Dare to Do Something
On May 24, 1965, Robert Manry sailed from Massachusetts. In his tiny boat (less than 14 feet), he would navigate the Atlantic Ocean. Robert had always had a secret dream — to sail the Atlantic. He had diligently worked on his boat and planned his trip. His boat, the "Tinkerbelle," would be the smallest craft to ever make the trip. It would be a dangerous trip, and Robert would not tell anyone about it (although he did tell his wife and a very few close friends). Robert kept quiet about this adventure because he was afraid. He was not afraid of the journey; he was afraid of what people would say. He didn't want people to try to talk him out of his dream, and he didn't want to be ridiculed.
How did the trip go? It was hard! He had to spend many sleepless nights crossing shipping lanes since his small craft could be easily run over and sunk. Weeks at sea ruined much of his food. His rudder broke three times. Storms swept him overboard; only the rope he had tied around his waist saved him. Weariness and loneliness teamed up and brought some terrifying hallucinations, but finally, after 78 days, Robert sailed into Falmouth, England.
During the long trip, Robert wondered what he would do after he completed his journey. He figured he would check into a hotel, have dinner, relax for a day, then see if anyone was interested in his story. However, he was in for a big surprise when he entered the harbor. Little known to Robert, the world had been following his journey. Merchant ships gave updates to the press when they passed Robert's tiny craft in the Atlantic. To his amazement, three hundred vessels, with horns blaring, escorted Robert the last few miles to port. Forty thousand people were waiting, screaming, and cheering. Robert Manry, a humble, desk‑bound, newspaper copy-editor, was an overnight hero. But how? There on the dock was Robert's wife, Virginia. Not only had she supported Robert's dream, but she also spread the word about Robert's journey. She was not afraid. She had confidence in her dreamer!
Robert Manry was afraid of the narrow and rigid-minded people of this world. You and I have the choice about what kind of people we will be. We have a great God who has called us to a great journey. Granted, this journey has some unexpected turns and twists. Sometimes we face tough storms just as Robert Manry did, but with God’s help, we can navigate each storm. Will we rejoice in the great dream that God has for us, or will we scoff at the challenge? Some people are afraid to step out in faith and trust God. Sailing for the promised land that awaits every faithful saint is not an option for some naysayers. Instead of looking to God’s glorious future, they hide in the past. God is always looking for dreamers. God is looking to bless people who are willing to dare, to do, to adventure. We also need people who are willing to support and believe in the adventurers. We have much toil and many dangers ahead. God has called us to a great adventure. Sail on and keep looking up.