Storms Out at Sea

“Storms at Sea,” painting by Irene Pruitt, © 2004

Storms Out at Sea

Storms out at sea
Never bother me
It’s when they hit land
They have my command
When the wind blows
In circular patterns and gusts
We take cover, as we must
In stable brick and mortar
And musical tin roof
The evening holds the calm
Sky, a deep blue and black hue—still
The calm before the storm

Rumors of storms out at sea
Sit like twisted stomach—restlessly
Uneasy are those who have no shelter
Whose home is in deep ravine drainage
Roofs of tarp and plastic sheet
Walls of makeshift pallets and boxes
When the wind blows—in comes the unknown
Shaken is all that is and all one might own
A family, a name, a life, a place, the future
Uncertain. . .the evening holds. . .
Hopes of storms that pass over—they fade
Skies transition from black to blue—to morning hue


© August 23, 2012, Robbie Pruitt


O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and 
rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be 
our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee,
 to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou
 art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, P. 832)

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and 
prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the 
attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the
 changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be
 defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus
 Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, P. 832)

Barnabas

Photo from Shooting the Breeze click here

Barnabas: Joses, the son of encouragement, ‘son of paraklēsis’, exhorter, encourager

Barnabas

Encouragement’s son
Fanning sparks to flames
Until the work is done
Until His Kingdom
Has come
Until His will
Is done
On earth as it is
In Heaven
Until the yeast
Is worked in
And all is leavened


© April 2012, Robbie Pruitt


Who was Barnabas?

Barnabas was the exemplary encourager, witness, and servant. Nothing he did was for himself. He freely gave of his resources to the church (Acts 4:36–37), thus providing an example of how one with material means can serve the church. He confirmed Paul to the disciples, when some had doubted Paul’s sincerity (Acts 9:26–27). He was an encourager and teacher at Antioch (Acts 11:22–30). He engaged in a missionary journey with Paul (Acts 13:1–15:12). Even when Paul had doubts about John Mark, Barnabas continued to offer encouragement that eventually bore fruit (Acts 15:36–40; 2 Tim. 4:11). In a church under pressure, where it would have been easy for some to complain or blame, Barnabas, by example and word, continually encouraged others to serve.

Zuck, R. B. (1994). A Biblical Theology of the New Testament (electronic ed.) (149–150). Chicago: Moody Press.