At the end of my time in Kentucky, Mom and I decided to sail across the Kentucky River on the Valley View Ferry. It turned out to be a thrilling experience and one that I’ll not forget too soon. Mom and I pulled up to the bank of the Kentucky River and watched as the ferry chugged across to our side. A few cars pulled off and the waiting cars pulled on.

I began snapping pictures and the captain walked out from his perch. Clearly, the signs told me to stay in my car, but the captain gave me permission to get out take the photos I wanted. He also gave me a little piece of paper with the history of this ferry. Below are the highlights.

John Craig was granted permission by the Governor of Virginia (Patrick Henry) to start this ferry service in 1785. That was seven years before Kentucky would be a state. Because of this unique heritage, this ferry is allowed to fly both the Kentucky and Virginia State flags.

The Valley View Ferry has transported pioneers, farmers, business folk, Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers over the 229 years it’s traveled from one bank to the other. This little ferry is the last ferry on the Kentucky River.

I wonder if you find this as interesting as I do. Revolutionary war soldiers crossed the river in the very spot I crossed the Kentucky River! My ancestors used that ferry to move about the State of Kentucky. It was a surreal moment for me and one that I won’t quickly forget.

This little jaunt across the river brings to mind thoughts of my Christian heritage as well. Thoughts of when another group of people were faced with crossing a river or two. A few times when crossing a body of was difficult and frightening.

I recall the Hebrew nation standing at the banks of the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-14:31). Perhaps some of them felt the excitement of crossing as I did, but for most of them, it was probably terrifying. But God said, “Go” and they did.

A little later, the next generation made another crossing at the Jordan River just outside of Jericho (Joshua 3:1-4:18). The river was at flood stage and it was flowing rapidly. But again, they were told to “Go” and they did.

Jesus asked His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee and encountered a storm on at least two occasions. In one instance, Jesus walked to them from the shore (Matthew 14:22-33). On the other occasion, Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith (Mark 4:35-41).

In each of these instances, God was there. He was with them in the midst of the crossing. We can believe that He is with us through the difficulties and victories of our own lives.

Jesus told His disciples before He left that God would send the Holy Spirit to be with them and with us (John 14:26). He also said, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 – NIV)

Regardless of what we face during the day, we can be assured that we have God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit with us. We have nothing to fear.

I am thankful for my Kentucky heritage. As I get a little older and have less opportunity to visit this little piece of God’s earth, I find myself recalling stories of my youth while visiting family in those hills near Irvine. How thankful I am for memories!

I’m thankful for my Christian heritage as well. I am blessed by those who have given their all in order for me to be able to stand up for what I believe. I am rejuvenated as I read accounts of biblical heroes leading the way into the unknown. I am grateful to God for His precious gift of salvation and grace.

I pray that your relationship with Jesus is real and deep. I pray that you know He is with you. I pray that you can call upon His Name and know that He will answer. Always.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna