Recommended

CP VOICES

Engaging views and analysis from outside contributors on the issues affecting society and faith today.

CP VOICES do not necessarily reflect the views of The Christian Post. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s).

Help Those Close to Home

Credit :

Summer solstice brings amazing tidal action along the coastline—real low tides and then large waves that bring all sorts of things to shore.

I carefully made my way over seaweed covered rocks, enjoying the hot sun. An eagle soared just above me, watchful for the next meal.

As I was about to place my boot on the next rock, I saw a stranded sea creature—a medium sized Dungeness crab. The tide was on its way out, and this forlorn crab wouldn't survive until the water's return. I knelt down and gingerly picked it up with her pinchers away from me.

Get Our Latest News for FREE

Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.

Crab legs frantically moved in unison—the defense mechanisms kicking in against her anticipated demise. Yet, she didn't know I had a different plan.

I made my way across the exposed tidal flat, then bent down and placed the struggling crab in the water. She scurried into the kelp bed and was immediately hidden. I stood and looked back at the distance I'd covered. No way the crab could have ever made it on its own. And there were probably other stranded sea creatures along the shores I'd never see, but I saved one.

Credit :

Okay. This isn't about saving a stranded crab. Sigh. It's about stranded people. While the debate continues over what to do with those on our borders, I'm thinking about those down the highway from me. Kids in poverty—just miles from my own front door. There's a Christian saying that God will do what we can't, while we do all we can. There's so much I can't do for children thousands of miles away, but I can do something here. And just like my token effort made a difference to a lowly crab, how much more could I offer a needy child in my own community?

Karen Farris served in the crisis pregnancy ministry — traveling thousands of miles and speaking to over 10,000 students about their life choices — for nearly a dozen years. She became a grant writer and helps find resources for projects that serve those in poverty, mainly children. She's been a blogger since 2010 — Friday Tidings — sharing stories of faith, life, and purpose to give hope in a hurting world.

Was this article helpful?

Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, you're helping to keep CP's articles free and accessible for everyone.

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles. Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More In Opinion