While serving in the Navy. I mostly served with the aviation community. My only ship was the USS Belknap, CG 26.
The ship was a guided-missile cruiser that was retrofitted so it could hold more sailors. It was the ship of the Commander of all the ships in the Mediterranean.
Normally ships would sail away from storms, but weather is not always predictable at sea. Once we were in a major storm. The waves were extremely high hitting the windows on the bridge. As the nose of the ship went down with a wave another wave would slam on the forward part of the ship sending shutters throughout. We were tossed side to side leaning very close to the waves. As the ship would list, we were worried because if a ship list too far it will not recover. Looking out we could see other ships being lifted so high, we could see their props come out of the water.
I knew we had a problem when the Captain came on deck, looked at the officer, and said; “Get me the hell out of here!”
I went to the rear of the ship to stare in amazement and fear. I had never seen waves so high, estimating at 40-60 feet. While standing outside holding on to the cable railing, I put out my hand and felt the power of the sea. With only the tips of my fingers touching the waves, It took me off my feet.
Even though I was in the storm, my ship carried us over the waves to our destination. The ride was rough, bumping into things while having to secure items and ourselves. And even though our vessel was a speck upon the mighty seas being tossed with ease, we were all safe and dry. We weathered the storm.
One may ask why did I stick out my hand? I did because I wanted to know what it felt like. To describe to others who had not yet been through the storms. To reassure them all will be ok because their ship will carry them through. Yes, you may be tossed around, knocked from side to side, but if you put out your hand (in faith), you can touch fear slapping it when It comes in the form of a storm. Knowing that despite your fear, you are grounded on the Ship of Zion, you can get on board.
‘Tis the old ship of Zion,�Get on board, get on board.
It has landed many a thousand,
Get on board, get on board.
‘Ain’t no danger in the water,�Get on board, get on board.
It was good for my dear mother,�Get on board, get on board.
It was good for my dear father,�Get on board, get on board.
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