"To reach a port, we must sail—Sail, not tie at anchor—Sail, not drift."
Franklin Roosevelt
Last month we went to San Francisco to attend the 20th annual reunion of the destroyer Jim served on, the Lyman K. Swenson DD729. The group sailed San Francisco Bay aboard the USS Potomac, Franklin D. Roosevelt's yacht.
FDR served this country following the Greeat Depression and during WWII, very tough times for all Americans. He was a victim of the disease Polio and walked with the aid of crutches or rode in a wheelchair. His "floating White House" was a reconditioned Coast Guard cutter, with handicap accessibility as was available in 1936.
While aboard, I was reminded of his accomplishments. Regardless of my political leaning, I admire this man's courage and leadership skills during the time he served and his refusal to accept his handicap as limiting his creativity and ability. He maintained a conservative life style reflective of the American people's plight....no big family vacations, lavish entertaining or fashion statements. He worked steadily with a goal of getting the country back on it's feet.
I would definitely say that this quote fit his personality. In spite of his physical handicap, he was never anchored to shore. He sailed into uncharted seas, first creating jobs that built a better infrastructure and created jobs for millions of broke Americans, then building the nation's defense against enemy world powers, working with other world leaders to protect their countries and to end a war with the goal of peace between all nations.
The impressive Golden Gate Bridge, built in 1937 during his administration, links the city of San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean and has been a symbol of the greatness of our country. As we sailed beneath it, I realized how important it is for the citizens of this country to stay connected.
True Peace comes only from our Heavenly Father, through his son, Jesus Christ. It is because of our connection with Him that we connect with others in peace. He showed us how to sail into peaceful waters when he guided the disciples ship through the storm. Peter gave us the example of the importance of staying focused on Christ when he tried to walk on the water but was only successful by holding on to Christ.
We can truly let go of what ever anchors us and sail into uncharted waters if Christ is at the helm, holding our hand and our focus stays on him, whether we are the President of the United States or a poor fisherman lost in the storms of life or a single parent who has just lost his/her job or a college student with mounting loans and dismal prospects in a sparse job market. Like the Disciples, give Christ the opportunity to Captain the sailing ship.
FDR served this country following the Greeat Depression and during WWII, very tough times for all Americans. He was a victim of the disease Polio and walked with the aid of crutches or rode in a wheelchair. His "floating White House" was a reconditioned Coast Guard cutter, with handicap accessibility as was available in 1936.
While aboard, I was reminded of his accomplishments. Regardless of my political leaning, I admire this man's courage and leadership skills during the time he served and his refusal to accept his handicap as limiting his creativity and ability. He maintained a conservative life style reflective of the American people's plight....no big family vacations, lavish entertaining or fashion statements. He worked steadily with a goal of getting the country back on it's feet.
I would definitely say that this quote fit his personality. In spite of his physical handicap, he was never anchored to shore. He sailed into uncharted seas, first creating jobs that built a better infrastructure and created jobs for millions of broke Americans, then building the nation's defense against enemy world powers, working with other world leaders to protect their countries and to end a war with the goal of peace between all nations.
The impressive Golden Gate Bridge, built in 1937 during his administration, links the city of San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean and has been a symbol of the greatness of our country. As we sailed beneath it, I realized how important it is for the citizens of this country to stay connected.
True Peace comes only from our Heavenly Father, through his son, Jesus Christ. It is because of our connection with Him that we connect with others in peace. He showed us how to sail into peaceful waters when he guided the disciples ship through the storm. Peter gave us the example of the importance of staying focused on Christ when he tried to walk on the water but was only successful by holding on to Christ.
We can truly let go of what ever anchors us and sail into uncharted waters if Christ is at the helm, holding our hand and our focus stays on him, whether we are the President of the United States or a poor fisherman lost in the storms of life or a single parent who has just lost his/her job or a college student with mounting loans and dismal prospects in a sparse job market. Like the Disciples, give Christ the opportunity to Captain the sailing ship.
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