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