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All posts by Submitted Story
Obituary of Sue Ellen Hoskin
Sue Ellen Hoskin, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Olathe, Kansas passed away Thursday, Dec. 4 at Olathe Medical Center surrounded by loved ones. She was born on Feb. 28, 1941, to Jessie Ellen Ford Harris and James Harris in Greenfield, Missouri. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Ft. Scott, Kansas where she lived the majority of her life. Sue was the youngest of six children and the first in her family to graduate from high school. She graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1959. Sue valued education but more than that she strived to reach the goals she set for herself. She passed on this combination of moxie and grit to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As a teenager, Sue met and fell in love with David Hoskin, of Ft. Scott. They married on Oct. 7, 1961, after he returned to the United States from service abroad in the Army.
Sue and David had four daughters, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Sue worked at The Western, Whitesides East, and Ace Hardware before retiring at age 65. Later in life she discovered a love of travel taking trips with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Sue also loved to play cards, bake pumpkin bread, and find discounts. She was an avid reader. Faith was an important part of Sue’s life. She and David were charter members of West Park Church of the Nazarene and the two later attended the First Baptist Church. Sue carried her faith with her until the end.
Survivors include three daughters, Shelly Henry (Larry) and Melissa Hoskin, all of Olathe, Kansas, and Marla Miller (Kirk) of Nevada, Missouri. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Lerin Combs, Taylor Rodriguez, Arley Hoskin, Tempest Lane, Breanna Morrison, Amory Maley, Payton Miller, and Jansen Lang, and nine great-grandchildren, Aidan, Tristan, Landon, Brynlee, Halle, Roman, Althea, Ryder, and Breckan. Sue was preceded in death by a daughter Micah Denise Hoskin, her husband David Hoskin, as well as her parents and siblings David Harris, Leroy Harris, John Harris, Emma Hall, and Katherine Rector.
There was cremation. Chaplain Dave Armstrong will conduct a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 at Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the funeral service starts. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Melvin Eugene Barker
Melvin Eugene Barker, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He was born on May 24, 1942 in Hume, MO to Alfred “Leon” Barker and Betty Ruth Anderson. He married Marilyn Margaret Tarvin on June 1, 1968, and together they had three children, Mark Eugene Barker (Renea) of Bettendorf, IA, Paul Leroy Barker (Tammy) of Peculiar, MO, and Ruthanne Renee Barker of Kansas City, KS.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1966 during the Vietnam War, before he earned an Associates degree in Drafting from Pittsburg State University. He retired in 2004 from Superior Industries. Melvin was devoted to his family; loved fishing, listening to music, target shooting, and Chevy Corvettes. His Christian faith was very important to him, and he served as a Deacon at various churches he attended over the years.
Melvin is survived by his two sons and one daughter, four grandchildren, Ethan William Barker, Ellie Elizabeth Barker, Tessa Margaret Barker, and Isaac Eugene Barker, a brother, Raymond Barker (Marie), and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Mary Allen (Larry).
Funeral services will be held at Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton Street, Fort Scott, KS on Monday, December 15th, 2025. The visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life Service immediately following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions for the Honor Flight may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of James “Jimmy” Marshall
JAMES HENRY MARSHALL
James “Jimmy” Marshall, 83, of Redfield, Kansas, passed away at his home on December 5, 2025. He was born on May 9, 1942 the son of James Henry Sr. and Alberta Lea Pavey Marshall. He married Kathy Ransier on February 7, 1994 in Fort Scott, she preceded her in death.
He is survived by a son, Lee Reeves of Newton, Kansas, and two daughters, Kamisha Bassett, and Kayle Reeves, both of Fort Scott, and several grandchildren, Dalton, Elijah, Makiya, Audrey, Xzavier, Fenton, Norah, Allie, Crystal, Larry and Kaylee. In addition to his wife, Kathy, he was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Tammy and Angela.
Jim was as Policeman in Fort Scott for a while, years ago. He worked as a truck driver and backhoe operator most of his life. If he wasn’t traveling, he was tinkering around his yard or collecting junk. Jim was a great person who would do anything to help if needed. He loved his family and died at home just the way he would’ve wanted.
After cremation, Jim will be buried in the Old Arcadia Cemetery near Arcadia, Kansas under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 9
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of December 3
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2025
- Welcome: Sixteen members representing fourteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Theresa Amershek – KVC Safehouse
- Champagne Jones- KVC, Outreach Coordinator – If you are looking for an advocate, contact Champagne. The annual Bags to Riches fundraiser is coming up. Safehouse has a virtual Christmas tree on their Facebook page if you would like to donate.
- Tammy Alcanatar – Crawford County Health Dept. – Works with teens and hosts Baby and Me Tobacco Free and hybrid prenatal classes. Tammy is the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative coordinator for southeast Kansas. More information about KPCC will be coming in the new year.
- Jennifer Gum Fowler – FS Public Library – FS Public Library has a Grinch Tree and a Grinch Give Away- to collect canned food for those in need. Individuals can earn prizes by reading or donating. The library has spaces available for therapy and telehealth. The children’s room is nearing completion; it will be for ages birth to 5th grade. The teen room and maker’s space will be next to receive renovations. December 12th at 2:15, the library is hosting a Candy Land sensory play activity. Check out their new website fortscottpubliclibrary.org.
- Cherri Walrod – Community Health Worker, K-State Extension- Funding for Cherri’s program ends this month, but KDHE and K-State have applied for federal funding. IF approved, they would be able to hire 100 new health workers in Kansas. Cherri is hopeful she will be able to continue her work under this new role. Cherri coordinates a support group for parents of children with special needs. All of her resources can be found on the K-State Extension Southwind District website.
- Dave Gillen – Beacon – The Beacon provides food for individuals and families twice per month. The Beacon receives produce on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from which clients can shop. The Beacon helps with gas vouchers, rent, and utilities. In November, the Beacon helped 440 families, 26 of whom were new. Numbers are up about 25% over last year. Last month, they helped with over $1,000 dollars of assistance. All families and kids have been adopted for Christmas. The Elks program had 146 families apply for baskets this year.
- Jenny Layes- Health Worker, HBCAT – Laundry services are available on Thursdays from 12-6 at 5-Star Laundry. This service is free for all. Jenny works to connect people to resources. WorkForceOne in the HBAT office on Tuesdays from 8:00-4:00. HBCAT is starting a mentorship program that matches startups and entrepreneurs with mentors in the business.
- Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – There will be a maker’s space set up at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Building on December 13th from 10:00-3:00. Check the Bourbon County Fair Facebook page for more information.
- Stephanie Breckenridge Family Resource Center – Stephanie helps connect families with resources.
- Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program – Home visiting program for ages prenatal-6. Michelle hosts parent/child cafes, community events, and helps parents track their child’s development. She currently has a couple of open spots in her program.
- Star Culp – Parents as Teachers – PAT now has three educators who serve Bourbon County. Send any referrals you may have to Star, and she’ll connect you with the right person.
- Shelby Moore Families Together FAST – Shelby supports families with special needs children in navigating various systems and processes.
- Cathy Romero – Angels Home Health -Cathy is looking for resource groups who might volunteer to be with homebound senior citizens who don’t have family or funds. She is seeking volunteer companions who would visit seniors who can’t leave home.
- Lauren Klinksick – Account Executive, Angels Home Health – Lauren works with facilities and companies to bring services to the community. Angels Home Health’s focus this month is on diabetes. Angels Home Health can educate caregivers and patients in the home or an assisted living facility. Anyone can send referrals to Angels Home Health.
- Program:
Stephanie England & Rachel Jones, KVC 2 Gen Prevention
2Gen connects families with resources and empowerment. They are a community-based service program. 2Gen can connect clients with workforce development. They walk alongside families and individuals and help navigate various systems. 2Gen’s Goal is to keep families together. They will conduct a needs assessment, then provide the support needed. 2Gen meets families where they are and helps with whatever families may need. Support is offered 1-on-1. 2Gen’s goals are healthy families, healthy communication, and financial literacy. 2Gen receives referrals from DCF and advocates and works with individuals of all ages.
- Open Forum: Members present discussed the need for a community resource fair to connect individuals with resources and coordinate resources in the community. A group will begin planning an event for Spring 2026. If you would like to help plan, email [email protected].
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be February 4, 2026.
KS Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Approved
Kansas Broadband Receives Federal Approval for $166.6M BEAD Final Proposal
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the Kansas Office of Broadband Development’s (KOBD) $166.6 million final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The approval represents a significant milestone toward delivering high-speed internet access to the 26,673 eligible households and businesses across Kansas.
“The NTIA’s approval of Kansas’ proposal brings our state one step closer to connecting every home, farm, business, and community with access to reliable internet,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This historic investment will yield essential infrastructure, bringing 21st century tools and broadband opportunities to connect all parts of Kansas in the digital era.”
Kansas’ final proposal builds on volumes one and two of the initial proposal and is revised in alignment with NTIA’s 2025 BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The notice, issued June 6, 2025, required all states to run a new application round with additional guidance eliminating the Kansas technology preference for fiber projects. The approved plan outlines the state’s comprehensive subgrantee selection process and implementation strategies designed to ensure efficiency in the deployment of high-speed internet.
“This milestone is the direct result of shared goals and positive negotiations between our industry partners and the NTIA,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “By securing competitive bids for every eligible location, and working cooperatively with applicants, Kansas continues to prove what is possible when we prioritize transparency and public investment — and focus on building a stronger and connected economy.”
KOBD received competitive bids for 100% of the eligible homes and businesses, ultimately selecting 14 subrecipients. The approved plan includes private contributions of $61.3 million and achieved a 63% reduction in federal allocation through Kansas’ Benefit of the Bargain Round. The average BEAD cost per location stands at $6,791 with technology solutions spanning fiber (30%), fixed wireless (67%), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service (3%).
With NTIA’s approval, Kansas is positioned to push out the optimal technology solutions available and lead the state toward future-ready connectivity for generations to come.
“Our office has been hard at work with the many moving pieces of this program — and it’s because of different roles involved in the approval process that we’re able to keep moving Kansas forward,” said Bill Abston, Executive Director, Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “Our commitment to connecting Kansans, amid changing federal guidance and priorities, has been relentless — and I cannot wait to see the impact on our Kansas communities.”
KOBD will begin the next phase of BEAD implementation, including finalization of subgrantee contracts, oversight and compliance, and continued technical assistance, with anticipated groundbreaking during the second half of 2026.
For more information on the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and the BEAD program, visit here.
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From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
Culture Always Tells the Truth
Leadership books and boardrooms spend an enormous amount of time talking about strategy: five-year plans, organizational charts, metrics, and benchmarks. Ask anyone who has truly led a family, a college, a business, or a team, and they’ll tell you the same truth: culture defeats strategy every single time. Strategy may write the script, but culture performs the show.
Every organization, whether a Fortune 500 company, a community college, a small-town high school, a football team, or even a household, is “culturized.” They all project an image to the public, a polished face meant to inspire confidence. The real culture isn’t found in the mission statement or the social-media post. It shows up in daily habits, quiet interactions, and in how the people inside that group treat others when no one is watching.
Families are the clearest example. You can dress up for church on Sunday, take a perfect Christmas picture, and speak politely in public. The true culture of a family shows itself in how members support one another during a crisis, how they speak to each other at home, and how they treat guests, or strangers. Love, patience, generosity, and respect can’t be faked for long. The real culture always rises to the surface.
Businesses and teams operate the same way. Leaders can talk about excellence, teamwork, and service all day long, but the organization’s actual behavior will reveal whether those values are real or just words on a wall. Employees know when leadership is authentic, just as players know when a coach’s message is consistent. If the team’s actions contradict the message, the culture cracks, and once culture cracks, strategy collapses with it.
Yet even in strong organizations, there are always a few team members, especially ones in leadership positions, who quietly work against the mission. They stir emotions, whisper how they would have done things differently, and try to present themselves as the “real” supporter of their coworkers. On the surface, they appear helpful, but beneath it, they are promoting themselves at the expense of the team’s unity. These back-door critics rarely rise to the top of their profession, not because they lack talent, but because they fail to understand that leadership requires loyalty, humility, and alignment. When someone spends more time undermining others than supporting the direction of the organization, they reveal why they have never advanced to their desired position. Culture exposes the truth about people just as clearly as it exposes the truth about teams.
For a college, business, family, or team to earn respect, it’s not enough to build a great strategic plan. Respect is built through how people act, how they serve others, and how well they follow through on the values they preach. A strategy may outline where an organization wants to go, but culture determines whether the people inside it actually want to take the journey together.
That’s the leadership challenge: Are you building a culture where the majority is committed to the mission? If you aren’t, even the most polished plan will fail. If you are, if you create a culture of trust, service, and shared purpose, then even an imperfect strategy can succeed.
Thought for the week, “In leadership, strategy may guide the path, but culture decides whether you ever reach the destination.” Wade Phillips, Former Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Brahmas.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
Obituary of Clarice E. Russell
Clarice E. Russell Obituary
Clarice E. Russell, formerly of Redfield, KS, passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 90, in Fort Scott, Kansas, due to natural causes. Born on October 19, 1935, in Mapleton, Kansas, Clarice was the embodiment of a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith.
Clarice was the daughter of Alvin and Lucy Needham. She attended Blue Mound High School. After graduation, Clarice worked as a dental assistant for Dr. C.M. Cooper before her marriage.
In her personal life, Clarice married her late husband, Paul V. Russell, on June 9, 1957. They shared 61 years together before Paul’s death in 2018, most of those years spent on their farm near Redfield. She transitioned gracefully into her role as a farm homemaker, a title she wore with pride and joy. Clarice was a loving mother to Curtis Russell and his wife Susan of Sugar City, Colorado, and to Marsha Tucker and her husband Ken of Terre Haute, Indiana. She was grandma to Jason Russell of Caddo Valley, Arkansas, Chad Russell of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Russell Tucker of Indiana, as well as two great grandchildren.
Clarice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, her brothers Arthur and Keith Needham, and her sister Patty Williamson. She is survived by her sisters Hazel Kuhn of Raymore, Missouri, and Helen Long of Fort Scott, Kansas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A lifelong Christian, Clarice’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher since her high school years. Her commitment to her faith extended to her deep involvement with the Mt. Orum Baptist Church.
Known for her angel food cakes, Clarice’s baking was a staple at church events and family gatherings. Clarice’s passion for gardening was evident in the large vegetable garden she tended annually, with much of the excess produce shared with family, friends and neighbors. She was also a 4-H leader for the Hiattville 4-H Club and a member of the Family and Community Education (FCE) organization.
Her legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and the many lives she touched.
Pastor Waylon Ingle will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 15th at the Mount Orum Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Mount Orum Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Mount Orum Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com
Commission Catch-up by Commissioner Milburn
Mika‘s Commission Catch-up 12/1/2025
- Commissioners heard public comment from Michael Hoyt about the appointment for the 3rd district when Commissioner Milburn resigns to take her oath for District 5
- Minutes of Nov 17and 18 of 2025 were approved by all commissioners
- Commissioner Milburn discussed charges and funds during AP discussion and approval that were not approved Commissioners will collect additional information and discuss what account to pay invoices in question from.
- In Department Updates Dr. Cohen made recommendation that the commission fill a position for the Administrative Position of the Commission. Commissioners Agreed. Dr. Cohen also covered Longevity and standard practices surrounding recommending if there were to be longevity figured it be figured from Most recent Hire Date. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to approve Commissioner Administrative position to assume duties outlined by Dr. Cohen within our statutory authority pending funding Commissioner Milburn second. All approved.
- Commissioners discussed job openings in maint/sanitation, em management with ideas of partnership with other counties
- Tim with Emmerson and Co. Spoke with commission about standard practices and recommendations for deduction of employee contributions, also went over has, fsa, cobra paperwork commissioners discussed the burden to the budget that the recommendations would bring would be approximately $8,836 and would be recouped the next pay period, Commissioner Milburn made a motion to take Mr. Emmerson’s recommendation to make deduction in real time Commissioner Tran second All approved Commissioners also discussed the waiting period for insurance for new hires which eliminate more special circumstances in payroll and would go into the new handbook.
- Clerk went over lines of communications and reminded Commissioners that all need to be available to answer phone. Clerk was instructed to reach out to Vice Chair Milburn if no answer for Chairman Beerbower.
- Commissioner Beerbower covered talking points sent by our Attorney Jacob. Resolutions covering these changes will come to the commission in Resolution at the Dec 8 meeting. Resolutions were sent to the clerk to publish to the public.
- Commissioner Tran made a motion to amend the agenda for our Attorney Bob to talk about Craw-Kan Contract Commissioner Milburn second all approved
- Bob let the commission know he was able to reach craw-Kan and believes they will work with the commission on a year-to-year agreement.
- Bob recommended the commission to hire a professional to lead the planning commission through the process of a comprehensive plan.
- Bob went over the vacancy that will occur when Commissioner Milburn takes the oath for District 5 Bob and Commissioner Milburn Presented a resolution utilizing statutes, recommendations from General Counsel for the Kansas Secretary of state and recommendations by County Counsel, to appoint from New District 3. Commissioner Milburn made a motion to sign resolution 37-25 regarding the appointment of District 3 Commissioner Beerbower second all approved.
- Commissioner Tran made a motion to resend motion form 11/18 meeting that would have moved 305,000 from Jail sales tax to Sheriff, Milburn Second all approved.
- Commissioner Tran made a motion to move all of inmate money to general fund commissioner Milburn second with the request of discussion Commissioner Tran made the motion to amend the motion on the floor to move 200,000 from Inmate fund to general fund Commissioner Milburn second Commissioner Milburn and Tran voted in favor of the motion Commissioner Beerbower was opposed.
- Commissioner Tran made a motion to pay longevity to all years of service combined Commissioner Beerbower second Commissioner Tran and Beerbower voted in favor of the motion Commissioner Milburn opposed. (I opposed as I was in favor of taking the recommendation of Dr.Cohen to adopt standard practice for longevity.)
- Commissioner Milburn made a motion to sign the contract with Schwab Eaton for the Bridge Grant Project on Jayhawk Road that we have discussed several times. Commissioner Tran Second all approved
- Commissioners discussed briefly the stop signs that have had removal requests commissioner Tran expressed hesitation due to lack of historical information
- Commissioners discussed a posted speed sign on a piece of roadway that is posted at 30 mph the discussion will be brought back to the 12/8 meeting.
- Commissioner Milburn spoke with Citizen Daniels about the road closure application. The application was resubmitted to complete all signatures of all affected landowners, with this; Commissioner Milburn made a motion to move forward with the publication of road closure process Commissioner Beerbower second all approved.
- Commissioners discussed a sewer code violation Commissioner Milburn was instructed by the commission to reach out to the appraiser’s office to address, in follow up with appraisers office; Appraiser sent action items to commissioner Milburn, and after a discussion with the county attorney Commission will be working with county counselor to send case up to county attorney.
- Commissioners will be finalizing handbook and hope to have it in circulation before first of next year.
- Commissioner Milburn discussed creation of accounts for incoming commissioners; with this commissioner Milburn made a motion to allow Commissioner Milburn the authority to create accounts for incoming commissioners Commissioner Tran Second all approved.
- Commissioner Tran made a motion to make Commissioner Milburn full Admin of Verizon and Give Sheriff access to his portion of the account and to give Amber a bill view only account for ap purposes Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
- Commissioners discussed next steps of moving forward with the sale of 108 w 2nd Commissioner Milburn was tasked to draft a letter to send to local realtors with a invitation to bring a market analysis and presentation to the commission with the commission offering 6% commission to the sale. Commissioner Milburn will not be a part of the vote to hire.
- Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution to the commission for the 6th Judicial space and rent (resolution 38-25) Commissioner Milburn made a motion to pass resolution Commissioner Tran second all approved. Resolution will come to the 12/8 meeting to be signed.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 8
Watching Over Me by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Watching Over Me
Two wonderfully-talented ladies made two beautiful songs very popular many years ago. In 1959, Ella Fitzgerald recorded “Someone to Watch over Me” written by brothers George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. This sublime song was also performed in one of my favorite movies, “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” And Ethel Waters was best known and loved for singing “His Eye is on the Sparrow” composed by Civilla Martin and Charles H. Gabriel in 1905. She began singing as a guest vocalist at the Billy Graham crusades in 1957 and continued for nearly 20 years. I remember intently watching and listening to her ad lib with the biggest smile and soulful expressions. The last line of the song was impressive to me then, and it’s still impressive: “For His eye is on…the spar-row…and I know…He wa-tches…me.“
I recently came across this quote by pastor/evangelist and Revivaltime radio broadcast speaker C. M. Ward in one of my old journals: “None of us can make it through without God’s help. I need an abiding sense of God’s presence. I need a ’cloud’ by day and a ’pillar of fire’ by night. In the gloomiest hour, when the lights of this world have gone out, I need to know that He is there watching over me.”
One of my favorite scriptures is 1 Peter 5:7 AMPC: “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” The key words in this verse that are especially comforting to me are “all, affectionately, and watchfully.” God knows all about our circumstances, our emotions, our thoughts, our fears, and our faith.
Jesus’ disciples had spent years following, learning, assisting, and witnessing miracles. The storm on the Sea of Galilee was a test of the disciples’ faith. This situation was an opportunity to practice using their faith. I don’t think Jesus was impressed with their faith because, “He replied, ‘Your faith is so small! Why are you so afraid?’ Then Jesus got up and ordered the winds and the waves to stop. It became completely calm” (Matthew 8:26 NIRV). I don’t think He’s impressed with our faith when we act like we don’t have a heavenly Father to take care of us.
God is aware and cares about the smallest, insignificant things and events. “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31 NLT). Believers can find assurance in knowing God is unlimited in taking care of the big or small stuff — it‘s all the same to Him!
“The Lord sees what happens everywhere, He is watching us, whether we do good or evil” (Proverbs 15:3 GNT). This reminds me of the story about a man who was burglarizing a home as the parrot excitedly watched. In fact, the parrot repeatedly kept saying, “Jesus is watching you.“ The man couldn’t have cared less. But after several minutes the burglar noticed a vicious Dobermann standing nearby staring at him and baring his teeth. About that time the parrot screeched, “Sic ’em, Jesus!”
The Key: Believers can rest assured that God is on 24-7 watch duty because He cares.