Stand out in the wind, don't head for cover

That title is loaded and would be viewed differently by many. Take children as an example. Perhaps as a child you were warned to "Get in here, get in the house, a storm is coming!" Maybe you hurried in or maybe you risked both the weather’s storm and mom's storm. I did, and clicked my shoes together wondering where Kansas was. Maybe, you learned a lesson while being in a rising storm in a boat on Mille Lacs Lake. Yes, I did too. That lake can whip up big waves in a hurry. Not a good place to be in a 16 foot Larson with a 9.9 horse outboard. We safely got to shore and tied up, wet, but respecting the power of wind.
 
Let's recall Jesus and the wind on the water in the Sea of Galilee, a body of water much the same as our Mille Lacs, but add high hills on the South and East side which really whip up the winds and waves.  In Matthew 8:23-27, and Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25.. Jesus got into the boat with the disciples, went to sleep while they ‘manned the ship’. They were experienced boat handlers and had a good eye for weather.  Yet,  a big, big storm came suddenly up and these experienced fishermen feared for their lives, all while in the back, Jesus was sleeping.  So, as we read this account, what are we to learn of Jesus in their lives? What are we to learn of the same Jesus in our lives?
 
There is another storm account, another happening, Matthew 14: 22-26, also found in Mark 6:45-56, and John 6:16-21. Some disciples set off across the Sea to get to Capernaum. A strong wind comes up, fear takes over, and one then others think they see Jesus walking on the water towards them. Maybe water from the storm was hitting them in the face causing distorted vision? No. Closer comes Jesus. He calls out to Peter. What happened?
What are we to learn of Jesus in their lives?
What are we to learn of the same Jesus in our lives?
 
Maybe you will agree with me that there are a lot of "storms" at this time in our lives. Big ones like: life or death, immigration policy, political division, anger, and hate. There are issues within our nation and within our world: economics, trade, weapons development and expansion, natural resources tied to climate change, poverty, and propriety technology theft. There is the changing family structure. In the last 50- 60 years, family structure, values, traditions and beliefs have been in a big storm. Just ask Grandma and Grandpa. They know. There is the storm of being in a church denomination or just  being " spiritual" and I, for one, still don't understand what that really means.  Churches are in a storm, under fire and most members don't know it yet, because it is rarely talked about. There are education issues that are forming societal thinking... socialism, marriage, the value of life, income expectations to list but few.
 
Storms are here... in our daily lives. The truth is. Most of us, the majority of us fear to be engaged. We fear retribution. We do not want to be looked at poorly or as agitators. For most of us over age 40, we prefer to "head for cover." True?
 
Yet, this world was created and sustained by God. Jesus lived in this world, taught in this world, and lived much of His life in conflict with the norms. Jesus " Stood  out in the wind." He braved the elements of nature and the human mind. He tells us that our fears are not to control us, that He is with us in our bobbing in the waves of life, illnesses, issues, and actions ( or lack of). We are able to "stand in the wind" each on our own way, each according to the gifts we have, each in our age as we journey in this life. 
 
First, we need to know and identify the storms around us. Then with Faith and prayer, we need to seek good answers and a life plan. Second, again with Faith and Church to guide us, we might think of not always heading for cover. Third, in my simple opinion, we need to reach out to others with truth and allow the lives of others to touch us. We will choose to love one another. We will choose to heal others. We will trust that Jesus is with us even when we forget that reality. I intend to "stand out in the storm" more. I let myself get too comfortable. Just writing this is my little storm, standing out there before you.
 
Peace, like Jesus offered to His disciples, His followers. 
 
Deacon Tim