Blog Layout

God and the Good Strong Wind

Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman • August 11, 2023

My only real memory of the Mackinac Island ferry was the physical sensation of the wind against my face. I remember, distinctly, that it hurt.


It surprised and confused me because wind had never felt painful before. Looking back now, I realize that it wasn’t just the wind but the spray from the waves that crashed against the side of the ferry — that was what produced the sharp, biting sensation on my skin. But I couldn’t have known that then, because my eyes were clamped shut. I refused to open them, even if I had, I would not have seen much, because my long hair was blown straight across my face.


I was four years old, and it was, in the immortal words of Winnie-the-Pooh, a very blustery day as my family made our way to Mackinac Island. I remember thinking I was going to die. I’m positive now that it wasn’t really all that dramatic, but at four years old, you’re awfully scared of a good strong wind.


Deep inside, aren’t we all, really?


I think of the apostles who cannot recognize Christ — their friend — because he is doing something new. Something impossible. They are so sure he is a ghost, a sinister thing — children are always frightened of what they cannot understand.


And even when he reassures them, still Peter is not convinced. He demands, essentially, a miracle. He demands that Christ make him do what only Christ can do.


And even when the miracle takes place — he walks on water, he defies physics — still he is human. Scared, doubtful, distractible. No match for a good strong wind.


“Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter…” Matthew 14:31


©LPi

Share

You might also like

LPi Blog

Logo for
March 14, 2025
This past February, LPi sales teams from across the country converged in Atlanta, Georgia for an annual sales meeting to “Thrive in ’25.”
Two young women hugging each other and smiling.
By Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman March 13, 2025
My husband pretty much knows that if he tells me something — anything — he’s also telling my sister.
A woman is praying over an open bible with her hands folded
By Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman March 6, 2025
The devil knows all the rules. The devil knows all the Bible verses. He probably knows them better than you do (certainly better than I do).
More Posts
Share by: