On Broken Pieces

The requirement to have some credential that validates our ability to speak on a topic has made speaking out a declaration of war. I am reminded of a Bible story in the book of Acts Chapter 27. The story speaks of men traveling in a ship. They started on their journey while the threat of bad weather was looming in the atmosphere. Instead of heeding the visible warnings of the sky they were determine to reach their destination. While out on the sea a storm arose and it seemed as if they were not going to make it. Some became frantic and wanted to leave the ship in an attempt to find safety on land. While the situation became more and more desperate there was one who had an insight that was not shared with his shipmates. The Apostle Paul was told by and angel of God that he had been given all of the people in the ship and that no lives would be lost. He told the captain that in order for them to be saved they must remain on the ship. All stayed in the ship.

Finally the storm subsided and the sun returned. They were able to visualize a landing place that would provide safety from the rough seas. They allowed the ship to run aground and employed all of the men to depart the ship and move towards the shore. During the exchange they understood the difference of abilities among the men. They told those who were able to swim to do so. Others were carried in the small boats. The rest were told to use the broken pieces of the ship.

Good and bad choices are made in life. Sometimes we make commitments to destinations that may not be right for the times. Truthfully we all get stuck in these situations. We even allow ourselves to get so far removed from safety that it really makes less since to go back. Having a destination and a desire to reach it does not warrant placing ourselves or other people in danger. We should always count the cost. But if ever stuck and resources are few we must assess our abilities and press forward. When I consider the men that had to resort to the use of the fragments of the ship, I am reminded of the Rudyard Kipling poem "IF" that states, "If you can watch the things you've given your life to broken and stoop and build them up again with worn out tools." http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/kipling/kipling_ind.html Sometimes not being privy to the best of things places one in a precarious situation. There is always an alternative we just have to use what is left. God bless you and thank you for listening.