Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Shelley Schurch
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Forecasters had been warning us for a couple of days of a strong storm moving in, with the potential for 58 mph winds and golf-ball (or larger) sized hail. We were counseled to move vehicles into their garages or, if our garages were full, to find a parking garage that would give protection.
We prayed that the Lord would weaken the storm, and I’m sure many others were asking Him for the same mercy. How thankful we were that the storm damage turned out to be minimal, although loud thunderclaps let us know the predicted storm had arrived on time and was passing through our area.
My photo was taken the next morning as we headed out on our post-breakfast walk, under a beautiful blue sky. This neighbors’ car, and several others, were the only reminders of the ominous forecast, of what could have been.
The other vehicles we saw were covered with large pieces of cardboard; this car won the prize for the neatest security blanket. It looked like the owners had taken great care preparing for the storm. Looking at the photo I thought, “Gotcha covered!”
The long line of English teachers in my past might not approve of the word “gotcha,” or even stoop to call it a word. But I happen to like it, at least when it’s used in a positive sense. It makes me feel like this car would feel if it had a sensitive soul – protected, cared for.
Perhaps it would ease those teachers’ minds if I eased up a bit and said, with a little less slang, “I’ve got you!” I see you, I understand, I’ll take care of this.
Several years ago I bought both mugs and T-shirts proclaiming, “God’s got this.” I gave some away as gifts to people I hoped would “get” the “got this” message.
I kept two mugs and two T-shirts for home use. I wore one of the shirts this past week, on a day when I was needing the reassurance that God was listening to my fervent prayers, was paying kind attention to me, was caring about the situation I was fretting about, and was up to something good. It helped.
But “gotcha” can also have a negative meaning: Caught you! You’re trapped! Now you’re doomed and done for!”
I think the devil plays this game of “gotcha” with all of us, hoping to brainwash us into thinking there’s no hope for us sinners who have in no way earned the right to live forever in heaven with Jesus.
He’s right about us not having earned that right, but he’s wrong, dead wrong, about how we get to heaven.
Hear the word of the Lord:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV)
. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6a)
As we head out into this brand-new week, remember and rejoice: God’s got you!