In the Storm

It has been said by many that we're all in the same boat, regarding the Corona virus, social distancing, staying at home, etc. It has also been pointed out by many that we may be in the same storm, but not all of us are in the same boat. Some of us are in boats that are sturdy and safe. Others of us are in boats that are sinking and there is no lifeline or repairs that are available.

Depending on your intent and your point of view, both of these statements are correct. We ARE all in the same boat...the Corona virus boat. But we also have differing experiences in this boat, which makes the “same boat” analogy insufficient to say the least.

My guess is that many of those who are relatively secure during this time are looking a the pandemic as a “same boat” kind of thing. They are looking at their own experiences, and are extrapolating those experiences to everyone else. They err in that they fail to see beyond their own experience and into the lives of others who might not be so blessed.

Then there are many of those whose lives are really precarious right now, with insufficient food, insufficient funds, and insufficient toilet paper see the pandemic as a storm with different boats trying to ride it out...some boats are weathering it well, and others are quickly disappearing out of sight into the deep. These are the ones the “same boat” people fail to see. These are the ones who are struggling each day to just get through the day with kids at home, home schooling, finding food, hoping the landlord understands, and trying to make it through until the next sliver of money somehow comes their way.

I've used the “same boat” analogy in the recent past myself. I no longer will do that, because I now see that many don't have the safe and secure boat...instead, they have the sinking, floundering boat. My family has been blessed with continued work, even if stay-at-home work, monthly pension and government checks, and money in the bank. We have a freezer full of meat, enough toilet paper for the next year (we did NOT hoard...we've had an abundance for many, many months), and the means to purchase what we need in the way of veggies, fruit, milk, bread, etc...even if at higher prices.

If I am in a “safe and secure” boat, and I see someone in the same storm as I, floundering in a sinking boat, what should be my natural inclination? Look the other way? Belittle them for having a sinking boat? Send words of encouragement in a note in a bottle? Or throw a lifeline to them? Well, I think you know the answer. I shouldn't have to spell it out for you. If your boat can safely hold 4 more people, find 4 people who are floundering and invite them into your boat.

And if you're one who is floundering, don't pretend it's all OK. Those in the secure boats can't always tell if you're sinking. You might have to reach out to them and let them know you need help. It's no crime to need help from time to time.

I once was told by a wise man that yes, God loves a cheerful giver. But in order for there to be cheerful givers, there must also be gracious recipients. Can you be a cheerful giver during this time? Or do you need to be a gracious recipient? Either way, we are all in this storm together. Let's help each other ride it out to the end.