Keep Swimming

It’s been a hard summer. The July 4th flash-flooding killed over 130 people in the Texas Hill Country. Our nation remains so politically divided that Americans argue with each other about the way that living beings are treated. There is now a prison in Florida called Alligator Alcatraz where people have their pictures taken in front of its sign and laugh about the concept of humans being eaten by alligators. Humanitarian concerns re: the immigration crisis, women's rights, lgbtq+ rights, etc. continue in our country. Texas is now facing possible gerrymandering. International reports about war and starvation in Gaza are non-stop. It’s overwhelming.  

I go to church for a variety of reasons. For one thing, the Sunday sermons tend to provide such insight for the week to come. If I don’t make it to church in-person, I try to watch the service online when I get time. I’m learning a lot during my church’s current summer sermon series: Lights, Camera, Action! This is how the Worship Guide describes it: Every great film begins with a spotlight, a lens, and a moment when the director says, “Action!” The “Lights” help us notice what needs our attention. The “Camera” reminds us that before action, there’s preparation. And when God calls “Action,” we’re invited to step into our roles. Each week of this summer series, a different pastor will bring a favorite film alongside a biblical text to explore how stories can inspire us to see, prepare, and act with faith. From Field of Dreams to Finding Nemo, these films help us reimagine what it means to be the Church and remind us that we are each a character with a part to play.

Pastor Christopher focused on the movie Encanto. He did a great job using that movie to make several points. What really stood out to me was that we all have areas of strength that we can use to help others. It’s so important to discover and use our strengths even if they’re different than the strengths of others. Pastor Christopher encouraged each of us to remember that society needs each of us to use our strengths even if we don’t think our strengths matter. This really made me think. Such a good sermon!


Pastor Jessica’s movie was Finding Nemo, and I was reminded of two words: Keep Swimming! That phrase is said over and over during Finding Nemo. I think it needs to be said over and over right now.  During this time when the news is filled with constant tragedy, constant turmoil, and constant trauma, it’s so easy to want to give up and just ignore everything. But that’s not what we’re supposed to do. We need to keep swimming. Keep going. Keep following our paths. Whatever that path might be. Keep swimming and encourage others to keep swimming. Keep using our strengths to help society. Keep speaking up and speaking out. We need to keep swimming and stick together. 

Each of us has strengths that are necessary and much-needed by society. Of course, it’s important to practice self-care, but please don’t give up. Use your strengths to help society and never forget to Keep Swimming!

Character Strengths

Stand in the Gaps

What a week it’s been.

On July 3rd,  Congress passed the H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act which:

• funds the border wall, deportations, and a missile shield

• Includes deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in order to fund the bill’s tax breaks and spending

• slashes clean energy tax credits

• could add $3.3 trillion to deficit

On July 4th, deadly flash flooding began in Texas. The losses across the Texas Hill Country and at Camp Mystic are making so many of us feel helpless. As of Sunday, July 6th, the death toll has risen to 82 people and 8 campers are still missing. 

I grew up in church, so I’m used to people praying before meals and praying for those who are going through tough times. However, to be honest, prayer doesn’t always seem like enough to me, so what are we supposed to do when disaster happens? When so many are hurting? When the world seems to be falling apart?

I feel powerless right now, and I have to admit that I didn’t make it to church this morning. However, I’m so thankful that I watched today’s service online because Pastor Billy’s sermon was exactly what I needed to hear. It really helped me get some clarity on what it means to be the "hands and feet of Christ” during times of conflict, destruction, and loss.

During his sermon, Pastor Billy said, “When there’s brokenness in the world, God calls upon the servants to stand in the gaps, and that’s how healing is accomplished.” What does the term stand in the gaps mean? How do we stand in the gaps? According to Pastor Billy, there are some concrete ways to stand in the gaps for others:

• Pray for others. 

• Advocate for justice for the vulnerable

• Offer our presence and support for those in difficult situations

• Be a bridge between those who are broken and those who need to experience real hope in their lives

Of course, Pastor Billy’s sermon went much more spiritually in-depth than this blog, but I’m so thankful that I watched the service today because it encouraged me to continue advocating for the vulnerable, to look for ways to support those who are in difficult situations, and to always try to be a bridge so the broken can find real hope. 

In order to advocate for justice for the vulnerable, I will continue to protest, continue to march, continue to vote, continue to contact my politicians, continue to make my voice heard. I’m, also, working with a local group to try and get like-minded people to run for office. Protesting and marching are fun, but there’s work to be done, so please see what you can do to help out. 

One of the ways to offer our presence and support for those in difficult situations right now is by donating to support those who are dealing with the devastating floods. Info and links are below. 

1) The Community Foundation of the TX Hill Country's Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/.../create/fund...

2) The Central & South Texas chapter of the American Red Cross is offering disaster relief including financial assistance, shelter, and support. Put "Guadalupe River/Kerr County Flood" or "TX Hill Country Chapter” in the memo/designation field.

https://www.redcross.org/.../central-and-south-texas.html

3) Where to donate near Austin:

https://www.statesman.com/.../how-to-help.../84479206007/

The first week of July 2025 will definitely go down in history. As you look back a year from now, hopefully, you’ll be able to say that you helped make a difference during a time when many were giving up. Please allow yourself to be an advocate for the marginalized, a support for those who are suffering, and help build a bridge between those who are broken and those who need to experience real hope in their lives.