I recently viewed a videotape used to train lifeguards on how to recognize when someone is drowning. We often think that a person who is drowning will thrash about in the water and yell, “HELP! HELP! I'm drowning!” In reality, they become almost paralyzed by fear and incapable of calling for help.
The video illustrated how this works. It showed a young girl of about ten sitting on an inner tube float in the deep end of a wave pool, surrounded by children and a few adults. When the girl adjusted herself on the tube, she fell off and slipped to the bottom of the pool where the water was right at the top of her head.
There was no thrashing about and she couldn't yell for help. Instead, subtly, her hands came just above the surface as if she were reaching for something. Thankfully, a lifeguard spotted her and within a few seconds had a flotation device under her. The most remarkable thing was that the people around her were oblivious to the fact that she was drowning!
Note: for more detailed information on how to recognize drowning, visit the article in the link to source above.
Are you oblivious to the fact that there are people all around you who are drowning in their sin? They may not be trashing about or yelling for your help, but these desperate people are quietly calling out. As Christians, we must learn to recognize the signs of someone struggling, paralyzed and overwhelmed by the power of sin.
Don't be oblivious to the drowning soul right next to you!
"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Lest we think that Christians are somehow immune to mental illness, depression, or despair, just ask world renown Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church whose youngest son, Matthew, committed suicide just this week (4/5/13). Pastor Warren has had a worldwide impact on both believers and unbelievers alike. His son, Matthew, was a committed Christian with the spiritual gifts of compassion and encouragement. Years ago, Warren reports, his son asked him, "Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?"
The chronic mental torture of depression is not unlike the torture of chronic physical illness. We are quick to come alongside those who suffer physical pain, offer sympathy, and tell them we "understand." Yet those who suffer mental anguish are more likely to be judged and ridiculed for their supposed "lack of faith."
For Matthew, the pain is over. He is in the arms of his Savior. May we, the living, not inflict any unwarranted pain upon the countless others--often in the pews beside us--who likewise suffer mental anguish.
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:5, c.f. 43:2).
Designer Si Chan is introducing an unusual jacket in his winter men's wear collection: a big, puffy green parka with four sets of stuffed, clasped hands which wrap around from back to front. You have to see it to believe it (click the link to source above for a pic of the cuddly coat).
"Everybody needs love, don't they?" asks Si Chan on his blog. Chan says he designed his eccentric kelly green puffer jacket ... to make the wearer feel "warm and hugged."
Some might call his design cuddly; some might just call it creepy. No matter what you call it, it is doubtful this cold-weather creation will fulfill Chan's goal of helping others "depart from loneliness."
This attempt at "couture encouragement" adds new meaning to the words "looking for love in all the wrong places!" Manmade garments can't dispel despair, soften sorrow, or lessen loneliness. But garments crafted by God's grace can!
"He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD's favor has come ... To all who mourn in Israel, God will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, garments of praise instead of a spirit of despair" (Isaiah 61:2-3).