A Floating Anchor

Reading When Faith Becomes Sight reminded me of so many conversations I’ve had with Beth and David sitting on their porch, or at their table. They are gifted spiritual directors and genuine soul friends to me and many others.

Many Christians, especially those of my generation, were indoctrinated to the idea that you must “know that you know that you know.” Well-meaning people in my life instilled the idea that during difficult times you double down on certainty until the storm is over. For years, the only tools I had were to believe harder, pray longer, and cling to the image of God that had been handed to me.

The topics covered in their new book have been helpful to me as a pilgrim on this way and as a shepherd of others. But I think the way they unpacked the concept of having a floating anchor in the storms of life was most impactful for me. “A floating anchor is designed to prevent the ship’s capsizing from the winds and waves when all other maneuvers are no longer possible. Rather than casting down a fixed anchor, a floating anchor causes the ship to slow down (not stop) and turn toward the storm surge.” This passage can be found in chapter 8, page 92 of When Faith Becomes Sight.

Despite my training to double down on certainty that I mentioned above, my natural tendency is to ignore any swirling tempest. That’s why Beth and David’s practical wisdom on “Slowing Down and Facing the Storm,” helps me not only weather a storm, but take on a posture that is open to spiritual formation in the midst of it by paying attention to what it is stirring up.

The very format of When Faith Becomes Sight reinforces the need to pay attention. We are not only left with good information, which there is plenty, but also offered questions at the conclusion of each chapter. These are artfully crafted questions similar to the ones you would hear on their porch or at their table that facilitate healthy wrestling and ways to rethink, apply, and internalize.

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Darrel Harvey is the Director of the Workmatters Institute, a 12-week intensive faith and leadership development program coupled with a 12-month mentorship program that equips young professionals with the framework and tools needed for biblical leadership in the workplace. Prior to Workmatters, Darrel’s vocation has been expressed as a church planter, spiritual director, mentor and as a connector in the Bentonville, AR business community.

He is the grateful husband of Krista Harvey.