In today’s Gospel (Mark 4:35-41), we are reminded of that time when the disciples woke up Jesus during a storm as their boat was “nearly swamped.”

Jesus famously calms the storm and questions why his followers have “little faith.”

In our life, inevitably storms arrive. Some are short yet furious, others are long, dark, and damaging that bring us to our knees. No matter the length or severity, the storms teach us lessons about life, ourselves, and our God.

As I prayed with my daughters this morning at Mass, I wondered about their pending storms-and how limitless I am in changing weather patterns or protecting them from all that will come during their days. If they are fortunate to live long enough, these girls will have to walk without me by their side one day.

It is important that they know I am there for them, as the disciples knew they could call upon Jesus. What is most important is for my girls to know God, and to call upon their Creator to still their heart- to bring peace.

As Shea sang along to “Amazing Grace,” I surprisingly found hope in the uncontrollable. All that goes beyond my limits and abilities, and within them too, God is there. Ready to accompany us, lifting our sinking bodies, and eventually, calming the storms as we grow closer to him.

Informed and troubled by the realities of other children on our shared planet, many who lack basic needs such as clean water, food, healthcare, and education, I am reminded that I cannot calm those storms either.

But, I could care and advocate for them. I, along with you, and countless others, can unite our hearts, consciousness, and voices to create a just world, that, by God’s grace, can calm their storms, too.

Jesus may have physically left us two thousand years ago, but his Holy Spirit guides us as long as we allow her too, and this is by rowing that troubled boat together in the same direction- toward peace, justice, and love- not just for my little family, but for all.