Take Courage

“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" Mark 6:50

When I was young, my father had a boat and once he took our family out to sea. Unfortunately although the day started out fine, when we were way out, the wind became very strong, the waves chaotic and like the fisherman in the gospel story, I thought we were going to die! I started to panic and pray. But I looked at my father and he was so excited as if there was nothing to worry about.

So I felt better, and tried to enjoy myself. When we are in the midst of any terrifying storm, if we look at the circumstances, we can panic and feel afraid. But if we look at Jesus knowing He can calm any storm, we will be at peace, the "peace beyond understanding".

Last year, my family was in the midst of a storm. My brother was desperately ill, so weak it was painful to witness. If I looked at his physical condition, and realized no doctor could heal him, I could get agitated and feel hopeless. But I chose to look to God who created him and loves him best, and took care of him his whole life. Amidst any storm, the best place for us is at the center of God’s love.