Courageous Adventure

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inChristian Living, Devotional, MemoirTags:, , , , , ,
Men at Ellis Island waiting to travel circa 1910.

In the early 1900s, my paternal grandparents were immigrants to the United States. At 18, my grandfather left family, friends, and everything he would have known in his home country of Denmark for the opportunity and hope of a better life in America.

After the death of her father, my grandmother, at 12, emigrated from Wales with her mother and siblings. Both grandparents had a long journey by ship across the North Atlantic. All their worldly possessions amounted to little more than checked luggage for a two-week vacation today.

Each grandparent entered through Ellis Island, the federal immigration station of the time, where millions of Americans can trace some of their family roots.

I was always fascinated by the unknown mysteries of how these two people I loved and admired could be so brave and courageous. Due to the advent of passenger flight, traveling such a distance today wouldn’t be thought of as daring, people often do it for mere pleasure.

A woman and children at Ellis Island circa 1910.

Scripture shares about others who made a step of audacious faith in the promise of a better life. It took courage for Moses to leave Egypt and head into the wilderness with the Israelites. It took fearlessness for Joshua to cross the Jordan and head into the promised land. It took fortitude for Joseph to flee Bethlehem and head to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. It took grit for the fishermen to leave everything behind and follow Jesus as a disciple.

Difficult challenges lay ahead of them. Yet, God would strengthen them to take the next step toward the hope of a better future. It is the same for you and me so be emboldened by God’s presence. You can find each of the Biblical journeys mentioned at the links below:

• Moses leaving Egypt, Exodus 13:17-14:31
• Joshua crossing the Jordan, Joshua 3:1–4:9
• Joseph and Mary fleeing Bethlehem, with Jesus, Matthew 2:13-15
• Fishermen following Jesus, Matthew 4:18-22

Be emboldened by God’s presence.

— Manette Kay

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with. You wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Dear Reader, do you have fortitude and strength of character for the journey towards the hope of a better future? If you need some encouragement read the stories of the faithful believers mentioned above.

Prayer:
Holy Father, you are faithful and can be trusted. I am grateful to have your presence with me wherever I go. Make me strong and courageous. When I am afraid, Holy Spirit, remind me that Yehovah’s ways are better than any plans I could ever make, so I need not be discouraged.

You will lead me. When I follow your path, I will have hope for a better future. The sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf secures my eternal dwelling with you in Heaven. Thank you for your great love for me. Amen.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.

Photo of men at Ellis Island by The New York Public Library on Unsplash.
Photo of woman and children at Ellis Island by The New York Public Library on Unsplash.

Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

21 thoughts on “Courageous Adventure”

  1. There is much encouragement to be had from the journeys of past generations and especially of the Israelites throughout history; God’s mighty hand guiding His chosen to fulfill His will. As I read this thoughtful post I was reminded of journeys that were thwarted in my past by His hand, shaping my future in Him. I am so thankful for the righteous guidance of Almighty God.
    Thank you for this meditative post Manette, may you be blessed in Him today sister 🙏

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Amen, Manette Kay. God, plus one, equals a majority. Actually, He’s in the majority all by Himself, but we get to join in His work! Stepping outside our comfort zone can be daunting, yet the Lord is with us. We need not fear. Great post. And thank you for the prayer!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. It takes a lot of courage to make such a move. Nowadays we read all about the place and garner as much information as we can before any sort of move.
    May we be emboldened by God’s presence in our own journey.
    A very encouraging message.
    Thank you Manette 😊.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re correct we would read about a place and probably physically go visit, look at houses, check the work opportunities, and schools, etc. before such a venture today. With today’s technology we would at a minimum do a “virtual” visit and tour.

      For those I spoke of there was no turning back regardless of what lay ahead.

      Thank you for reading and commenting, Manu. Yehovah bless you.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Your post resonates with memories of my grandfather coming from Italy in 1905 at age 16. In his entire life he only went once to visit after the death of one of his brothers. They were so brave though they never thought of themselves so.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pastor Pete, I’m glad it stirred memories for you. My grandfather came in 1918 and like your grandfather only returned one time. They were brave, hard-working people, humble enough to take on anything to survive.

      Thanks for reading and sharing. Yehovah bless you.

      Like

  5. My great grandparents came to America from the Netherlands on both sides. The Dutch settled in Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and Canada. Today the Netherlands is void of God. I have wondered what would have happened if all those people had stayed and not left their homeland.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Most likely. I am not sure why they immigrated but I do know they were church going people. To be Dutch in this country during that time meant they also went to church. So I know they were at least Christian in name.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Pingback: When God Says No – Devotional Treasures

    1. Alan, I’m amazed and humbled that God used my story to inspire your writing. Thank you for crediting and sharing the link to my post.

      As I read your devotional, I could nod in agreement with the many times God directed my comings and goings. Each affirms the truth David declared in the Psalms. “If you do what the LORD wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure” (Psalm 37:23, CEV).

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  9. Thanks for sharing. You seem to have stirred many family stories. For myself, it recalled my father’s journey alone from Yorkshire to London, aged 14, in order to get his dad out of the coal mines. He succeeded later buying a house and bringing the whole family down south. I later had my own journey, a choice I had just one hour to make, whether to follow God’s lead to Hong Kong. I’m so glad I did as I ended up spending over twenty years in the far east having the opportunity to also share the gospel in several countries including my heart’s desire of China when it opened.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Josephine, for sharing a bit of your family history and your own personal experience about going to serve abroad in ministry and service of our LORD. Missionaries hold a special place in my heart. Yehovah bless you.

      Like

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