In 1989, Tracy Edwards skippered an all-female crew competing
in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. The documentary, Maiden, tells
this riveting story of courage, skill and tenacity in the face of male
prejudice and disbelief.
Early in the journey, Tracy realised that her navigator and
she could not work together. The navigator left the crew in South America, and
Tracy then taught herself to navigate the fastest routes, while also skippering
the boat and keeping everyone’s spirits and courage up during the testing
voyage.
Today is International Women’s Day. Most of us won’t be competing
in global yacht races. But whatever we are doing today, we are making decisions
that affect the course we take. Whatever our stage of life, we need courage to
navigate our journey.
When I am feeling wobbly, a bit unsure of my direction, I go
to the source of all courage. I lean into God. Decades ago, I sat on a plane on
the runway in Los Angeles. It was a wintry night there, wind- and rain-swept. I
had a four- and a two-year-old with me, studying my face. We had just said an
emotional farewell to my parents and sister. I was trying to hold it together,
as these two little ones searched my face for comfort and strength. I knew that
if I cried, they would be inconsolable.
‘God,’ I breathed silently, weeping inside. ‘Help me!’ I had
recently experienced a life-changing encounter with God, and was just
discovering the reality of his living word in Scripture. I sensed he was
guiding me to read Deuteronomy 31:7-8. I had no idea what was in that passage;
I could barely locate it, but I thumbed through the new pocket Bible I carried
and found it near the front.
‘Be strong and courageous…The Lord himself goes before you
and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be
afraid; do not be discouraged.’
He calmed my pounding heart. He brought an encouraging smile
to my lips as I looked, dry-eyed, at Mhairi and Jamie. He wiped away the inner
tears and gave me courage, vision.
May I never grow so self-assured and cocky that I think I
can find my own way. The Lord is a light to my path, in the big and small
decisions of life.
As long as he is my navigator, I am safe and all will be
well.
No comments:
Post a Comment