We hardly know about terrible storms at sea any more, but more than a century ago keenest interest would be paid to those waves tossing about so wildly. Many a ship cradled in those furiously churning waves was sadly destroyed. 

                Horatio Strafford had more on his mind than the turbulent ocean however. More than that, you say? That’s quite a lot especially if you are trying to cross it.  Well, he was a survivor of the Great Chicago fire, which was a most difficult time. He and his wife had committed their lives to helping those who had lost their homes, but eventually they needed a break.

                Time for a trip to Europe; at the last moment, business detained Mr. Strafford so his family went on ahead with him planning to come shortly.

                That’s where those turbulent waves come in. The ship his precious family rode in collided with another vessel and the losses were appalling. His wife was only one of 27 survivors. She clung to floating debris until rescued.   After reaching Europe the heartbroken woman sent a telegraph to her husband, “saved alone.” What poignant words.

                As the bereaved Daddy went to be reunited with his wife, it was pointed out to him where the accident had taken place. Overcome with emotion, he poured out his feelings on paper. Did he rant and rage as God? No, oh, no. It was his Heavenly Father who was deeply comforting to him. From Horatio’s pen came the subline words that we still sing today.

When peace life a river attendeth my way,

When sorrow like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

                Have you found it so?