Take Heart

 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed .Matthew 14:22-36 

Take Heart

It seems stormy out here alone

the rising ocean will swallow us

unbelieving hearts assume we deserve

this cruel end, our drowning fate.

We thought that all was completely lost 

no guidance from our great teacher

we floundered and cried, cursed and sighed

all along he was in the midst of our storm.

We were brave when it was easy and exciting

our faith and resolved died away with this fear

every ounce of anger and tears directly aimed

at the one who is walking towards us even now.

The winds and the waves obey his voice

the one who is alpha and omega still walks

in the eye of our traumas and our turnings

always approaching in the midst of our worst fears.

We are not abandoned in these crisis times 

calmly every step measured to be with us

every outstretched hand an invitation

to see the Creator in the nightmares of creation.