The ocean means many things to many different people. As the waves roll and crash relentlessly upon the sands of Virginia Beach, how my thoughts vary upon its meaning.
I think of the many who came to this land on ships approximately 450 years ago. How they put their trust in God that they would end the journey upon the shores of a vast and bountiful land. Or were the ones on the early ships simply running from something, and whatever would await them couldn't be as wretched as the land they were leaving.
The native Americans must have been use to watching the never ending waves....what were their thoughts as the shadowy figure of the alien vessels came into sight? Accustomed to viewing sea life, their own crude but effective floats, and occasional plant life drifting in...were their thoughts filled with wonder and astonishment? Or would there be fears of the unknown, of the closing in of their land and people. The life of the true first born Americans would be changed forever!
This is an ocean that brought the first major defeat to a proud and powerful army. When the ancestors of the ones who came across the ocean fought for their freedom! This ocean stood between the powerful British Empire and the freedom seeking people. As the waves relentlessly pound the beach, it also slowly helped defeat what was at that time the strongest force known to man.
Two World Wars would be fought across the seas...a people called out for help and the Americans answered in vast numbers. But the numbers that returned were reduced; helping others struggle for their freedom had a price! The mothers and fathers, wives and lovers of those who crossed this unyielding body of water, what were their thoughts? Many nights piled one upon another turned into years. The lives of the millions of families were changed; adjusted; and disappeared, as the foam that appears only to be pulled back to the green/blue mass that always calls it back. When the loved ones returned were they ever really the same? For good or bad, the seas both add to or subtract from their lives.
On numerous other occasions the call was made to cross the sea, to go where souls had never been; to help another find freedom..Korea..Vietnam..Kuwait..Lebanon..Liberia..Bosnia. The endless pounding, constantly reaching in only to pull back out. Even in the age of space shuttles, nuclear subs, and even the ever growing electronic communications the sea cannot be tamed.
The most coveted vacation place in the United States is the beach, why? Is it only for the fun and sun? Or is it calling to people to come, to get in touch with their ancestors, loved ones who have crossed and not returned, loved ones who are on the other side now.
It sounds like a rhythm, a pulse, a beat. By it being unpredictable, uncontrollable, massive, and powerful, it's as if the ocean is God's way, by constant reminder, who has the ultimate authority over man. The ocean in many ways is also a reflection of our freedom. If the United States of America was bordered by way of land by Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, would we as Americans enjoy the peace and freedom we have today? God has placed us here in this chosen location for a purpose. By way of the ocean he has protected us by a means our powerful military could only hope to achieve! It is not only our duty but our God given responsibility to come to the aid of others in their quest for freedom! As long as men and women are willing to cross it, and parents are willing to support them, freedom will always have a chance to succeed throughout the world.
The ocean is almighty power, when we as Americans choose to withdraw within it's beaches to keep what we have for ourselves, to be content with what we have and not risk anything....then freedom is dead.
The ocean is powerful but graceful, relentless but calming, and something that demands fear and respect, but brings assurance as well as humility. We as individuals, as a people, as a nation must be responsible for our actions, and act in a responsible manner. We must be as the ocean, powerful, strong, and realize that we touch and affect all that we come in contact with. As long as we are willing to go where the opressed call out for freedom...we must respond! Our response must be as the ocean....relentless and ever present.