As seen in the Tried & True Summer 2025 issue
A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.
—William G.T. Shedd, American Theologian
There’s a certain comfort in staying where it’s safe. In a harbor, a ship is protected—tied off, anchored and still. But that’s not its purpose. A ship was built for the wide-open sea—for risk, movement and a mission.
People are made with purpose, too. And that purpose rarely involves playing it safe. Growth almost always starts with risk—starting a new project, leading a team, embracing innovation. It can feel unsettling, even overwhelming at times. But just like a ship, we weren’t built to sit idle. We were made to go, to grow and to serve.
Success doesn’t usually look like staying in calm waters. It’s facing the waves head-on, adjusting your sails when needed and pressing forward with resilience and courage. Every obstacle, every unknown, is an opportunity to sharpen your skills, strengthen your character and deepen your impact.
The open water can be unpredictable, but it’s where real progress happens. It’s where ideas are tested, dreams are realized and purpose is fulfilled. So, whether you’re launching a new idea, navigating an unexpected challenge or charting a course into unfamiliar territory, don’t be afraid to leave the harbor behind.
You weren’t made for stillness. You were built for the open water—and the journey ahead is yours to take.
