“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12

Lashes and lies, that’s the pirate’s way. Ya got blamed fer something ya didn’t do an’ now yer in tha brig feeling sorry fer yerself while waiting ter get tha whip? Well, la-di-da. Welcome ter living life with scoundrels, thieves, and murdering cutthroats.

Now if ya done wrong, getting the lash be jest tha thing ya need. Ter be sure, incorrigibles who shut thar ears ter stern warnings need correcting.

But if folks be speaking lies ‘bout ya on account of tha Son ya follow, well then, that be a right fine thing ter celebrate. Thems that sailed after tha Son years ‘fore ya got tha lash and stocks, sword and gallows. They did so ‘cause tha booty promised be worth more than any small amount of flesh that tha cat o’ nine tails might yank away.

Lad like yerself might think ya different and special, unique and worthy of respect. Maybe yer mum or pop told ya such stuff ter make ya stop crying. But out here where thar be monsters, tha and wind and waves not be a respecter of feelings, mate.

Ya want to stand out? Then stand fer something that matters more’n land and sea, sky and spirit. Take a stand fer tha Son who guards yer soul and saves ya from yer grave offenses.

Do that an’ when the lash lands, its pain be a blessed reminder that ya be counted worthy ter serve in his crew.