Welcome to the epicenter of my mid-life crisis. Totally unexpected and unlike anything I’d ever heard about, read about, or knew what to do about!

My literal mid-life crisis and encounter with God took place on a cruise ship headed to Antarctica. What should have been the celebration of a lifetime, turned into the nightmare of all time. This nightmare of mine took place March 2020. The year I turned 50. This cruise was supposed to signify my zest and zeal for the next half of my life. This cruise was to have served as the metaphor for me being ready to be the master of my own ship, to take the helm, and to navigate the seas of life as I set sail for horizons unknown. I was poised to “get out the boat” and walk on water.

But this cruise, the one that was to be my Fantastic Voyage? Yeah, so this cruise literally took the wind out my sails and turned my life upside down. And it’s only now, a year and a half later, that I can finally share my story. I can finally see beyond “crisis, tragedy, unfulfilled dreams, and disappointment.” This series of LIFE Studies are a result of being found at sea, of being sustained and comforted by the waves of God’s love, and of learning to “not be affected by each puff of wind that blows ill but to sail serenely on, in a calm sea or a great tempest (George Washington).”

I finally understand the meaning of the quote, “They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in great waters; these men see the works of the Lord; and His wonders in the deep (Book of Common Prayer).”

I had a lot of time to think out there on that boat. Lots of time to reflect and ponder. And one of the amazing miracles that resulted was the up close, personal and living experience that I had with the Word of God. See, heretofore, I had been “reading” and “studying” the Bible as if it were a great historical work of art or a beautifully written love story. But it was out there on that boat where God’s Word became alive and active (Hebrews 4:12) in my life. It was where Proverbs 16:9 took on a whole new meaning (A woman’s heart plans her way, But the Lord directs her steps).

It’s my desire that you get in the Word for yourself and that you then share your amazing story with others. This activity, Word Study, is  designed to support a greater understanding of God’s Word and to provide space for you to receive revelations and insights regarding God’s Word as led by the Holy Spirit. And this activity, Your Personal Stormy Story, is designed to support the writing, re-writing and/or sharing of Your Story.

I pray that My Story in the light of God’s Story will serve as a catalyst to transform Your Story. From my heart to yours,

Davenia