November the 11th

There is a driving wind that tosses ships that sail and frightens those who stand aboard.

There is a wild fear that heralds God is near when we walk in the ways of the Lord.

Faith is the raft that we launch on the sea where monsters are known to dwell.

And the years that have been are only a dream of the tales we are destined to tell.

Count up the footprints of Providence, from Leiden to Plymouth they tread.

And don’t be dismayed, though you may be afraid, as He answers the prayers of the dead.

For the gap in the rock may be tiny and the storm may batter your boat.

But though your heart sink as you stand on the brink, remember the words that He wrote.

“When you walk though the storm, I’ll be with you. And the fires will do you no harm.

Though your heart race, I will give you the grace to meet thunder with internal calm.”

Then we like the pilgrims before us, will cast up a highway of hope.

And as those who have been we will also be seen as weavers of history’s rope.

Now unfurl the courage of faith, and call on the power of love.

Then the heaving wave will make us brave to respond to the wind from above.

The Mayflower ever stands ready, keening to sail once more.

With a cargo of vision fueled by decision to arrive at some Heavenly shore.

Now is the day of undocking.

Now is the time to board.

For there’s nothing to dread in life or in death when we sail with the wind of the Lord.

The Fallen Flag