Losing the Shore: Courage

Armodoxy for Today: Exploration

Christopher Columbus, explorer of the West, advises, “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

The ocean is vast, mysterious and seemingly unending. The shore is solid, familiar with no waves to push you up or pull you down. In other words, it’s a safe place. Frankly, it’s not a bad place to be, unless you wish to explore, to go beyond the familiar.

To grab opportunity, pushing off the shore is not only necessary but the rule of law. When exiled from their homes, either in 1915 or in 2023, Armenians made the sign of the cross, lost the shore, fought the waves and arrived at their destination.

Happy sailing. Today’s one minute for standard time.

A prayer from Bishop Nikolaj Velimirovic to the Asdvadzadzin

Waves of passion disturb my spirit, great sadness and anguish have overwhelmed my soul. Embalm my soul with Thy Son’s peace, O Most Holy One, and by His Grace drive away every doubt and despair. Calm the storm of my sins that, like a fiery worm, burn me, and quench its flame. Fill my heart with joy, O Most Pure One, and disperse the fog of my iniquities before me. Amen.