USA – Action and truth, December 11, 2025

   I heard a story about an old man that had gone to spend some time on the beach and gaze at the beauty of the ocean shore. It was at the time the tides of the water were pulled away from the beach and he noticed a young boy walking along the beach. As the boy slowly walked, he would stop and pick up a starfish and throw it out into the ocean. The old man watched the boy as he slowly got closer, stopping every few minutes to throw another starfish, he was compelled to approach the boy and asked him what he was doing and the boy said, “trying to save some of these starfish”.

   The old man gently put his hand on the young boy’s shoulder and turned him around to look at the beach behind and then turned him back around to look at the beach in front of him. Then he asked the boy, “Do you see all the starfish behind you and all the starfish in front of you? What difference is what you are doing going to make?”

   The young boy didn’t respond immediately, he simply reached down and picked up another starfish. Then with the starfish in his hand, he looked at the old man and said with genuine love and devotion to his task: “It makes a difference to this one.” And then he threw the starfish back into the water.

   Our community is facing the reality of rising water and flooding that is causing damage; physically, mentally and emotionally to many families. It is difficult when we face circumstances in our lives that we neither expected or did anything to make happen. If there is anything praiseworthy or excellent during these times, it is that many people testify that even though they don’t pray often or even ever had, they are praying.

   We are blessed to witness so many people sacrificing to help others. A place to park an RV, a warm dry place to stay, a bowl of soup, a safe place for their animals and pets, a listening ear, a hug and a prayer and hopefully a commitment to continue loving and walking through life with them. No longer as servants, fellow residents or even neighbors, but as friends. For those of us that have accepted the eternal life that Jesus made possible for everyone through the forgiveness of our sin, His love is a reflection of our relationship that we have with our Father in heaven and Jesus that is poured out for others.

   Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. This is My command: Love each other.”  (John 15:13-17)

   “A friend loves forever and a brother or sister is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

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