ALL HANDS ON DECK

Thanks so much for continuing with me along my adventure aboard the Zaandam and Rotterdam cruise  ships, from March 7th to April 4th, 2020. This is a continuation of the lessons learned and of God’s  interventions, His revelations, His sustaining power, as well as the miracles He performed during my  voyage.  

In the previous LIFE study, Man Overboard, I shared how more staff were falling ill. Four passengers had  died, and Derrick began to display the symptoms of COVID. I thought he would die, but God granted us  both peace. His fever broke, and although he was still fatigued and weak, he was doing much better.  

But God didn’t stop here. While He ministered to us, He also sent hundreds of you who prayed for us,  encouraged us, advocated for us, humbled us and buoyed our spirits. We are still in awe of the love we  experienced. Friends within our Facebook communities, prayer groups from all walks of faith, church  communities, and family members interceded on our behalf. We received text messages that made us  laugh. Songs that calmed us and carried us through (Psalm 91 by Shane and Shane, Smile by Jonathan  McReynolds). That penetrated our hearts and souls. Our mothers contacted Senators and Mayors (I  even think they tried to reach the President. You gotta love momma’s fighting for their “babies”).  Friends called news stations. Some held prayer vigils. Family members sent us pictures of themselves to  connect us to home. Our daughter and her boyfriend checked on our house, stocked our fridge, and  ensured we had toilet tissue. Friends gave us medical advice. My students sought to lessen my burden  and decided I should cut the assignments in half so that I’d have less to grade (hmmm…for them or me?  It doesn’t matter. I’m going with they cared). Little boys in Bermuda followed our journey and prayed for  us every night. And Angela Bryant-Dungee turned my poem into a song (Listen To Song). 

We still don’t have the words to express our gratitude, but from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! 

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 — Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in  Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of  Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when  we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason,  when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had  tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

Lessons Learned

Derrick and I were humbled beyond words. We are so accustomed to caring for others. We are so  accustomed to doing for ourselves. To be in a situation where we had no control and our strength and  resolve were waning was new for us. And to witness this rallying of support and prayers from people all  over the world. To read the expressions of love. To be reminded of God’s love for us. Well, it was one of  the most incredible, moving, meaningful expressions of love ever experienced.  

What we learned was that no man is an island. We learned that we are called to be in fellowship with  others. We learned that it’s okay to ask for help and allow others to carry the burden with you. We  learned that we are not alone.

Lessons Lived

Like Moses in Exodus 17:8-16, we all need encouragement to keep us motivated, to remind us that  we’re loved, and to support us through the hard times. And as much as you can benefit from the  encouragement of others, you can gain a hundredfold by encouraging others. And it doesn’t take much  to be a blessing to someone else.  

Here are a few things you can try to love others intentionally and more meaningfully. 

  • Know Your Neighbors: It’s really hard to love those you don’t know. Start with the people in  your immediate neighborhood. Bake cookies and spread the love. Host a neighborhood drop-in.  Arrange a playdate with your children and children who live nearby. Find out where your more  senior neighbors may live and find ways to help them out. Tutor some children who may be  struggling. Plan time to just sit and chat for a while. And then extend out to your local  community, your church family or your colleagues. See and be seen. And truly get to know your  neighbor beyond hello. 
  • Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: It’s so easy to love those who are more like us, but we are called  to love those who may differ by race, religion, age, gender, socioeconomic status, beliefs, etc. So  make a conscious decision to make new friends. Find ways to appreciate another culture (art,  music, food, language). Hang out in a different community. Have an open mind, assuming that  you can learn as much from others as you can share with them. 
  • Invest in the Life of a Child: Who doesn’t love kids! Adopt or become a foster parent. Become a  mentor. Volunteer at a school. You’ll be amazed how you will seem to benefit more than the  child whose life you impact! 
  • Be An Ambassador of Christ: I hope their life is somehow enhanced after each interaction  because Christ was reflected in my actions and words. Live a life pleasing to Christ every day,  and you’ll bless others without even knowing it. Strive to suspend judgment (not our job  anyway) while modeling and encouraging others to walk as Jesus walked. 
  • Pray for Your Neighbors: “Ooh chile, I’ll be praying for you.” Have you heard that or made that  statement before? We often say it to avoid committing to doing more or to get out of having to  listen any longer. This is not the type of praying I’m speaking of. I’m talking about that sincere,  prolonged praying that makes a difference. I’m talking about the prayer that has you on your  knees ‘til they’re ashy and achy. I’m talking about the prayer that transforms lives! Set aside  time daily to bring the petition of others before the Lord. Keep a prayer journal where you can  record specific requests of others, and document answered prayers. And while you’re praying  for others, pray that God gives you a heart like His and that He will equip you to love as He’s  asked you to love.  

Reflections

  1.  How does 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 speak to you? 
  2. How can you more intentionally love your neighbors (or those in your family, at work or  church)?
  3. What are your personal LIFE Lessons?
    • Liberation: What new insights have you gained that have freed you from past thoughts  or practices?
    • Inspiration: In what ways have you been spiritually, emotionally or mentally motivated  to live for Christ?
    • Fortification: What additional scriptural texts, passages or stories can reinforce and  strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy?
    • Edification: How might you share your story to edify others and bring glory to God?

Playlist

As you process, digest, and apply what’s been shared, here are a couple of songs from my “Got Me  Through on the Boat” Playlist. Listen and allow the music infiltrate your soul. Read the lyrics and let the  words encourage you. And I pray that you’ll be blessed as I was.  

Prayer

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