Howellclan Connection: February 2023 Newsletter

Howellclan Connection

In the hall of our house, hangs a painting of mine. It depicts a sailboat riding the tumultuous seas in a storm. The colours depict a sky that is filled with aggression and rage. It’s not a peaceful scene. Yet, I don’t quite have the words for it, but to me, it’s one of those paintings that the more I look at it, the more peaceful it becomes.

As I sit with this idea, I think it might have to do with the stability of the boat or even the feeling of the fleeting nature of the storm. Maybe as the hardened fisherman, it’s the sense of familiarity in the storm and security in the hope we have.

Recently I was talking with a friend about this very topic of storms in life and how we deal with them. As I was sharing my own personal voyage, through storm-laden seas, these last few years, he just looked at me with a sense of confusion. Finally, the question that had been surging to the surface like the tide came forth. “How are you able to keep your positive attitude? How are you still kind and loving? How are you not sunk?”

I was able to humbly proclaim one word, “faith”! My faith in a loving Abba goes deeper than any feeling or circumstance. A faith that gazes well beyond the bleak horizon that I see in front of me. A faith that I will see the hand of God at work, maybe simply stabilizing the ship.

In a culture where faith is often taught, seen, or approached in an abstract theoretical way, this is a powerful new truth. This led my friend to ask new questions; deeper questions, honest questions, and questions that lead to a new understanding. Maybe soon arriving at the truth that this type of faith is real and present and a powerful introduction to a loving and merciful God. Would you please join us in praying for these conversations and the dear friends whom we engage with? Each day brings a new opportunity to walk in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Requests: Health and Safety. We are still recovering from the car crash last year. Also, please pray for this situation to be resolved in a positive way. Pray for all of our family as we continue to navigate the new course that post-COVID-19 has brought with it. May the land of Ireland experience an outpouring of God’s love and mercy that has not been seen for generations.

Thank you for all your love and support throughout the years.  We love you all.

Grace and Peace,

The Howell Family