Article June 9, 2014 Issue

Almost lost—but found—at sea

Seaward Grant with contributions from Ballan Keen

In his article titled “God’s Law of Adjustment,” Adam H. Dickey asks, “If a man were drowning in mid-ocean with apparently no human help at hand, there is a law of God which, when rightly appealed to, would bring about his rescue.” The writer continues: “Does the reader doubt this? Then he must believe that it is possible for man to find himself in a condition where God cannot help him” (The Christian Science Journal, January 1916). Mr. Dickey goes on to explain the spiritual laws taught by Jesus and explained by Mary Baker Eddy that confirm God’s ability to help anyone, anywhere. His point is that God is the only lawmaker. As we appeal to divine law in times of need, it reveals spiritual solutions that restore us and enable us to find the solutions we need.

An experience I had many years ago provides additional support for Mr. Dickey’s conviction of God’s power. When I was ten years old my dad and mom, who were both experienced sailors, contracted to deliver a 32-foot sailing boat across the Pacific Ocean to California. My two sisters and I accompanied our parents, receiving a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The voyage was intended to last approximately 30 days.

Several weeks into the trip, the severe winter weather conditions began to wear on the sailing vessel. Then we encountered many storms, including a full force gale. The ship lost power, had a broken jib (sail), and rudder. Without a rudder and power to the engine we began to drift toward Alaskan waters. At one point, I remember my mom gathering us children below deck to read the Bible Lesson in the Christian Science Quarterly.