The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Memory (07/10/08)
Several years ago our family spent a week in beautiful Melbourne Beach, FL. One morning as I was walking along the beach, I met a woman walking a large rottweiler. Though big and fearsome, this poor animal was obviously terrified of the water. She would not go near the ocean no matter how much her owner encouraged, cajoled, or bribed her.
I was reminded of the summer we took our boys Dan, then age 7, and Jonny age 3, to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Dan loved the ocean and took to the water like a dolphin. Jonny, however, took one look at the ocean and exclaimed vehemently, "NO BIG WATER!" No matter how much his dad and I reassured him that we would be right there to hold him and keep him from harm, he wanted no part of the "big water."
As I continued my walk, I reflected on how my faith has often been like the dog and Jonny. Certainly there have been times when I have enjoyed the excitement of life's waves coming at me, lifting me, dunking me. But, there have also been times when I took one look and exclaimed, "No big water!" I allow fears and insecurities to overwhelm me, keeping me from enjoying all life has to offer. Even though my heavenly Father encourages me and tells me He is right there to hold and protect me, my faith waivers.
Now that Jonny (a six foot plus 17-year old who now goes by Jon) is older, the ocean no longer holds such terror for him. He usually stays in the water longer than any of us. I can only hope that as I have grown and matured, so has my faith, that the times of "no big water" are fewer, and the times of trusting God are increasing.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 949 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sara Harricharan
07/17/08
This reads like a wonderful little devotional. Nice job, I like the phrase "no big water" and how you turned it into a lesson that I could relate to. ^_^
Mary Alice Bowles
07/17/08
A very nice story...I can relate---
Wanda Draus
07/19/08
Great story. It does read like a devotional, one that helped me this morning.

The "No Big Water" is a phrase that sticks and then reminds us of the story and how it relates to faith.

I would just put a space between each paragraph for easier reading. Nice job.