October 22 - 13 Days on the Brink: The Cuban Missile Crisis
The Quiet Path of Wisdom
This is the day President John F. Kennedy announced the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962, initiating the Cuban Missile Crisis.
In today’s lesson, we will revisit the tense days of 1962, when a single decision held the weight of the world. Through that moment, we will explore the wisdom of listening before acting and the strength found in humility. What happens when a leader—or a believer—chooses stillness over impulse, discernment over pride, and peace over fear?
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” - Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)
This Date in History
On October 22, 1962, millions of Americans, along with people around the world, sat glued to their television sets as President John F. Kennedy delivered an address that sent shockwaves across the globe. He revealed the existence of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from American shores. With a single speech, the Cold War reached a terrifying climax: the Cuban Missile Crisis. What followed were thirteen harrowing days when the fate of the world hung in the balance, as the specter of nuclear war loomed over every family, every nation.
This crisis didn’t emerge out of nowhere. It was the culmination of nearly two decades of escalating tension that had existed since the close of World War II between two global superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. The Cold War, marked by an ideological and geopolitical struggle between capitalism and communism, had already seen dangerous flashpoints, but the Cuban Missile Crisis was different—it brought the threat of nuclear annihilation into living rooms everywhere.
For years, both sides had been locked in an arms race, stockpiling nuclear weapons at an alarming rate. This race had spiraled to the point where both nations possessed enough firepower to destroy the world many times over. It wasn’t just about military might, though. It was also about psychological warfare—projecting strength, instilling fear, and securing spheres of influence around the globe. The stakes were global supremacy, and both nations were willing to go to great lengths to achieve it.
Cuba had been a thorn in the side of the United States since Fidel Castro’s communist revolution in 1959. In 1961, the failed Bay of Pigs invasion—an attempt by the U.S. to overthrow Castro—cemented his distrust of American intentions. Fearing another attack, Castro sought the protection of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, who saw an opportunity to shift the balance of power. With American Jupiter missiles stationed in Turkey, within range of Moscow, Khrushchev was eager to place nuclear missiles in Cuba, aimed at the U.S. homeland. It was a bold gamble to counter U.S. nuclear superiority, but it was also a move that brought the world to the edge of disaster.
The deployment of these missiles was intended to be secret, but on October 14, 1962, a U.S. U-2 spy plane, piloted by Major Richard Heyser, captured unmistakable photographic evidence of the missile sites. For the next week, Kennedy and his advisers—known as the Executive Committee of the National Security Council (ExComm)—deliberated in secret, weighing a range of options from diplomacy to a full-scale invasion of Cuba. The group included key figures such as Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, and Attorney General Robert Kennedy, the president’s brother and one of his closest confidants.
Inside the White House, tensions ran high. Heated debates unfolded behind closed doors, with hawks like Air Force Chief of Staff Curtis LeMay pushing for immediate military action. LeMay famously told Kennedy during one meeting, “You’re in a pretty bad fix, Mr. President,” to which Kennedy coolly replied, “You’re in there with me.” LeMay’s aggressive stance reflected the view of many military leaders who believed the U.S. should strike Cuba before the Soviet missiles became fully operational. Kennedy, however, was acutely aware of the potential consequences of such an action. He resisted these calls, fearing that any military strike could lead to all-out war with the Soviet Union.
Unknown to many at the time, the situation was even more perilous than the public realized. Soviet ships carrying additional weapons were already making their way to Cuba, and some of the submarines accompanying them were armed with nuclear torpedoes. The submarine commanders had orders to use these weapons if they were attacked—a fact that came to light only years later through declassified documents. The world was closer to nuclear annihilation than anyone had known.
As Kennedy addressed the nation on October 22, he announced a naval quarantine of Cuba, stopping short of calling it a blockade, which would have been considered an act of war. He demanded the removal of the Soviet missiles, and the world held its breath as Soviet ships approached the quarantine line.
Meanwhile, a back channel of communication was opened between the U.S. and Soviet leadership. This secret dialogue was facilitated by President Kennedy’s brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin. Both Kennedy and Khrushchev recognized the need for a more direct and less public way to communicate, bypassing the hawkish factions within their respective governments who were advocating for a more aggressive response. While official channels were bogged down by public pressure and the hardline views of military leaders, the back channel allowed both sides to communicate more freely, exploring potential compromises that could avert war without the risk of public fallout. Key figures like Curtis LeMay, advocating for military action, were unaware of these secret negotiations, as only a few close advisers to Kennedy knew of the talks. Similarly, on the Soviet side, only Khrushchev and a few trusted officials were aware of the exchanges.
The crisis reached its most dangerous point on October 27, a day that would later be called “Black Saturday.” A U.S. U-2 plane was shot down over Cuba, killing its pilot, Major Rudolf Anderson. At the same time, another U.S. reconnaissance plane accidentally strayed into Soviet airspace, further escalating tensions. With military forces on high alert and communication channels strained, war seemed imminent. In these critical hours, both Kennedy and Khrushchev recognized the precipice on which they stood. Khrushchev sent a direct, emotional appeal to Kennedy, warning against “pulling on the ends of the rope in which you have tied the knot of war.”
As the crisis intensified, the back channel talks became even more critical. Robert Kennedy’s final, urgent meeting with Dobrynin conveyed a firm but conciliatory message: the U.S. was prepared to make a deal, but time was running out.
Finally, on October 28, a breakthrough was reached. Khrushchev agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba in exchange for Kennedy’s public pledge not to invade the island. Secretly, Kennedy also agreed to remove U.S. Jupiter missiles from Turkey, though this concession would not be revealed to the public for many years. The world exhaled a collective sigh of relief, but the crisis was not fully over. It took several weeks for the Soviets to dismantle and remove all the missiles. Tensions remained high until the last Soviet ship left Cuban waters on November 20.
In the years since, declassified documents and personal accounts have revealed just how close the world came to nuclear war. Several times during the crisis, miscommunications and actions by overzealous military personnel nearly triggered catastrophic responses. One of the most harrowing examples occurred when Soviet submarine commanders, under the stress of the U.S. blockade, came dangerously close to launching their nuclear torpedoes. Cooler heads ultimately prevailed, and much of the credit goes to the leadership of Kennedy and Khrushchev, who recognized the necessity of diplomacy over destruction.
The resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis marked a significant turning point in the Cold War. It led to the establishment of a direct hotline between Washington and Moscow, ensuring that future crises could be managed through quick and clear communication. The following year, the two superpowers signed the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, marking the beginning of arms control negotiations that would eventually help reduce the risk of nuclear conflict.
For Kennedy, the Cuban Missile Crisis was a defining moment of his presidency. His calm leadership under pressure enhanced his reputation both at home and abroad. For Khrushchev, while he had successfully averted war, the perception that he had “backed down” in the face of U.S. pressure contributed to his ouster two years later.
Historical Context
In the early 1960s, the Cold War was defined by intense geopolitical rivalry and a nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. After Korean War (1950–1953) and the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, Washington and Moscow committed vast resources to building long-range missiles and bomber fleets; the doctrine of mutual assured destruction (MAD) emerged on the logic that neither side would risk launching a nuclear strike if it meant its own destruction. Meanwhile, the Soviets saw the placement of U.S. Jupiter missiles in Turkey and Italy as a threat to their homeland; in response, in 1962 they initiated Operation Anadyr, secretly deploying medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles to Cuba. That deployment triggered the crisis when U.S. reconnaissance discovered the sites, forcing both superpowers into a direct military and diplomatic confrontation.
On the domestic and cultural front, 1962 found ordinary citizens living under the constant possibility of nuclear war: air-raid drills, fallout-shelter signs and propaganda films reminding Americans that “duck and cover” might save lives. The Cold War permeated public consciousness—popular culture saw monster films and spy thrillers channeling the same millennial anxieties. In Cuba the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro shifted society dramatically; his alignment with the Soviet Union intensified U.S. fears of communist expansion in the Western Hemisphere. The fear of invasion, the atom bomb’s shadow and global ideological struggle gave dramatic meaning to what seemed a remote island crisis: it became a measure of how close the world might come to total destruction and how fragile peace was in the nuclear age.
Did You Know?
The U.S. Strategic Air Command (SAC) was placed at DEFCON 2, the highest readiness level ever declared by U.S. forces, on October 24, 1962—one step below war.
On October 26, 1962, Fidel Castro penned a letter to Nikita Khrushchev stating that if the U.S. invaded Cuba the Soviets must be prepared to launch a nuclear first strike—“however harsh and terrible the solution,” he wrote.
The CIA’s aerial photo missions over Cuba were part of an operation codenamed Operation Brass Knob; U-2 flights captured imagery covering 95 percent of the island’s territory in a matter of days.
On October 27, 1962, the Soviet submarine B-59, armed with a nuclear-tipped torpedo, was under U.S. naval pursuit near Cuba. The flotilla commander aboard, Vasili Arkhipov, refused to authorize a launch and ordered the submarine to surface and await orders—an action credited with averting nuclear war.
The public back-channel talks between Robert Kennedy and Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin during the crisis laid the groundwork for the future Washington-Moscow “hotline,” allowing direct communication to prevent future catastrophes.
Today’s Reflection
The world was holding its breath. Soviet ships were crossing the Atlantic, carrying nuclear missiles toward Cuba. President John F. Kennedy faced a choice that could alter the future of civilization. One command could send bombers into the air and ignite global war. Every nation waited to see what he would do.
In that moment, Kennedy could have acted alone. He had the authority, the intelligence briefings, the instincts of a leader under pressure. But instead of trusting his own understanding, he listened. He invited counsel from every side: military generals urging immediate strikes, diplomats pleading for restraint, and advisers weighing each risk in between. He listened to their warnings and reasoning before deciding his course. His willingness to pause and hear others became one of the most defining acts of his presidency.
But Kennedy didn’t just listen—he discerned. He sifted through conflicting advice, measured each voice carefully, and ultimately chose the path of peace.
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)
The Bible often contrasts the fool and the wise not by intellect or experience, but by posture. A fool may be clever, educated, even confident, yet he refuses correction. The wise person may know less, but he listens. Still, biblical wisdom is not just about hearing—it is about discerning. Not all counsel is equal. Some advice leads to life, other advice leads to ruin. The truly wise listen with humility and with spiritual discernment.
Kennedy’s restraint in 1962 reflected that kind of wisdom. Though not perfect or prayerful in a biblical sense, his decision to seek counsel and weigh opposing views revealed a rare humility under pressure. Just as important was his ability to recognize which voices pointed toward peace. His discernment spared the world from catastrophe.
We may never face choices that decide the fate of nations, but we face moments that shape the direction of our lives: a conflict at work, a strained relationship, a difficult decision about what comes next. In those moments, the temptation is the same—to act quickly, to trust our instincts, to surround ourselves with voices that affirm our bias. Yet Scripture reminds us: the fool acts on impulse; the wise listens with humility and then tests everything by the truth of God’s Word.
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20 (NIV)
The verse does not say follow every opinion. It calls us to accept discipline—to weigh what we hear and allow truth to correct us. That is the heart of discernment.
This discernment begins with our posture before God. Too often we come to Him with answers instead of questions, with conclusions instead of surrender. But true wisdom grows from stillness and trust.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
God’s voice rarely drowns out the noise; it waits in the silence for hearts willing to listen and obey.
That kind of listening often means hearing what we do not want to hear—a friend’s loving correction, a parent’s concern, a sermon that unsettles rather than comforts. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, also faced two sets of counsel: the elders urged gentleness; his peers urged domination. He chose the path that stroked his pride, and the kingdom was torn apart. He had advice but no discernment. He listened, but only to those who told him what he wanted to hear.
We face the same danger today. The world is loud with opinion, and even well-meaning voices can lead us astray if we do not filter them through Scripture and prayer. True wisdom is not found in echo chambers; it is forged in the quiet resolve to submit to God’s truth above all.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit.” James 3:17 (NIV)
Kennedy’s decision to wait and weigh counsel did not make him weak; it made him wise. His discernment preserved peace. But as Christians, our goal is not merely good decision-making—it is faithfulness to God. Jesus, the embodiment of divine wisdom, shows us the way: listening to the Father, walking in truth, surrendering fully.
In our own lives, wisdom rarely arrives with clarity and fanfare. It appears in the moments when we slow down, seek God’s voice, weigh advice carefully, and walk in obedience. May we listen—not just widely, but wisely. Not just humbly, but discerningly. May we find, in every decision, that true peace comes from hearing and following the One whose wisdom never fails.
Practical Application
Create a “wisdom council” for your life. Identify three to five spiritually mature individuals whom you trust and respect. These could be mentors, pastors, or fellow believers known for their godly wisdom. Reach out to them and ask if they would be willing to serve as your personal advisors for major life decisions. When faced with a significant choice, consult this group, sharing your situation and asking for their insights and prayers. After receiving their counsel, spend time in prayer, comparing their advice with Scripture. Keep a journal of the guidance you receive and the outcomes of your decisions, reflecting on how God’s wisdom manifested through this process. This practice will help you develop discernment and create a habit of seeking godly counsel in all aspects of your life.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of all wisdom and for offering guidance to those who seek You with humble hearts. Teach us to pause before acting, to listen before speaking, and to discern before deciding. Guard us from the pride that rushes ahead and the fear that keeps us silent. Help us to weigh every voice against Your Word and to follow Your truth even when it challenges our comfort. Give us hearts that remain still in Your presence and minds that are quick to obey Your direction. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Final Thoughts
True wisdom begins with humility. It listens before acting and tests every word against the truth of God’s Word. In a world of constant noise and opinion, discernment is not a luxury—it is a safeguard for the soul. The wise do not gather advice to justify their desires but to align their hearts with God’s will. Listening without discernment is passivity, but listening with humility becomes worship. When we quiet our pride and submit our understanding to God, He transforms confusion into clarity and chaos into peace. The path of wisdom is not found in speed or strength, but in surrender—the kind that listens long enough to hear the still, small voice of the Lord.
Author’s Notes
If you’ve been reading along this week, you know I’m getting ready to launch my first book, Why Jesus? Your feedback so far has been incredibly helpful, and I’d love your input again today.
FYI, as far as I know, these polls are entirely anonymous. If there’s a way to see how someone voted, I’m not aware of it. I’m mainly interested in the overall consensus, so individual responses aren’t being tracked or held to.
I’ll keep using the polls because they’re an easy way to ask quick questions as we move toward launch, but you can always respond however you feel most comfortable. You can reach me anytime at author@jasonaclark.com or by simply replying to this email.
If you missed any of the other questions you can go back and read them in the Author’s Notes section of:
October 20 - Monster Smash: The Novelty Hit That Created a Halloween Classic
October 21 - Magellan’s Breakthrough: The Discovery of a New Passage
This reflection first appeared on this date one year ago. I have been sharing occasional reposts because daily writing is demanding, and some truths deserve to be heard more than once. I’m reposting a bit more often right now as I finish work on my book. Today’s version has been gently refined and updated, and I hope encountering it again will speak to you in a fresh and timely way.
I remember those crazy days back then when I would be told to duck and cover whenever the air raid sirens sounded. I was only 11 and didn’t know that ducking and covering was probably an exercise in futility but intended to calm student fears.
I remember also that my father’s employer, IBM, had offered to pay for a bomb shelter at our home and dad almost did it. That would have been one huge shelter as my parents had 11 children at the time!
JFK was one of the greatest presidents of my lifetime. He put aside his political views and did what he believed to be right no matter whose ox was gored, even defying his own party for the good of the country.
Have a great and blessed day, everyone!
Many memories revived! I was 10 years old and lived in the area central to multiple major targets of Russian nukes. Between submarine base Bangor, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base and Boeing. The tension was palpable everywhere in spite of the schools and our parents best efforts to keep from alarming us kids. It’s all we talked about for the several days after Kennedy’s tv announcement. We rehearsed getting under our desks if the bombs started flying, as though that would save us from the inferno! During that time, the television stations would periodically broadcast the eerie “CONELRAD” alert tones which made everyone stop in their tracks and listen nervously for the station to announce “ this has been a test and only a test of the emergency broadcast system. Had this been an actual emergency…”. Then we breathed an internal sigh of relief pretending that we knew all along that it was only a test. Interesting times for sure.