Calm in the Storm

I read a story this week from a man who was going through cancer treatment. He described how over the course of his treatment his circle of friends had diminished from many to just two. Over time people became fearful of what they should say to him in the midst of his situation, and in time they simply chose not to be in his presence. I am thankful that my experience this week since revealing my cancer has been very different to this, but I can understand it, I can see how it might happen. I can acknowlegde now that there have been times when, lacking the right words to say to someone has meant that I say nothing at all. But the truth is there are no right words to say, and sometimes saying anything can be the right thing to do. I have been mightily blessed this week with cards and notes and kind words from people. They are such a huge encouragement, they do not try to say the right words, instead they declare sympathy, encouragement and love, just knowing that people are thinking of m...

Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV) [23] Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. [24] Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. [27] The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” When the storm suddenly appeared rocking the boat and the world of Jesus' friends, they turned to Jesus, crying out for his help. With a word he caused the storm to diminish, the wind and the waves calmed, bringing peace and calming the fears of his friends. I have been through storms, times in my life where everything was uncertain, where emotions were rising high and low, yet I have also known the peace of God in the midst of it and the calm that comes...