Rev, Mary Beth Sarhatt
Recently a friend and I were talking about how to stay sane in a world regularly tilting in very stressful directions. She reminded me of the gospel story where Jesus calmed the storm. Jesus said to the wind and waves, “Peace, be still.” The disciples were stunned he was so at ease in what they believed was a disaster waiting to happen.
Jesus modeled staying grounded (even in a boat) and trusting a deeper calm. He called on the Divine One’s power and strength. He stayed in that place, calling the elements and his friends to be there with him, too.
Many of us may feel tossed about by the waves of injustice, torrents of untruths and winds of fear. It can seem that we’ve lost our way and are being buffeted by what we don’t understand, who scares us and lots of uncertainty. This is when we remember Jesus’ words and actions in that boat. He stood tall, spoke with power and showed what it means to trust in the One we call “a very present help in trouble.”
The mystic, Julian of Norwich, said, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” She too trusted in the One who showered blessings upon her and helped her stay centered in a difficult world. Her words inspire me to look to the Divine for help, hope and calm in the midst of what feels like a frightening, overpowering storm. We are never left to navigate our lives, the world, our feelings and situations, by ourselves. God is always with us, helping us ride it out to arrive safely, surrounded by love.
Peace to you.
Mary Beth Sarhatt
Mary Beth is a chaplain with Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and celebrated her 25th anniversary of ordination on March 1, 2017.
Many of us may feel tossed about by the waves of injustice, torrents of untruths and winds of fear. It can seem that we’ve lost our way and are being buffeted by what we don’t understand, who scares us and lots of uncertainty. This is when we remember Jesus’ words and actions in that boat. He stood tall, spoke with power and showed what it means to trust in the One we call “a very present help in trouble.”
The mystic, Julian of Norwich, said, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” She too trusted in the One who showered blessings upon her and helped her stay centered in a difficult world. Her words inspire me to look to the Divine for help, hope and calm in the midst of what feels like a frightening, overpowering storm. We are never left to navigate our lives, the world, our feelings and situations, by ourselves. God is always with us, helping us ride it out to arrive safely, surrounded by love.
Peace to you.
Mary Beth Sarhatt
Mary Beth is a chaplain with Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and celebrated her 25th anniversary of ordination on March 1, 2017.
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