Calming the Storm

Calming the Storm -Ted Henninger

This painting hangs in my house, and I love it so much. We have several paintings of the Savior in our house, like most Mormons do. However, this painting has always struck me as inspiring. I din't remember the exact time I first saw it, but I do remember it was as a teenager, and I was very overwhelmed in my life at the time. High School was rough, we had just recently moved, and I didn't have many friends.

As in this painting, my life was a whirling maelstrom, and I didn't know if I was going to survive. However, I remember the calm I felt, and the love and power as well, when I looked into Christ's eyes, when I saw this painting. Amidst all the turmoil and panic of the waves and the apostles, even with the wind and waves splashing and pressing against Him, Christ stretches forth His hand, to calm the tempest, and the fear, doubt, and despair subside to be replaced by trust, awe, and humility for Him, our Savior. I felt that I was in that moment myself, with the waves dashing about, the darkness closing in, feeling like I might be completely swallowed up by the troubles that surrounded me.

Cristo Redentor, Rio de Janeiro

Yet seeing this painting changed all that for me, and reminded me that there is One who has the power to abate the storm, comfort the lost, and succor the sick. Christ did that for those He blessed in His day and time, and I realized that He would do it for me as well; I simply needed to trust Him and ask for His help. He's always willing to help us, as if with arms wide open (Just like the Cristo Redentor in Brazil, with Christ and His wide open arms). That trust in Him remains with me today, and I keep this painting as a reminder to always trust Him and if I do, everything will work out, no matter how desperate or scary the situation may be.