What a Life Saver

Lisa and I came down to the beach to do the radio show with Mike Adams here in Wilmington and then to take some time together to enjoy the beach. While tropical storm Danny was churning up the water and causing huge waves, rough surf and serious rip tides, the weather was really nice. Sunny, mid-80s and just a slight breeze. I even bought a Boogie Board to ride the waves some.

Despite warnings from the lifeguards to stay close to shore to avoid rip currents, many people were out swimming beyound waist-deep. Lisa and I stayed in close, swimming and riding the waves. We took a break and walked down the beach when we heard someone yelling out in the ocean. At first it sounded like anyone else just having fun, then you could begin to hear desparation in his pleas for help as the rip current dragged him out further and futher from the shore. There was panic in his voice as he stabbed his hand in the air for help. He sounded so helpless and vulnerable. The posted lifeguard, a young woman, maybe in her early 20's grabbed her orange life bouy and ran into the water. She swam aggressively out to the man while he continued to scream for help. She reached him, gave him the bouy and had him hold on tight while she brought him in, more help arrived. A lifeguard on a wave runner circled, another swam to help the female guard, three more showed up on shore. It was impressive.

When the man was finally on shore it was amazing to see that this man was probably 6'3, 240 and built like a wide receiver, while the girl who saved him was maybe 5'6, 120 pounds. As he came out of the water he looked so relieved, like a man whose life had been saved. He was gasping for air, crying and holding onto those around him tightly.

I think you see where I'm going with this. As I heard that man screaming and watching the effort made by everyone to save him, I thought of our struggles, how I was drowning in my addiction and that my cry for help was almost too late. But when help came, I grabbed on like that young man did to that life-saving bouy and let someone else take control and help guide me to safety. Once I gave up and screamed for help, and became powerless over the rip current of my addiction, I was on my way back to the shore and into the arms of my wife, family and friends and most importantly, God.

Lisa and I went up to the young lifeguard after she had settled back into her perch on her tower and thanked her for her efforts and told her that she had saved a life that day. Of course she was modest and mentioned all the things she wish she had done differently, but we let her know that without her, that man would likely have drowned. I can relate.

God bless,
David