When the ship got filled with water. It was thought the violin had been lost to the sea when Hartley and the rest of his band drowned along with 1,500 others on April 15, 1912. Within minutes of the strinking an iceberg, Hartley was instructed to assemble his musicians to play to maintain calm. They performed on the boat deck while the passengers lined up for the lifeboats. When Hartley's body was discovered, he was found with the violin strapped to his body in his leather bag. Oh, what a lesson on tenacity, never giving up and holding on till the end. When life seems to be hard on you, can you still sing? When prayer answers seem to delay and danger looms ahead, can you still lift your voice and sing? When you are tempted to quit on your goals, will you seek for a short-cut?
Just imagine that the titanic band was playing even in the face of danger and perplexity! They would have allowed depression and fear to swallow them up. You must do the same and let the devil know that he will not see your tears nor group you amongst the depressed again! Laugh often and don't compare yourself to everyone around you because you 're Designer's Original! Hear Stanley Jones: "Faith is not merely you holding to God-it is God holding you." An invincible determination can accomplish almost anything and in this lies the great distinction between great men and little men.