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Categories: Hazel Rosetta Smith,
By Hazel Rosetta Smith
Noah and the story of the Ark in the Book of Genesis 6:8-22 is an informative read for all ages. It is biblical text to Christians, others consider it to be folklore, a good yarn to tell. Most can agree in some respects it speaks to our present-day plight, not too far-fetched from our pandemic dilemma and political mishmash.
As the story unfolds, we find Noah was both shocked and leery of God’s request regarding preparations for an upcoming 40 days of rain that would engulf the entire world as he knew it.
In absolute obe-dience to God, Noah took on the command wholeheartedly and even engaged his sons to participate, much to their chagrin. Noah was a recipient of humiliation and insult. His commitment and daily diligence made him the joke of the community as they observed the building of the huge boat on dry land. Through it all, Noah did as he was told and lo and behold, the ark was built, and the rain did come.
Those who are familiar with the story will remember its ending was a new world and a new life for those who survived the journey. Others who read the story have overlooked the meaning of the saga and chose instead to devote centuries in search of the ark’s landing site.
Finding the ark to prove its validity may not be as important as what we can learn from Noah’s story of patience and perseverance. We, too, can set our boat afloat onward to safety and ultimate deliverance. Amateurs built the ark, but they did not give up. An old story speaks great truth today.
If there is anything you receive from reading Noah’s story, it will be acknowledging the truth about the doubters along your journey who were determined to turn you in another direction. Remember those who refused to believe that you would succeed? They thought you could not persevere.
There were times when you felt the anguish of being the brunt of jokes from family and friends and even employers about your decision-making.
It is not easy to sustain an act in good faith. It takes patience and perseverance when negativity and non-believers surround you. As hard as you may try to maintain excellence in your work, the influencers and narrow-minded people in your circle can affect your grandest plan, simply because you thought of it first. There will be those who covet what you have been given and are deeply jealous of what you have accomplished. Stay steady like Noah and see what the end shall be.
We must keep hope alive for however long it takes. We must believe there is a good purpose and a good plan for the good somewhere to be found.
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, Executive Artistic Director for Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries, retired former Managing Editor, and Woman’s Editor of the New York Beacon. Contact: misshazel@twc.com and online at www.hazelrosettasmith.com]
