INTRODUCTION
In his letter to his brother Theo, Vincent Van Gogh asserted that part of the sacred call as embodied in Jesus' ministry is to take risks by venturing into the "Sea of Life." As he painted fishing boats on the beaches of southern France, he writes: "The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for staying ashore." Vincent was an astute observer and knew the paradox of the sea: the sea gives and the sea takes. My ancestors - fishermen and farmers in the Philippine islands - knew this reality as well.
As illustrated in this wisdom story, Jesus and his fishermen disciples knew this truth - which is that when storm hits, we panic. We are overwhelmed with fear. How do we access peace amidst the storm? How can we find stillness?
In his letter to his brother Theo, Vincent Van Gogh asserted that part of the sacred call as embodied in Jesus' ministry is to take risks by venturing into the "Sea of Life." As he painted fishing boats on the beaches of southern France, he writes: "The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for staying ashore." Vincent was an astute observer and knew the paradox of the sea: the sea gives and the sea takes. My ancestors - fishermen and farmers in the Philippine islands - knew this reality as well.
As illustrated in this wisdom story, Jesus and his fishermen disciples knew this truth - which is that when storm hits, we panic. We are overwhelmed with fear. How do we access peace amidst the storm? How can we find stillness?
PEACE IN THE STORMY SEAS
(a story from the Gospels)
There was once someone, a teacher, who said such amazing things and did such wonderful things that people followed him. They followed him so they could listen to what he had to say about loving one another.
The teacher and his followers were crossing the sea on a boat, and it was almost night.
After they arrived on the shore, a large crowd came to listen to him. Before they knew it, the crowd had gotten a lot bigger.
Soon people on the seaside were pushing each other, and the teacher had to move to the edge of the water. Finally, he had to teach from the boat, while people listened on land.
(a story from the Gospels)
There was once someone, a teacher, who said such amazing things and did such wonderful things that people followed him. They followed him so they could listen to what he had to say about loving one another.
The teacher and his followers were crossing the sea on a boat, and it was almost night.
After they arrived on the shore, a large crowd came to listen to him. Before they knew it, the crowd had gotten a lot bigger.
Soon people on the seaside were pushing each other, and the teacher had to move to the edge of the water. Finally, he had to teach from the boat, while people listened on land.
When it got dark, the teacher and the followers sailed on the sea to get to the other side to rest.
At first, the wind was soft. The teacher lied down and then fell asleep.
Suddenly the skies grew very dark, and the wind blew hard and the waves grew bigger and bigger, crashing and sloshing on the side of the boat. And the boat rocked back and forth, from side to side.
When the followers saw this, they panicked, and got scared that their boat would sink. They yelled at their teacher: “Teacher wake up! The boat will sink, and we will drown.”
Their teacher woke up. He was not afraid. He knew how they were so afraid, and so he said to the storm: “Peace be still.”
The wind stopped blowing, and the waves stopped crashing against their boat. The sea became still and quiet. He stopped the storm.
The followers were bewildered, and said: “Even the wind and waves obey him.”
At first, the wind was soft. The teacher lied down and then fell asleep.
Suddenly the skies grew very dark, and the wind blew hard and the waves grew bigger and bigger, crashing and sloshing on the side of the boat. And the boat rocked back and forth, from side to side.
When the followers saw this, they panicked, and got scared that their boat would sink. They yelled at their teacher: “Teacher wake up! The boat will sink, and we will drown.”
Their teacher woke up. He was not afraid. He knew how they were so afraid, and so he said to the storm: “Peace be still.”
The wind stopped blowing, and the waves stopped crashing against their boat. The sea became still and quiet. He stopped the storm.
The followers were bewildered, and said: “Even the wind and waves obey him.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Which part of the story did you find the most important? Which part of the story resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- Notice moments when you felt impatient and desperate (i.e., pushed and shoved) for wisdom?
- Notice moments when you panicked and were overwhelmed with fear?
- What waves, strong winds, and storms have you weathered through?
- How did you find peace (if at all)? Who are your guides in your search for peace?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
Practice Spirit Play storytelling:
- STORY MATERIALS
- VIDEO
- SCRIPT
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
Our Storms
Art#1
Art#2
Reflection
Drawing Prompt
Drawing Example
Live Background
Participant's Guide
Our Storms
Art#1
Art#2
Reflection
Drawing Prompt
Drawing Example
Live Background
The Sea of Life (by Chaplain Donnel) Lyrics/Chords
VERSE 1
Rowing to the sea of life, sea of life, sea of life
Rowing to the sea of life and dance with waves (2X)
CHORUS
Seeking peace in the storm
Find my breath in the wind
Riding on the mighty waters flow
VERSE 2
Sailing to the sea of life, sea of life, sea of life
Sailing to the sea of life and dance with waves (2X)
[Back to CHORUS]
VERSE 1
Rowing to the sea of life, sea of life, sea of life
Rowing to the sea of life and dance with waves (2X)
CHORUS
Seeking peace in the storm
Find my breath in the wind
Riding on the mighty waters flow
VERSE 2
Sailing to the sea of life, sea of life, sea of life
Sailing to the sea of life and dance with waves (2X)
[Back to CHORUS]
