Masters of our Fates, Captain of our souls

“I am the Master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul.” When Willam Henley wrote those words in “Invictus,” he was facing the possibility of amputation of his leg because of chronic tuberculous bone disease. His other leg had already been amputated. That defiant, powerfully stated declaration declared his fierce determination toContinue reading “Masters of our Fates, Captain of our souls”

Masters of Our Fates…

“I am the Master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul.” When Willam Henley wrote those words in “Invictus,” he was facing the possibility of amputation of his leg because of chronic tuberculous bone disease. His other leg had already been amputated. That defiant, powerfully stated declaration declared his fierce determination toContinue reading “Masters of Our Fates…”

Passing Ships

In his “Theologians Tales,” Henry W. Longfellow used darkness as a metaphor to highlight the difficulty we have connecting with each other and to emphasize the personal isolation prevalent in this vastly populated world: “Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing,Only a signal shown and a distant voice in theContinue reading “Passing Ships”

The Wait…

There are moments and even seasons when we have no choice but to “wait it out.” Sometimes, we are powerless over our challenges. Solutions elude us, and we become overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed especially if the situation or change is irrevocable. Scripture speaks of waiting and then waiting some more for the Lord’s intervention inContinue reading “The Wait…”

Navigating the journey

Navigating life is like navigating the Stonington thoroughfare. It requires certain skills, awareness of potential hazards, and alertness to the dynamics of the moment as we weave our way through life’s challenges. Although our lives hold the possibility for much happiness and joy, these can be siderailed by complicated relationships, misplaced priorities, personal weaknesses, theContinue reading “Navigating the journey”

Has the Light Gone Out?

I love watching sails slip by this old lighthouse and can easily romanticize its many stories as it sits on Mark island within rowing distance of Winter Harbor, Maine. Sadly, it is now a privately owned landmark and is no longer an active beacon warning, guiding or welcoming weary sailors and fishermen seeking safe harborContinue reading “Has the Light Gone Out?”

Illusions

Have you ever reached a long pursued goal, one which you imagined and idealized and in which you invested time, energy, and dreams? Maybe it was a career move, a promotion, a relationship, an academic degree, some accolade, social status, or wealth? However, the achievement did not meet expectations nor its anticipated happiness! Emptiness, disappointment,Continue reading “Illusions”

Controlling the Winds…

Winds blow! Seas rise! Sails billow! Boats move! But without a rudder boats flounder. Controlling the rudder determines the direction in which the ships slips along. James, the brother of Jesus (when speaking about the power of the tongue) said , “…a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go,Continue reading “Controlling the Winds…”

Calm Winds, Easy Seas, and Full Sails

Calm winds, easy seas, and full sails bring to mind the Message’s paraphrase of Psalm 84:12! All sunshine and sovereign is God, generous in gifts and glory.He doesn’t scrimp with his traveling companions. It’s smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies. (MSG) To those who have been through deep waters of hurt and suffering orContinue reading “Calm Winds, Easy Seas, and Full Sails”

Journeying Through the Mist

The day was promising, the forecast favorable. The sun was burning it’s way through lifting fog. All information pointed to a good sailing day. The Captain gave the order. So the sails were hoisted. Decision making is a familiar, daily but complicated process although it may be either instantaneous or prolonged depending on urgency orContinue reading “Journeying Through the Mist”