I have been meeting Jessica for Bible study every Thursday for three months. She lives in a shelter for woman fleeing domestic violence and is in the process of healing and recovery. While there are small victories with court dates, restraining orders, housing vouchers, and peer led support groups, nothing brings justice like the teachings of Jesus. When I arrive for our sessions, Jesssica is always sitting at a table, waiting for me, with snacks, ready to read the Word of God.

This week, we read the story of Jesus walking on the water. In the story, there is chaos, fear, doubt, and terror. Jesus responds with courage, comfort, and calm. “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” To the question of “Lord, if it is you”, Jesus says, come, get out of the boat, participate with me in the miraculous. When your heart sinks into the trauma of sexual violence, take my hand, I will embrace you. Don’t be afraid to have your own apartment, go back to school, and believe that you deserve life. I reach out my hand to pull you up, to keep you from sinking, not to give you a black eye. Jessica, get ready to walk on water!

Michael Cox