At night, when the sky is full of stars and the sea is still you get the wonderful sensation that you are floating in space.” – Natalie Wood Great people are not affected by each puff of wind that blows ill. Like great ships, they sail serenely on, in a calm sea or a great tempest. George Washington

My mom noticed something was not right with me and advised me to go see a colleague of hers. I started seeing a psychiatrist and she diagnosed me with major depression. I started taking antidepressants, but something still was not right. I never told my psychiatrist about the childhood trauma that I had, or the suicidal thoughts that were growing stronger and stronger in my mind. What you might not know is that FDR was a skilled sailor and spent as much time on the water as some would play golf. You can hear his chat below…A: Yes! Many common themes can be found among skilled sailor quotes; these include self-reliance, teamwork, adaptability, facing danger and uncertainty with courage, learning to “read” the wind and weather patterns, and finding beauty in the midst of challenging circumstances. These themes echo throughout the history of sailing and highlight key values that sailors hold dear. Astrophysicist, Gregory Benford, uses the image of a smooth sea to explain the concept of space-time. Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. (We United Methodist calls this “prevenient Grace”.)

Life is a good teacher, and one who takes all its lessons seriously are sure to succeed in his life in the long run. Who else can teach you better than an empty wallet and an empty stomach? A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. One who has encountered all the hassles and overcame all of them is sure to lead. Any damn fool can navigate the world sober. It takes a really good sailor to do it drunk.” ― Sir Francis ChichesterSuccess is determined not by your accomplishments, but by the opposition you have faced and the tenacity with which you have persevered in the face of enormous obstacles. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”