The Storm

I have not written a blog in a year. I needed to manage my life. I stayed committed to putting out the BBI newsletter twice a month and I appreciate all who have encouraged me. The blog got put aside. I am hoping to resurrect it as the new year approaches.

My mind has been choppy with all that has happened since my grandson, Henry, was diagnosed with ATTR brain cancer on April 27th, 2024. It felt like a tiny boat tossed on the waves of a great storm. I clung to the sides with my only hope of knowing that with one word, Jesus had the power to to calm it.

I waited in despair for the words to leave the lips of Jesus. “Speak, Lord,” I prayed, “for your servant is listening.” Jesus say the words, “Be still”, for you have power over this storm. Hallelujah and Amen for my Jesus steers the boat. I dug into the scriptures and read all the accounts of the disciples in the boat with Jesus during the storm (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25). Mark is my favorite because it has the red letters of Jesus speaking, “Peace! Be Still!” A firm command and rebuke all at once. My attitude makes all the difference. I can accept the peace of God being spoken over me through his word and the prayers of others or reject it. I can look out over the rail of that boat and trust that a powerful stillness will happen because Jesus cares. He wants my faith to increase and will not let the storm overtake me. His salvation is sure. His love and compassion will not allow me to be thrown into the sea to be lost. Will I have the humility to wake him and ask for his help? Will I recognize my own fear and frailty like the disciples? At this moment I do.

But in the past it has not always been so. I like trying to steer and it never works out well. That’s another blog!

What sort of man is this that even the wind and waves obey him?

He is not just a man, but God in the flesh. He is in the boat with me. Amen and Amen! This storm has humbly taught me to ask for help. I pray in the future my faith will grow so strong that I will be asleep in the stern of the boat with him. Fully surrounded in his peace and power, knowing not one storm will overtake me.

Blessings,

Ellen