With dragging feet, as if they are controlled mechanically, without much control, they move across the deck.  Their feet move automatically, as if they have been captured in the repetitive scenes of a Greek tragedy. 

Their body language shouts punch drunk. Their hair, thick, not cared for or cut for a long time, bear witness of the extent of the situation. It is becoming too long. It is more than their already broad shoulders can bear. For most it has been eleven months. For one man from the Philippines, it has been sixteen months... 

Chris, visiting their ship, tells of the despair and broken morale on board the Dali, a container cargo vessel. It is different from anything he had ever seen. An all encompassing dark mood hangs over the ship, like an angry black cloud. In their heads remain the most important thought – that they have no way of getting home. It is an overwhelming thought.

Chris is there for one reason – to remind them of one truth. That there is a common juxtaposition that sets two concepts against each other, to explain, expand or confront the other...

– BUT God... 

Punch drunk? - BUT God; In despair? – BUT God... There are a multitude of ways to share this message. One can issue Bibles, share a prayer, listen attentively, or one could just be there. But, today it lies in an insignificant small act that communicates something about hope. It is a small gesture that disturbs the monotony unexpectedly for a moment, to bring new perspective. 

The chief officer with his days-old beard remarks that even shaving becomes a chore and challenge. Cut off from the outside world, something as basic as a shaving blade becomes a luxury item. Touching his unshaven face, he explains that his blunt and old razor has become nothing more than a useless ornament. 

Chris leaves, but returns with a prize in his backpack – a razor. In this seemingly unimportant act, the chief officer discovers something about BUT God… He discovers something about caring, while being reminded by such a small act that he matters too. 

Very often a story must be exaggerated to impress others. Perhaps that is why we often expect that BUT God... must be accompanied by expansive and wonderful miracles or spectacular interventions. BUT God… is also in the small, often considered unimportant acts. It is true for me, for you and for each seaman. It also lies in the small and seemingly insignificant...