Almost Drowning Story
Thursday, May. 26, 2005 @ 5:18 PM
I'm excited about conference, but in all honesty, I'm kind of nervous, too. I'm nervous about going, and I know it's stupid. I suppose I should tell all y'all WHY I'm nervous.
Last year I went to conference with Mary and Katie. It was a blast. The first night we were there we were dancing in the rain (my inspiration, thank you very much, do you really think these guys are THAT weird?) And then we started rolling down this big grass hill. Let's not forget that it was very muddy and wet. Anyways, back to the point. It was a blast, and then Sunday came along.
Mary, Katie, and I went to the beach. I had this strange desire to go jogging so I was all jogging around and then I wanted to go play in the ocean. I love the ocean. I love to play in the waves. It's awesome. Mary, on the other hand, hates the ocean. She hates all water that is. At least, she hates being in the water. More specifically, she hates being in the ocean. So, I would run out into the water and get about hip-deep and then I'd jump and dunk and swim back with the waves. After a few minutes, there was a warning in my heart. God started speaking to me and He said, "Katelyn, do not tempt these waters. Get out." "Okay..." I said, not really believing that it was God. "I'll get out...in a minute." Then another minute, and another, and another. Finally I got out. Then, I thought, "Oh come on, that was so fun!" And I ran back and started again. Mary wasn't far behind me. She too, didn't feel safe, as I kept going farther and farther and farther.
"Katelyn!" she yelled, "Let's go back. I'm cold. I'm ready to go."
"Okay, fine. This is my last one, really." I replied and waded out farther than I had gone before. The water was to my ribs and a big wave was coming. I dunked and started to swim back with it. Normally, at this point, the water was to my knees. But this time I couldn't touch. Without thinking that I was really in trouble, I yelled "help." Then, I went under.
Mary recalls hearing me scream for help, watching as two of the biggest waves she'd ever seem envelope me, and then being swept under, herself.
Frantically, I screamed for help. Trying to swim towards shore, I soon realized that my efforts were futile as I was carried further away. I screamed and struggled and cried out to God. I knew that I had blown it. I had disobeyed God. That is not a smart thing to do.
As I cried out, an overwhelming peace came over me. I knew that God had a plan for me. Whether that plan included living to see the next day or not, I didn't know. All I knew was that God had a plan, and it was a good one. Screaming and praying I struggled for shore. Soon I saw Wade Johnson (perfect name, eh?) swimming towards me. On the other side was someone else with a boogie board. The guy with the boogie board got to me first and we swam/floated back to shore.
God rescued me that day. I don't know why He chose to listen to cries of an insignificant girl like me. It seemed like I was so far gone, that most people that I was already dead. If it wasn't for Mary, I wouldn't be here today. No one knew that I was even out there, until they rescued Mary and all she could think about was me. But I am confident of this: that He who began a good work in me will carry out to the day of completion in CHRIST JESUS! God has a plan for my life. He has a purpose. If I ever start to doubt that I know that He has a GOOD AND PERFECT WILL FOR ME! Me...small, stupid, disobedient me. That is an awesome, awesome promise.
And so, there is no reason for me to be afraid. God is in control. He loves me. That is the most awesome thing EVER!
Love,
Katelyn