Sea Otter Rafts in Alaska

# Sea Otters in Alaska

In the waters of Alaska, there is a species of sea otter with adorable fur that not only helps them stay warm but also keeps them afloat on the water. With approximately 250,000 to one million hairs per 2.5 square centimeters (about 1 square inch), the sea otter's coat is denser than that of any other animal, and when that fur is fluffed up, it traps air and becomes an excellent flotation device. Sea otters live in coastal waters, typically less than half a mile from shore. Their typical habitats include steep rocky cliffs, wave-breaking coral reefs, tide pools, and dense kelp beds. The sea otter is an intelligent animal, as demonstrated by its use of tools. They use rocks to crack open clams and oysters.

Moreover, sea otters are highly social animals. They often float together on the sea surface in groups, which are called "rafts." Sea otter rafts are typically organized by gender, and sea otters maintain contact with others in their raft through regular physical touch, or by wrapping themselves in kelp. They often wrap themselves around the tops of kelp forest areas before sleeping to anchor themselves and stay closer together. The formation of rafts has helped sea otters protect themselves from predators, conserve energy, and stay warm during rest. This behavior symbolizes the importance of community and social bonds among sea otters.

When we think of "a raft of sea otters," we are reminded of the strength found in unity and the value of supporting one another in love. We give thanks to God, our loving Father, who has created us to live in a "raft"—a Christian community, His Church, in which we have pastors who teach us God's Word and help us grow spiritually; we have brothers and sisters, elders and relatives in faith living as a Christian family under the care of the Holy Spirit; and we have small groups that gather weekly through online networks like this Online Missionary Church. However, these Christian communities, churches, and small groups are mutual support families for God's people, in which each believer has responsibility toward one another: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25). We must be united with one another, "Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5); we must support one another: "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up" (Romans 15:1-2). Unity in the Christian community is a source of strength in the Lord, helping God's people resist persecution, temptation, and harassment from the devil—the darkness in this world.

Above all, God is the Source of power that helps us overcome all temptation and trial; He helps us grow each day; apart from Him we can do nothing, as Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Let us love God with all our heart, all our mind, all our strength, and all our soul, and obey His Word, so that the Christian community may be strong and many people will come to know and glorify God's Name! We pray that His Holy Spirit will bind us together in His eternal love; grant us to think of one another, intercede for one another, support and uphold one another, and work together to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, proclaiming the Gospel of salvation to all peoples, from now until the day Jesus returns! Amen!

We pray that the Spirit of God grant us strength, Binding us together as one raft, Firm, loving, mutually supporting, His power forever sheltering us!

With the same mindset as Christ, United in proclaiming His Grace, Helping others come to know God, Praise be, Holy Name, truly glorious!

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