, Gratitude, and Surviving the Storms of Life
Nineteen years ago today, on July 1, 2007, my heart stopped in the Georgia mountains. My second life began because God willed it, using prepared scouters who performed CPR and calm scouts who guided the ambulance with flashlights through the dark woods. Those physical flashlights illuminated the path, but a deeper spiritual intelligence guided everyone that night—a calm under pressure, an intuitive sense of purpose, and an alignment with a higher power when human understanding fell short.
Nearly two decades later, my bypasses work, medications keep me stable, and my ICD stands guard. I wake up every single day giving Him thanks for this extension of time. This entire journey has been about shifting my focus to prayer, healthy habits, and aligning every action with His purpose. True spiritual intelligence is recognizing that our physical health is an expression of our spiritual alignment.
Looking at a world facing crises and chaos, the ultimate lesson is that being closer to God is vital. Survival training and calm leadership matter, but human effort only goes so far. True resilience comes from a deep, unwavering faith, utilizing our spiritual intelligence to see meaning in the storms, and surrendering to His protection.
We can learn first aid and hold up our flashlights in the dark, but our primary action must be anchoring our souls in Him. The flashlight shows us the next immediate step, but faith shows us the destination. Surviving the initial shock was only the first step; taking care of my health for nineteen years has been a daily practice of gratitude. We are preserved for a purpose, and when we cultivate that inner clarity, our resilience becomes a flashlight in the mountains for others searching for their way through the dark.
A Special Note of Thanks
Thanks to God for this second life opportunity. Thanks to Scouters, Scouts, and parents of Troop 182 in Jacksonville Florida, who did CPR, had their flashlights shining in the mountains, prayed for my fast recovery, and supported all our Scouting community with phone calls, emails, cards, and support. Special thanks to Woodruff Scout Reservation staff and health lodge staff for giving me AED shocks and Atlanta Area Council for their immediate support. God bless you all every day. Every morning I give thanks and gratefully pray for you and your families. Be prepared.
Jose G. Lepervanche
Troop 182 Scoutmaster Emeritus
