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    Rescued From The Deep...

We stood on the shore awaiting our swim.
       I was dressed in a suit and sporting a grin.
Ours was to swim as far as we could go
       with One who’d rescue when fatigue would show.
He said, "Follow Me through the straight and narrow
       and don’t go wandering like a curious sparrow."
Then the signal was given and off we went.
       We swam and swam, our energy soon spent.
At first it went well, there was no trouble here.
       What was all the concern, the worry and fear?
But the distance was farther than most first thought.
       Cramps set in and the Rescuer was sought.
And then one by one He answered their call,
       for none could make it without Him at all.

Many strayed not, doing as they were told,
       while others like me were foolishly bold.
Then came the time I turned from the far shore
       and swam deep under water toward the ocean floor.
In time I realized what a mistake I had made
       swimming to the surface I prayed to be saved.
I was both angry and afraid. How foolish of me
       to disregard the warning and swim so deeply.
I had run out of oxygen, my lungs about to burst.
       It was air, not water, that I needed for this thirst.
Then just when I thought I was over and done
       came the rescuing hand of the Saving One.
He snatched me from death and pulled me to safety.
       Now ...never shall I forget the time that He saved me.

As I stand looking back, I can plainly see
       how dangerous it is to choose foolishly.
And I really admire those who have been
       as straight and as true as a drafters pen,
having done their best to have avoided wrong,
       having gone their life being valiant and strong.
And I’d trade my path for theirs if I could
       so I could say that I’ve done as I should,
for the things I did caused heartache and grief,
       stealing joy and happiness as if visited by a thief.
But there’s one thing I have special and it shall not part.
       It is the love that His rescue ...left deep in my heart.
Yes many shall love Him, having feared a watery sleep
       but none love Him more ...than the one rescued from the deep.

Inspired by shared testimonies with the men at Eyman Prison, Florence, Arizona
LDS Services Luke 7:38-48. Gila River Branch Prison Ministries, Arizona.

       Brother Samuel Jeppsen, Skyline Stake, Mesa, Arizona. May 2002a   www.LDSCOPS.com


 

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