Same Storm, Different Boats

In Peggy Noonan’s recent Wall Street Journal article, she quoted Damian Barr who wrote, “We are not all in the same boat. We are all in the same storm.”

That is a true and insightful statement. It is hard to comprehend that the United States went from the first official diagnosis of the COVID-19 virus to one million infections in just 100 days. And nearly 30 million people lost their jobs in those same weeks. And the storm is not over.

As I have watched the coronavirus pandemic ramp up, my heart has been moved by many images:

  • CDF Capital working with churches right now who have faced a significant negative impact, others who are reporting exciting growth in their ministries, and all who are moving the Kingdom of God forward in these unique days
  • Loved ones in nursing homes and hospitals facing excruciating isolation along with high levels of infection and death
  • Residents in lower-income communities experiencing a much higher impact

Yachts & Leaky Canoes

Perhaps one of the most striking images that caused me to pause was an evening glimpse of a homeless man living close to my house under a bridge on I-635 in northwest Dallas. Shortly before I saw him, I had been a bit distressed about the turmoil in the stock market and the impact on my retirement accounts.

CDF Capital is privileged to work with churches and leaders across the country who are devoted to bringing the shelter to those who need it most.—Dusty Rubeck

As I witnessed him preparing his humble bed under the bridge, I realized he was probably not worrying about the downward trends in a 401k account or the stock market the day before. He was probably beseeching God to provide sleep during the night and a simple meal the next day.

It is clear that this pandemic has not impacted everyone equally. As we entered this storm, some sailed into the headwinds on ocean-going yachts with plenty of resources in reserve (lots of toilet paper!).

And some entered the storm with a leaking canoe.

Shelter in the Storm

Life is not fair…it never has been. But times like these cause your heart to be torn for those who are less fortunate. And I hope it causes those of us who have survived, or even thrived, to increase our gratitude and expand our generosity.

For those of us who are old enough to remember the great hymns, I am reminded of Ira Sankey’s “A Shelter in the Time of Storm.” The lyrics of the refrain are:

O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land
A shelter in the time of storm.

I am so very thankful to have such a shelter in this weary land. Many do not. CDF Capital is privileged to work with churches and leaders across the country who are devoted to bringing the shelter to those who need it most.

We could not do so without thousands of stakeholders like you, who are standing with us during this time of crisis. Thank you.

We are all in this storm together. May we be found faithful in helping those without a boat.