Into the Deep: My Personal Survival Story of How I Escaped a Rip Current and Got Back to Shore Safely

Posted on August 23, 2025 by yolandaberry

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7

As the summer comes to an end, there has been an uptick in rip tide accidents, especially with the horrific incident regarding Malcolm Jamal Warner and Hurricane Erin which hit the east coast recently.

There has been a flood of memories that has overwhelmed me due to my close encounter with rip tides. My sister, niece and I went to Point Pleasant Beach in August. In the timeline, it was right after I had left my whole life behind due to the 2008 recession and one year after starting this blog.

As we entered the beach, the attendant told us to be aware of the harsh rip currents. She pointed to a yellow flag ahead as a sign of caution, which was posted on the beach shore to alert beach goers, as we paid the fee to enter the beach. I didn’t think anything of it since I don’t know how to swim and don’t go into the ocean besides wading by the shore.

It was a beautiful day. It was a picture-perfect, blue sky and light breeze with the salty ocean air blowing the aroma of grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and fries by the nearby beachfront restaurants. It was peaceful and relaxing. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun on my face. After we ate lunch, we decided to go wading in the water to get cooled off. We dipped our feet in the icy water where the waves hit our ankles with delight. As we stood there, another wave came in. When we looked down, the water covered our knees. We started to laugh and joke. My sister was concerned because she forgot to take off her watch, so she held it in her hand.

Another wave came in and the water was up to my shoulders. I couldn’t believe it. I yelled at my niece, “Get out!” She is autistic and even though she knew how to swim she didn’t realize the danger and was giggling. She was within arm’s reach. It was by the power of God that I grabbed her arm and swung her in the midst of the ocean while the waves were going against her and receding at the same time as I pushed her against the current and told her to run! I started to run as fast as I could. My legs felt like lead as a treaded in slow motion in the water. The ocean took a breath and receded as I looked back for a second and saw my sister on her hand and knees crawling and clawing her nails in the sand. I kept running and did not look back until I knew I had made it to the beach. Another wave came in and when I looked back, I saw two lifeguards pulling my sister out of the ocean. She was gasping, coughing and wiping the water out of her eyes.

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
Psalm 9:1

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41;10

We had nearly drowned that day. We stood in silence staring at the ocean like zombies for the rest of the day. We eventually took a walk along the beach and saw little children building sandcastles and two- and three-year-olds running near the ocean. I wanted to run up to everybody to tell them to get their babies, but I just was silent and numb. We took a walk on the boardwalk and watched the people enjoying the amusement rides, but we had no desire to get on any of the rides. When we arrived home, it was a somber feeling as we shared our experience with my sister’s ex-husband. He was very upset to hear what happened but very thankful that we were ok. I’m reminded of how close we came to losing our lives and thank God that he spared us that day.

What memory are you reminded of that you can give God thanks for today? From a minor event to the most tragic, every day is a day to live with gratitude. The sacrifice of Jesus for the penalty of sin is worthy of His praise and thankfulness for all He has done for us. Whether you are walking through a storm or a season of joy, there is a reason to be thankful and give Him praise!

The Healing Waters and Trees – 1st week of September 2025

The Lord led me to read Ezkiel 47 about two weeks after I posted this story. In the scripture, it describes the exact height of the water each time a wave hit me at the beach. I was able to get out of the water before it was too deep. I absolutely could not believe what I was reading. I never read this before in the Bible. This scripture also reminded me of Psalm 1:3 and Jer 17:8.

Ezk 47:3-12

³“As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. ⁴He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. ⁵He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. ⁶He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?”

Then he led me back to the bank of the river. ⁷When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. ⁸He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. ⁹Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. ¹⁰Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. ¹¹But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. ¹²Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

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Bible Verses on Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

How to Survive Hard Times: Three Keys to Overcoming Adversity in Tumultuous Times

Posted on July 20, 2025 by yolandaberry

Faith-based survival strategies and coping skills for life’s toughest seasons

We’re living in chaotic times that’s full of distractions and overwhelming challenges. The world is noisy, and everything is competing for our attention. We are pulled in several different directions, and time seems to be speeding up and things are rapidly changing. Every day, there are news reports unfolding and we must reclaim our peace to stay focused. How do you keep your peace in such a chaotic world? You may be dealing with health issues, a troubled teenager, a disjointed marriage, unemployment, a sour relationship, isolation or loneliness, or grief of a loved one- the list is endless.

With everything unraveling so quickly, it’s very easy to lose hope. When you lose hope, you are in danger of losing your faith and once you lose your faith, you lose your peace. When you build your faith on a firm foundation, it’s hard to lose hope because you know and understand the infinite power of God working in your life. He established the beginning from the end, and He will be faithful to complete every word, covenant and promise. He is not conditional to circumstances. He is unmovable and unshakeable.

When you have established history with the creator, you can reflect on every devastating or traumatic experience He brought you through so you can rely and rest in faith. Through every trial, you develop courage and peace that surpasses all understanding. Phil 4:7

We are fighting against so many spiritual and natural forces in life. We must be aware of the strategic attacks forged against us and be mindful of how to sustain a level mind under enormous societal and economic pressures.

Here are three main survival skills to focus on when facing opposition.

Adaptability

Changes in life are inevitable. We will all deal with unexpected changes and major life events whether it be good or bad but we must remain adaptable to the situation or event. Adaptability is being able to adapt or contend with a certain climate or condition. It’s the ability to be content in uncomfortable conditions or circumstances. The apostle Paul stated in Phil 4:11-13, “I learned to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me.”

Image of pregnant woman touching her belly with hand

Adaptability does not mean conformity. You’re not in agreement with the circumstance, attitude or practices, but you can adjust using your critical thinking skills, emotional maturity, and intellectual ability instead of accepting the situation at face value.

Complicated Maze Shows Complexity Obstacles And Challenges

Adaptability also does not mean flexibility. Flexibility provides a variety of options or choices. It is the ability to bend or shift at moment’s notice, however flexibility requires adaptability because you must shift to changes quickly and then adapt to those changes.

2. Resilience

Resilience is the process to adjust or recover from a crisis or major life change whether illness, divorce, death of a loved one, marriage, new birth or any other life changing event. When you’re resilient, you have the power to bend and contort under extreme pressure. You may be compressed or stretched way beyond your capacity that you didn’t think you would be able to handle or overcome.

Resilience requires inner strength and mental restraint. Self-discipline and self-control are two components where you will be tested under fire. Do you have the resilience to keep going despite what it looks like? Faith is the source where resilience is birthed.

Despair Or Hope Directions On A Metal Signpost

Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

⁹And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then he is strong.
2 Corth 12:9-10

¹⁰Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

¹⁰Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corth 12:10

The Lord is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. He is everywhere all at once. Take that in for a moment…. Secondly, He is all-knowing. For example, He knows exactly every strand of hair on your head! Not just your head but everyone on this earth!!! That is just how detailed the Father is! It baffles me when I think about the unlimited power and presence of God. When you’re able to grasp those characteristics of the Father, you will not fear the terror by night or the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91

cars stuck in traffic jam during rush hour waiting to get off of exit on highway

3. Patience

One of the fruits of the spirit requires patience. It’s not in our timing but in God’s divine timing. We live in a fast-food society where people want quick fixes, quick results, fast money, just everything done fast! It’s a hustle culture that has no patience. Road rage, burnout, just everything done with momentum. God is still. God is patient. You can only hear the Lord in a calm, still voice. Prayers need to marinate. There is obedience in waiting. There is training in the waiting. Character is being built in the waiting. Strength and endurance is established in the waiting so don’t rush the waiting process. Embrace it.

You may feel that God doesn’t hear your prayers but He will answer every prayer on His timeline so don’t grow weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not. Gal 6:9

Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

The Lord is sovereign and just. He does not fail. He holds all power in His hands. Although we will face uncertainty, calamity and chaos in this world, Abba Father is in control and will be magnified and glorified upon the earth. Do not fear. Put your trust in Him.

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Additional Bible Verses

Bible Verses on Contentment

1 Tim 6:6-7

Heb 13:5

Phil 4:11-13

Bible Verses on Resilience

2 Corth 12:10

Bible Verses on Adaptability

Rom 12:2

1 Corth 9:22

Bible Verses on Patience

Standing on a Foundation of Faith

Posted on October 29, 2024 by yolandaberry

We’re living in some pivotal and turbulent times and it’s going to require a higher level of faith to get through the challenges coming upon the earth.

Faith requires extreme patience. Just because prayers are not answered on your time schedule does not mean God’s word will not come to pass.

We must continue to build our faith on a firm foundation that does not shake in times of turmoil and tribulations. Changes are happening swiftly and unexpectedly, so adaptability, wisdom, resilience, and self-control are in high demand, especially on how you handle situations and current circumstances.

You need to know when to move swiftly or slow down. Faith requires you to move in tune and in alignment with the Holy Spirit. Taking time to be still in the secret place with the Lord as well as reading the Word of God will equip you to build and maintain a strong relationship with the Lord.

Most people live in a tangible world, so they panic when they do not have the latest gadgets or when they don’t have enough or lack the physical or material things that are needed for survival. However, God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Phil 4:19

Living in the supernatural requires a different perspective and belief. In Hebrews 11, there are countless events that took place that required faith.

The basic principle of faith requires us to stand in the unknown and to move forward even if you do not know or understand the outcome.

“Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.”
Heb 11:1

The world was created by the Word of God so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Heb 11:3

“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Gen 1:2 It was through the breath of God that He made something out of nothing.

step of faith, direction, walking in faith

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, “This is the way; walk ye in it.” when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21

Faith Requires Action

Faith is based on relationship, not on religious practices or legalism. “By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death and was not found because God had taken him for before he was taken, he had this testimony that he pleased God.” Heb 11:5

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb 11:6

We simply cannot claim we have faith and sit back and wait for God to give us what we need or want. God does not move in vain prayers. Our true motives and intentions are revealed through our heart.

Although there will be distractions and obstacles thrown in our path, we must actively move forward despite feelings of fear, weariness, or doubt. We must be obedient to move according to the specific instructions that the Lord has given us.

There are endless events that took place which provided the evidence of God manifested.

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Heb 11:7

Sometimes, the Lord will tell you to do something that you do not understand but you should not question but move in obedience even though you may not understand. It will all unfold in God’s divine timing.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he would receive an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. Heb 11:9

Faith is a terrifying process. It is not easy. It is like walking on a tight rope blind-folded on a high-rise building. Despite how many times the Lord reveals himself as faithful, there are times when you will still question if He will come through in a time of need. You must reflect on the times that He carried you through difficult situations and your faith will be strengthened through every trial.

Faith Triumphs in Trouble

I am a witness of the active presence of God moving in my life. Through extreme difficulties and turbulent storms, the Lord provided peace, strength, favor, protection, and provision. The faith journey is not for the weakness of mind or faint of heart. It takes stamina, power, and endurance through the Holy Spirit. It is not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. Zech 4:6 You simply cannot walk by the flesh but only by His Spirit. It’s like building muscles when you work out on a regular basis. It begins to strengthen as you endure the pain.

The Test of Faith

You will be tested severely by the hand of God. Your character, beliefs, values, ethics, integrity, perceptions, attitudes “Your Core” will go through the fire. You cannot escape this life without going through trouble. It all serves for a higher purpose according to His will.

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Romans 5:3-5

“When thou pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

It is by faith that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not serve false images and gods, nor worshipped the golden image and was protected in the fiery furnace. It is by faith that Daniel survived the Lion’s Den. Daniel 3 and 6

In these last days, we will be severely tested as well. We must hold onto these examples of men of great faith who endured perilous times. There is strength in unity, and we must learn to unite despite our differences.

“A threefold chord is not easily broken.” Eccl 4:12

Let us move with diligence, faith, and hope with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

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Related Bible Verses

The Future House of God

This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
²In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
    as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
    and all nations will stream to it.
³Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
    so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
    the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
⁴He will judge between the nations
    and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
    and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
    nor will they train for war anymore.
Isaiah 2:1-4

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Writing with Purpose

"The Lord gave the word; great was the company of those that published it." Psalm 68:11

Category Archives: Testimonials – Faith Journey

Into the Deep: My Personal Survival Story of How I Escaped a Rip Current and Got Back to Shore Safely

How to Survive Hard Times: Three Keys to Overcoming Adversity in Tumultuous Times

Standing on a Foundation of Faith

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