Eternal Father Strong to Save

As what one would term a “Fleet Sailor” in the United States Navy for thirty-four years I has the good fortune of being mentored by some of the finest leaders that have gone down to the sea in ships. Several of them were World War II veterans and many saw combat and death up close and personal in Vietnam. In short these were the men who made a lasting impression and made me for better or for worse the person I am today – not only as a Sailor, but perhaps more importantly as a member of our local community.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Father,_Strong_to_Save

Recently, upon hearing of the passing of my last afloat Commanding Officer the words of Eternal Father String to Save or more commonly referred to as “The Navy Hymn” came instantly to mind. 

“Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm does bind the restless wave,
Who bids the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.”

Like many current U.S. Navy traditions and customs, the hymn was derived from Great Britain. It was written in 1860 by William Whiting, who was inspired by the ever-present dangers of the sea described in Psalm 107.

The words are an integral part of all sea service funerals and depict the both the majesty and danger of the sea.  Life as well can be calm one minute and a raging tempest the next. In the eye of the storm a sailor looks to his or her captain for guidance much as in life we look to leaders and mentors who have weathered the storms before us. 

My former Commanding Officers kept me in nautical terms “headed fair” through life’s continual up’s and downs.  Unfortunately, they will never know the impact they had on me but even though they have entered their final port of call their legacy and servant leadership lives on through the many lives they have touched in their own special way.

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9556005-every-man-has-two-deaths-when-he-is-buried-in

Never forget no matter where you stand  your leadership and mentorship impacts those around you in ways  you will never know. As Ernest Hemingway stated “Every man (or woman) has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways men can be immortal.” 

No matter your station in life,  strive to be “immortal” –  you will never know in a lifetime how many lives you will have may have directly or indirectly touched.  Those  you have influenced may not outright say your name but rather their actions may be influenced by your lasting impression  no matter how small or inconsequential it may be.  Life may be fleeting but the legacy we leave behind for those around us defines who we really are as individuals. Be that mentor whose legacy is passed on to guide those who may be in despair and in a storm and you as indeed will be immortal.