At the Ocean's Edge

Liesl Schiavone reflects on the power of the open ocean and the memories of her mother’s prayer there. 

Our family just returned from our annual Outer Banks beach week. It’s our favorite week of the year. There is nothing that compares to beautiful ocean views, watching the kids outrun the surf, and time with family. 

We used to celebrate the September birthdays (my daughter, my father-in-law, and Mom) on our last night at the beach. I love our memories of ice cream cake in the rental house, soaking in our last few hours of oceanfront living. Mom loved the beach for all the same reasons I do. She loved the sounds of the waves, crisp air, and happy kids. She loved mornings on the deck, watching the sunrise, and chatting over coffee. She loved sitting in the surf, taking beach walks, and playing in the sand (she even had her own set of beach toys she brought with her each year). She loved gathering for dinner and cocktails on the deck and looking up at the stars. Mom’s primary love language was quality time, and the week at the beach was full of that. 

I have so many memories of Mom standing at the ocean’s edge, hands on her hips, looking out at the sea. It’s like a snapshot in my mind. Sometimes there were kids playing nearby, sometimes it was in a peaceful lull in activity, but always the same stance — one of awe and surrender. I imagine she was soaking in the sights and sounds of God’s handiwork and remembering her smallness against a giant sea. I imagine that the vastness of the ocean reminded her that the hands that created her would one day call her home. For Mom, standing at the ocean’s edge was a kind of prayer. A song of praise and thanksgiving, a petition to be one with His Glory. 

The vastness of the ocean 

I think the ocean is so mesmerizing because there is so much unknown. It’s so big and so powerful; it can be frightening. There are big waves, rip tides, and creatures much bigger than us. We know the sea is powerful, but we can hardly comprehend how powerful it is. It’s hard to tell one stretch of beach from the next, and you must rely solely on landmarks to distinguish your location. Much like life with Christ, we have no way of knowing what the next wave will look like or how deep the water is or where that drop off begins. Living the Christian life means you are committed to not knowing where the Lord will lead you, and there is something terrifying about that. 

Do not fear 

But Scripture is clear: Fear is not the answer. The prophet Isaiah says, 

Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. (Isaiah 35:4) 

The Bible repeatedly tells us not to fear. There are well over a hundred verses that speak of anxiousness, fear and worry. It's clear this is an important concept of biblical revelation and one we should be sure to work on daily. Despite the unknown challenges and the certain suffering we may experience in this life, we are not to fear. 

Courage in the final days 

In Mom’s final days, when she knew that she was nearing the end of her life here on earth, she told us, “I am not afraid to die, I’ve raised my family, I’ve done my job.” She faced death with astounding grace and with sure and certain hope of the glory awaiting her. I have no doubt that her final prayer was one of praise, thanksgiving, and surrender — much like the ones she prayed at the ocean’s edge.  

So, as we stand before God’s glory, whether it be at the ocean or the mountains, or simply embarking on a path of life that seems frightening, may we remember the task at hand. May we never fear, but be sure to praise Him, to thank him, and surrender all to His glory.  

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Copyright 2024 Liesl Schiavone
Images: copyright 2024 Liesl Schiavone