Throw out a Lifeline!

Do you know what drowning looks like? Most people would assume, as I did, that the person in danger would be thrashing around, calling desperately for help. I read an interesting article where a lifeguard and water rescue expert, Francesco Pia, PhD. explains what drowning actually looks like.

- Silent: There's no spare breath to call for help.

- Bobbing up and down: their mouth sinks below the water's surface, pops up just enough to breathe and sinks back down.

- Stiff-armed: Instead of waving for help, their arms are out to the side, hands pressed down on the water to keep him afloat. They can't even reach out to grab a life preserver.

- Still: They won't be kicking.

Their body will be straight up and down, almost like they're standing in the water.

- A drowning person will only be able to stay like this for 20–60 seconds before going underwater.

The article went on to say that people often miss the chance to help because they don’t recognize what’s going on. Food for thought. Obviously, as Christians, we’re familiar with the concept of throwing out a lifeline. Interestingly though, a drowning person doesn’t even have the strength to grab on. We were spiritually dead and could not save ourselves. Many are drowning spiritually and they don’t even know it. We can’t wait until they reach out for help. We must go to them before it is too late.  

Beyond physical and spiritual drowning, there are also those who are drowning emotionally. Perhaps they’re going through a deep valley, seemingly alone. Sometimes valleys are apparent and easy for others to provide support. But there are many who are just bobbing on the surface, ready to go under without notice. People who are depressed do not always ask for help. They may not even know they need help. Or they may be too preoccupied with keeping their heads above water to even ask. There are usually signs, but sadly, they’re often misunderstood. Many believe that it’s a mind-over-matter situation and that if you’re just spiritual enough, you'll never struggle. They “encourage” by saying “God is good. Count your blessing!” And “snap out of it!” While there’s a time and place for tough love, and counting your blessings is never a negative, as the body of Christ, we are meant to help those who are down. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 “…support the weak…”) We can come across as trite and uncaring when we brush over what someone is struggling with. Proverbs 25:20 warns against those who sing songs to someone with a heavy heart. Notice the condemnation is not on the person with the heavy heart! There are true sorrows which can cause heaviness of the heart. Obviously, it is not God’s will for us to stay there. But the method of rescue is important. Encourage literally means to give courage. When we try to encourage others, are we giving them courage? Or are we making them feel bad that they’re not walking in victory like we are? Worse yet, do we ignore them because we don’t want to bother with someone who’s struggling, or we’re too busy to notice or care? True depression may need more help than we’re qualified to give, but it’s amazing what a smile, kind word, or a couple of helpful hands can do. May we never be content as the body of Christ to ignore a drowning brother or sister in their time of need!