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Same Storm Different Boat

We reflect on Matthew 8:23-28:
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

You may have seen this moving around the internet:

After listening to some pretty harsh comments & arguing over reopening or completely shutting down for another two weeks, someone in their right mind wrote this.

We don’t know who wrote it, but it’s spot on.

"Perspective: WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT ...

I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.

For some that live alone they are facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.

With the increases in unemployment and other assistance some are bringing in more money to their households than they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.

Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.

Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk, and eggs for the weekend.

Some want to go back to work because they do not qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others are very angry at those who break the quarantine.

Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12-hour workday.

Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don't believe this is a big deal.

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come. So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.

Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is especially important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually, seeing.

We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.

Realize that and be kind.“ Unknown author

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We pray for miracles, yes! Miracles come in many forms. They may look like front-line workers, nurses, doctors, ambulance attendants, grocery store workers, truck and delivery drivers, research workers, kindness amongst neighbors. The miracle may be the smile coming from under masks! Anticipate it and give it away. Miraculous Expectation is a piece of our faith life.

Let us keep praying through times of re-entry that we be granted wisdom, guidance from our Triune God and that we never set aside or forget those who have suffered and or died during these times.