The crossword clue was Jason’s ship. I am a historian enough to enter Argo and on to thinking Argonauts and Latin I never had formally and words than contain naut- and suddenly there was no going back. The subject of ships I know and phrases they call to mind became a dinner table discussion. First place probably is the Titanic and we certainly want the Mayflower. However, even if you know a British warship’s attack on Baltimore led to our national anthem, did you know its name was the Tonnat? Build your own list. I’m going to tell you a personal story and its allegorical ending which leads to a spiritual moment. Come aboard. Time to set sail!
As part of a different story, David and I were invited in January, 2009, to the commissioning of the USS George W. Bush. Armed forces know how to do pomp and circumstance. It was a sunny crisp morning when we sat on folding chairs facing 1092 feet of impressive steel. Sailors of various ranks in dress blues lined up in regimental order. A procedure was followed as political and naval professionals made speeches. Then Doro Koch, sister of President Bush and sponsor of the boat, came to the microphone and proclaimed in a ringing voice, “Man the ship and bring her to life.” The sailors moved swiftly to their assigned places on each deck while planes roared over the flag flying from the highest mast and the resonance of “Anchors Away” brought all of us to our feet.
Time for an allegory – actions with a deeper meaning. I’ve always been drawn to Psalm 107, a call for everyone to thank God. Then it is a list of various messes we who praise get into and how we are led through to safety. A common phrase likens the days we live to being on the Ship of Life, setting sail and not knowing exactly what the journey means. There was no Israel navy and stories like Jonah, and Paul in a shipwreck, and John exiled to an island circled by water were a little terrifying. We have had the words said to us by our sponsor, “Man the ship and bring her to life.” Read all of Psalm 107 and copy this verse in your log book.
They were glad when it grew calm and he guided them to their safe haven. Let them thank the Lord for His unfailing love.
Psalm 107: 30-31a
Let Me Tell Ya 