Reflection for the Missing El Faro Cargo Ship

(from Psalm 139)

On the wings of the morning
and at the furthest limits of the sea
God’s hands guide the searchers.

On the wings of the morning
and at the furthest limits of the sea
God’s breath lift up the survivors.

On the wings of the morning
and at the furthest limits of the sea
God’s heart welcome
those who have died.

On the wings of the morning
and at the furthest limits of the sea
God’s arms hold and tenderly carry
all who wait and watch and pray —
younger and older,
and those yet to be born,
friends and family,
the acquaintance of a ball game
or a fishing trip,
those who’ve cooked together,
laughed together, studied together,
taken ship together,
loved deeply
and known the peace
beyond any shore we ever know,

for God has searched us
and known us all,
God is acquainted with our ways
through the highest seas
and always into the gentle deep.

(from Romans 8)

Our hearts are lost at sea,
but never people –

for there is no wind, no wave,
no chill or pull of deep,
not Joaquin’s spin,
not an aging vessel,
not choices in navigation,
not failure of systems,
and not the undertow of anything
happening in their lives —

that can separate them
from the love of family and friends,
precious memories,
hope of rescue,
and the assurance of resurrection
in this time
or a time to come.