Rocking the Boat

I remember the time my siblings and I stole my older brother’s dory and rowed out to a little island off from our house. As we began our journey back, the wind picked up and started to blow us off course. “Row harder, row harder!” I shouted as we gripped the oars, straining every muscle while the waves rocked the boat and pushed us farther from the shoreline.

The experience was terrifying, and I shudder at the thought of it now. Thankfully, the dory didn’t capsize and eventually landed us in a protected cove on the other side of the main harbor. Boy, did we get scolded!

In a literal sense, I can relate to the fear and uncertainty of being in a rocking boat. Our actions led us into turbulent waters, yet, much like the spirit, the wind ultimately guided my siblings and me to safety. If the wind had blown us in the wrong direction, it could have swept us out to sea, and our naivety would have put us in great danger.

Figuratively speaking, “rocking the boat” refers to actions that cause conflict and disrupt calm. This is because many view conflict as negative and tend to avoid it at all costs. Conflict, however, when handled constructively, can have positive effects, leading to growth and transformation.

As a child, growing up in an environment filled with unhealthy conflict, I had to learn to keep the waters calm—to not “rock the boat,” so to speak.

Understanding the difference between constructive and destructive conflict has helped me to step out of my comfort zone. Although I’m no longer afraid to rock the boat today, I recognize from my experiences that an “I’m right, and you are wrong” mentality can very well tip the boat over.

Jesus rocked the boat by challenging the religious traditions and social norms of His time. He healed on the Sabbath, defying the restrictive interpretations of the law, and willingly engaged with outcasts and sinners. He prioritized divine law and love over the rigid, man-made rules and power structures that the Pharisees so coveted.

Jesus encouraged people to question their established beliefs and seek a deeper, more inclusive understanding of love and acceptance. His mission was to save all of humanity, and His actions often disrupted the status quo. Not only that, but He broke down barriers, advocated for the marginalized, and exemplified the courage to stand up for His beliefs, inspiring others to do the same.

Derick and I were deeply inspired by you, Burns Mosa. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. The kindness and warmth you extended to our family during a time when our faith was shaken gave us the hope we needed to maintain the peace of Christ in our lives.

Quispamsis United Church, where our family now attends, became “Open and Affirming” a few years ago, creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. This is especially important for my non-binary child, their spouse, and our three grandsons, as it allows them to experience love and acceptance within a church community. It also helps them heal from the scars of hatred they've unfortunately faced in both the secular and Christian worlds.

The church has become a source of enlightenment for us again. Our oldest grandson occasionally shares his musical talents with the congregation by playing the piano. Meanwhile, our youngest grandson, who is just five years old, brings smiles to everyone with his charming personality as he stands larger than life on stage, singing to us all.

Did Quispamsis United Church rock the boat by becoming “Open and Affirming?” Absolutely. Did they tip the boat over? Certainly not. The love of Christ is a safe harbor that transcends human understanding, embracing all believers and keeping our boat secure in the storms that inevitably accompany change.

Rocking the boat isn't something to be taken lightly. We must always remain mindful of Jesus’ message to love our neighbor as ourselves when challenging the status quo, because those who disagree with our faith path are also part of God’s fleet.

Furthermore, by showing respect and love for one another, I believe our paths will ultimately reunite on the common shore of Christ as we navigate our journeys to advance the Kingdom of God.

As we approach the Christmas season, I pray that the personal, political, and religious divides affecting families can be bridged, even if the boat is rocking slightly. We never want it to capsize and leave us adrift in a sea of regret.

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6

Bottom line: Love must win the day, for if we lose sight of love, we close our listening ears and become no more than another clanging cymbal.

Merry Christmas.