Authors Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart introduced the phrase “Godwink” to express the mysterious ways in which divine influence manifests in our lives. They provided an example during an Easter story, contemplating how life-changing events often lead us to assist others, only to discover it’s ourselves that are being transformed.
“God loves you even if you reject Him.”
A few years back, during Easter in New Orleans, the city was vibrant, with shop windows displaying sequined Mardi Gras outfits alongside colorful decorations of chocolate bunnies and lilacs.
Jerry Ponson walked through the French Quarter with his girlfriend Shannon, exchanging laughter and affectionate glances.
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Ponson was a mix of youthful wonder and the assertiveness of a boat captain directing his crew. Shannon, a nurse, had been striving to cultivate a more carefree demeanor, although she held concerns about her partner’s potential for violence as their relationship progressed.
Luckily, Jerry’s sister, Penny Ponson, became a confidante for Shannon. They bonded over their shared faith and often discussed the importance of believing in a force greater than themselves. Penny recounted a recent conversation with Jerry about spirituality.
“I told him, ‘Even if you turn your back on God, He’ll still love you!'”
“What did he say?” Shannon asked, intrigued.
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“Get out of the house!”
They both chuckled at that.
a storm brews
Every spring break, Ponson followed a tradition, duck hunting across the bay with his friend Mac and Mac’s loyal Golden Retriever, Booga. This year was different, though, as Mac was grieving the recent loss of his wife after 45 years together.
The trio set out early, around 4:30 a.m., in Ponson’s small boat. Booga took his place at the bow while Jerry wrapped Mac in blankets, given the chilly 30-degree weather.
Cold water splashed over the boat, flipping it into the water like a toy.
Ponson initially felt a thrill of adventure, but soon unease crept in as the wind began to shift and the boat rocked. He always monitored the weather, instinctively aware of changes, yet a sudden storm—previously uncharted by meteorologists—emerged, unleashing gale-force winds and massive waves.
Suddenly, icy water cascaded over the gun muzzle, turning their vessel upside down and tossing them into the dark, freezing depths.
Ponson immediately grabbed his friend’s life jacket, urging him to keep moving to combat the chilling water that threatened to induce hypothermia.
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Then, something hit his arm—one of the boat’s push rods. Clinging to it, he felt some relief; at least they now had something to grasp.
“Hold on, Mac!” Ponson shouted over the chaotic winds. “Help will come!”
“Hang in there, Mac. Daylight is coming. Someone will find us.”
Booga was panting in panic. Ponson clutched the dog tightly as waves continued to batter them in that starlit abyss.
“It’s freezing, Jerry,” Mac murmured weakly.
Ponson felt a surge of helplessness. Reluctantly, he faced an agonizing choice.
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“I can’t help you both, Mac,” he said empathetically. “I have to let Booga go.” Determined, he sent the dog toward the shore, clinging tightly to hope.
“Don’t worry, Mac. It’ll get light soon,” he urged. “Help will be here.” Yet, minutes slipped away without a single boat in sight.
His thoughts wandered to Shannon, a believer who always gave him space for reflection.
As more time passed, the gray sky began to break, but a soaking fog enveloped their surroundings.
Then, something moved in the mist.
“I can’t hold on any longer,” Mac gasped.
In that moment, Jerry recalled what Penny had said: “God loves you, regardless!”
Facing the heavens, he whispered, “If you’re there, send a boat,” and almost instinctively added, “Give me another chance.”
Miraculously, less than a minute later, he spotted movement through the fog—a vessel’s mast breaking through.
‘immediately’
He waved his shirt frantically, calling out, “Mac! A boat! They see us!”
A smaller boat soon arrived, ferrying them to a larger one. As Ponson ascended the rope ladder, he noticed the name emblazoned on the hull: “Second Chance.”
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Relief washed over him as he witnessed Mac being whisked away to the hospital by ambulance.
As they docked back in New Orleans, another surprise awaited: Booga was there, excitement bubbling over, very much alive.
Amidst all this, the best surprise of all appeared: Shannon stood on the dock, tears in her eyes.
As they embraced warmly, Ponson knew exactly what he wanted to say, inspired as much by the name of that boat as by their miraculous escape.
“God urged me to say this: Will you marry me?”
Joy flooded across Shannon’s face. “Yes,” she answered, adding after a moment, “but on one condition.”
“Let’s do it immediately. Will you marry me on Easter Sunday?”
The tears flowed as she confirmed, “Absolutely.”
A few days later, they tied the knot in a charming New Orleans wedding chapel, with Mac in a wheelchair and Booga as the honorary “groom.” A new chapter began for them.
In the weeks that followed, Ponson expanded his role as a fishing boat captain to work part-time at a local church, sharing his testimony throughout the community.
This story, as told by Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart, serves as a cherished reminder of faith, love, and the extraordinary opportunities life presents.
