SAILING ALONG

First, we stepped into a little boat, my friend straining hard against the oars with the wind against us as she rowed us through the harbor to where her sailboat was moored. It curtsied to us on the waves, a gentle greeting, as it bobbed gently up and down on the water. I was simply along for the ride I thought.

We readied our vessel: attaching sails, securing ropes that held sails, tying knots at the ends of ropes, stowing gear, and explaining my role in sailing. I was “on” the jib sail: when she said, “release!” I was supposed to lift up the rope that held the jib sail and let it go, then move to the other side of the boat and grab the rope from that side. We were ready to sail.

“Release!”

“What? How do I do that again?” Small panic rose within me as I tugged on the rope but it didn't release;  my friend, on the mainsail, was watching my terror as we heeled and took on water. She released her sail, letting it flap in the wind, and then helped me with mine; the boat listed left and righted herself again, my heart pounded as the fear of dumping us in the water slowly subsided.

It took me many "tacks" to realize that when I let go, the rope was still attached, it simply released the sail to move in a different direction. When I released the rope I allowed the sail to catch more wind as the captain turned the boat; when I clutched the rope, controlling, manipulating, maneuvering, I hindered the work of the sails and watched as the boat began to tip~ it wouldn't sink, the captain had the mainsail, but it sure made it harder to move forward in the water when my hands were holding the rope of the jib sail taut out of fear.

How many times my boat has been turned and God said, "Release!" Release my terror-like grip on my will and way, release my fearful hold on my children, release the pain of broken relationships, release the fear that holds me back from freedom.

"Release!" 

"What? Wait, how do I do that again?" Slowly God pries my fingers off the ropes and asks me to trust that He is my Captain in the midst of my fear and the storms of my life. He is in control and if I am willing to release the rope I hold onto, then the boat sails with more grace catching the powerful wind of His love and mercy. Look closely and you will see the arm of the Captain on your shoulder.

Are you listening for the commands of Jesus in the midst of your day to day life? 

When Jesus says, "Release!" He is asking you to let Him be the Captain, let Him tell you how to act and speak and what to do and when to release the very thing you think is impossible to let go of. In the midst of your struggle He says this: "Take courage, it is I. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:27

Medicine from Sacred Writings:

"This word, "Be of good cheer it is I, be not afraid," removed their fear, and caused them to take confidence...He makes Himself known by His Voice."

John Chrysostom Fourth Century