June 25, 2012
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Regardless of all the trouble I run into too, despite being attacked, threatened, or even robbed, I have for some unexplained reason always had a peace. I suppose this is the same peace that on a much deeper level has allowed other Christians to go through troubling situations and endure suffering, torture, and even death.
Thankfully I have never been tortured, apart from the Brazilian mosquitoes. Monday, however, I did have a nearly fatal experience at the beach. I was with friends down in Kenting, some of the best beaches in Taiwan. However, due to excess litter we left the quiet waters of Little Bay, for the clean sand and great waves on the Kenting Beach.
Let me introduce you to my good friend Amber. She is short, mouthy, and isn't afraid to give lip to anyone who she decides deserves it. It is for this reason that she is one of my best friends in Taiwan. She is one person on our team that always speaks her mind, but only when it has been thought about and has definitive, logical, reasons. Her opinions mean more to me than any other team member. We played basketball together and would talk lots of trash to other teams until she hurt her knee and realized that old injuries never really heal properly and we had to stop. Stop playing we still like to run our mouths. I know she is very athletic and a strong swimmer, so despite strong currents, I knew she was up for the challenge.
After several hours of wading and tanning, Amber decided she was ready to get past the breakers and swim in the massive swells. We carefully waited for an opening in the waves, then quickly ran past the breakers and dove into the water. We swam and talked for a few minutes until her fear finally went away and she was proud of herself for doing something new and exciting. We decided to come in when we saw her sister Becca, who is visiting for a month, standing on the shore waiting for us.
On the beach Becca said she wanted to go also, and assured me she was a good swimmer. Given her daily excercise and athletic shape, I was confident that a trip in the water would not be too difficult for her. Amber decided to watch from the shore, and the rest of the group had gone to eat.
We easily slipped past the breakers, then past the drop off, and soon found ourselves surrounded by giant waves. I watched her face carefully for her anxiety to give way to pleasure. It wasn't happening. She seemed to be forcing a few reassuring smiles.
A large swell came rushing past. We swam over and through it. No big deal I suspected. Then I saw her face, it was a big deal. She tried to force a smile, but her giant eyes were filling with tears. I looked at her and suggested, "Why don't we swim back?"
"Uh-uh-huh" was all she managed to get out with a nod of head.
We started swimming toward the shore but swimming as hard as she could and seeing no immediate progres was enough to stike panic. Frantically, she grasped my arm.
"It's ok" I said. "You're doing great."
I looked right into her enormous blue eyes that were filled with water. I quickly dispelled any fear I was feeling, she couldn't know that I was concerned. Not now, not yet, I had to be brave for both of us. "We can make it back to the shore. I know you can do it. But you are going to have to do what I tell you." I gently placed my hand on hers as she desperately squeezed my arm and began cutting off the circulation. "We need to make long, smooth strokes and just wait for the waves to carry us in. Becca, we ARE going to make it to the shore. It is right there! But first, you are going to HAVE to let go of my arm. Are you ready?"
She nodded. I wasn't certain she could make herself let go, but I knew that pushing her away would cause more panic. I also knew that if she continued holding to me much longer we would both be in serious danger. I needer her to be strong, she had to be brave! Whatever was going to happen was completely and literally in her hands now. She had my instructions, but I WOULD NOT push her away.
Ok, Ready, GO!" I said. She immediately released my arm and began powerfully swimming towards shore. With long, deep strokes we managed to hold our position in the water until a wave came and pushed us closer to the shore.
We were so close now, but as I felt the ocean floor with my foot I realized we were still inches away from the shallow side of the drop off. We kept swimming. A second wave carried us the rest of the way up, but as it crashed we were thrown against the smooth, round stones lining the ocean floor.
I tried to keep her head up or at least roll beneath her as the wave crashed. My attempt was somewhat useless. I wasn't sure how hard she had been crushed, but now was certainly not the time to find out. The next wave would be grinding us against the pebbles again in only a few short seconds.
I snatched her hand, "Let's go!" I said. And we ran up on the beach as fast as we could to the safety of the warm, blonde sand. She sat on my trusty Brazilian conga, sipping water, as she recovered.
God always gives us the grace and strength to get through whatever situations may come our way, and today was no exception. It reminds me of Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” God was certainly taking care of us today. I thank Him for giving me peace in the situation, and for giving Bekka strength to do what she had to do. Thanks for a great memory and an exciting day Amber and Becca Rudlong!
Becca and I Safely on Shore
Everything I ever learned in this life was taught through your eyes. From grade school through college you have been here watching over me, my old friend. From driving fence posts to driving my first car: cutting down my first tree to building my first tree house, you were always beside me, My Old Friend.
