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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Lifeguard (11/09/06)
“Rescue me. Ah, take me in your arms. Rescue me. I need your tender charms,” Kevin sang in his most soulful falsetto. He snatched an apple from the basket on the table. Throwing the apple into the air, he gave his mom a peck on the cheek. He hummed as he walked to the door.

“Cuz I’m lonely, and I’m blue. I need you and your love, too. Come on and rescue me.”

Despite the early hour, Kevin was in an exceptionally good mood. Mom, still in her pj’s, looked up from the newspaper.

“Be home for dinner?”

“Of course! Wouldn’t wanna miss out on your roast chicken. It’s the best, Mom.” He slungs a backpack over his shoulder. “The best.”

They exchanged a smile and Kevin walked out the door.
*****
Squinting, he looked out to sea. Due to the impending storm, the surf is high. Kevin was exhilarated.

“Hey Kev! Surf’s up,” Brian called out to him. He was already in the water on his surfboard.

“I’m comin.” Kevin slipped the pack from his shoulder and dropped it in the sand. His silver crucifix fell out of the bag. He grabbed it, put the necklace over his head, and pulled off his t-shirt. Snatching his surfboard, he jogged down to the water.

The surf was rougher than he had thought and he skillfully rode a couple huge waves in to the shore. His friends were more experienced surfers. Kevin had just started surfing at the beginning of the summer. He was a natural, but he had never seen waves that size.

Kevin threw his belly down on his board and started to paddle further out in the ocean. Lost in his thoughts, he paddled out too far. The sea began to get very rough. For the first time in a long time, Kevin began to get nervous in the water.

His friends were far from him, and he had trouble staying on his board.

“Oh, God.” Beads of sweat formed on his brow. Kevin had never felt so alone. “What if I can’t make it back?”

There, in the rough sea, far from anyone else, Kevin clutched the crucifix around his neck and closed his eyes. He thought of the story he had read the morning before in church.
*****
Jesus’ disciples had gone out ahead of him on the boat, while he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. They were a considerable distance from land when Jesus appeared on the shore.
Placing one foot in front of the other, Jesus walked on the water until he reached the boat. Peter could not believe his eyes! He asked Jesus to invite him to come to him on the water. Jesus did.

Peter climbed out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. When he took his eyes off of Jesus, he saw the wind. His faith began to falter and he began to sink. He called out to Jesus for help and Jesus helped him. He scolded Peter for doubting him.
*****
Just as Peter did, Kevin whispered, with eyes closed, “Lord, save me.”

Instantly Kevin’s heart was calmed and he smiled. When he opened his eyes, he found that the seas had calmed considerably. He was actually closer to his friends, closer to the shore.

“Hey, Kev, what happened to you, man? You were so far out, we couldn’t even see you there for a while.”

Kevin breathed a sigh of relief as he met his friends on the beach.

“Yeah, I know. I was wondering myself if I’d make it back, but I have the best lifeguard there is!” He smiled as he grabbed the cross around his neck and held it up proudly.

***************
*"Rescue Me" Aretha Franklin song
*Scripture from Matt. 14:22-32 (NIV)
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This article has been read 1120 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Phyllis Inniss 
11/18/06
A very good testimony of faith. A reminder that we must not take our eyes off The Lord. A nice start which held my interest throughout.
Shari Armstrong 
11/18/06
Good details, made me nervous -but since I don't swim, that wouldn't take much. Nicely done :)
Trina Courtenay
11/23/06
Awesome entry! Way to PLACE!
Marilee Alvey
11/23/06
I tried to read all of the entries and comment for this week, but there were a couple I didn't manage to read. Yours was one. My loss! Wow! How neat it was for Kevin to be encouraged by remembering scripture. I sure hope that, in my time of trouble, I remember it, as well. I was worried because you'd built up the drama in the beginning. It read like slow motion and took on greater impact later, the way you look at common events after the tragedy. Will Kevin get to the roast chicken? I was afraid he wouldn't! Great job!
Sharlyn Guthrie
11/23/06
Nice job! Congratulations!
Catrina Bradley
12/15/06
What great story, and a testament to the power of prayer and faith. Good job, and congratulations on 2nd place!
Marilyn Schnepp 
01/20/07
Congratulations on your placing! Very nicely done. Of course, knowing me, I would have mentioned the "slungs" his backpack over his shoulder as bad grammar or typo - but Judges aren't as picky as I am...Thank goodness. Right? (Smile). But really, a delightful story! And, Kudos on your win!