Counselor’s Corner - November 14, 2022 Edition

Dear Teacher,

She's a shell of her former self. Once a floating beauty since its maiden voyage in the early 1990's, the Diamond Lady was a sight to behold. As a floating casino, the Diamond Lady was the first legal gambling vessel launched into Iowa's portion of the Mississippi River. Sadly, the historic riverboat cruise ship, formerly christened by "Wheel of Fortune's" Vanna White, now lays in destruction.

Glory days had her in full commission, traveling the Mississippi from Biloxi to Memphis, where she was docked at the Riverside Park Marina. However, a severe winter storm in 2021 cause a buildup of ice around the boat's hull, tragically sinking the magnificent Diamond Lady. Her owners thought she was gone forever, lost to the weight of burden.

However, recent recession of the Mighty Mississippi has revealed the amazing boat thought to be forever-sunken. With her once-gleaming paddle wheel, decks, and hull exposed, the historic boat sits stuck in the mud where it sank in Memphis last year. However, park owner, Rita Stanley, believes that when the water come back in, Diamond Lady will again float. Moreover, Diamond Lady's 81-year old chief mate, Don Sanders, doesn't see the mud, looted interior, and rusted smokestacks. Instead, he who launched her 30 years ago, only sees potential, imploring the boat's owner to "just get her afloat, cleaned up, and find a new venture for her." She was designed to float!

And just like the Diamond Lady, you were designed to float! Sure, you've been through professional storms that left you sinking into a river of depression. You know what it's like to be swamped with overwork, stuck in the heaviness of responsibility, and weighted down by burden. However, God's promise to "watch over you and keep you always" [Psalm 121:8] ensures that you will rise above the depths by calling His name. David knew this when he wrote "Deliver me from the mire and do not let me sink; May I be delivered from my foes and from the deep waters" [Psalms 69:14]. So there in your sinking circumstances, know that "you are a precious vessel of God" [2 Timothy 2:21-23], and that even though "we go through fire and water, He will bring us to a place of abundance" [Psalm 66:12] and restoration. He who launched you into education only sees your potential to float again!

Anticipating your new-found float,
Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor