How to Navigate Turbulent Times.

“O God, Thy sea is so great and my boat is so small.” So begins the timeless mariner’s prayer, written by poet Winfred Ernest Garrison. These simple yet profound words were engraved on a plaque once presented to President John F. Kennedy by Admiral Hyman Rickover – a reminder of human vulnerability in the face of immense responsibility. Rickover gave the plaque to each new submarine captain under his command; Kennedy kept his on his Oval Office desk. Today, the original resides in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

The prayer continues to resonate. American composer Sarah Rimkus was so moved by its message that she set it to music, aiming to convey, in her words, “the vast beauty and terror of the world that humanity has to contend with.” Her composition serves as a call to humility, mindfulness, and a deeper awareness of our relationship with the world – especially for those in positions of power.

“O God, Thy sea is so great and my boat is so small.” It is a fitting prayer for any sea captain facing stormy waters. And it is no less fitting in today’s world, as we navigate turbulent times. The need for steady, competent, and compassionate leadership has never felt more urgent.