Tag Archives: Christianity

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

Posted on by yolandaberry
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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.

beach entrance

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
seashell on the beach shore

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. 4 He 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. 5 He 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. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?”

Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He 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. 9 Swarms 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. 10 Fishermen 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. 11 But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 Fruit 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

Eph 5:20

Psalm 107:1

Col 3:17

Heb 12:28

Psalm 100:4-5

Psalm 118:29

Psalm 9:1

Psalm 7:17

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

Posted on by yolandaberry
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ocean waves crashing in a storm

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.

  1. 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.

woman looking at computer screen

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.

9 And 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

10 Fear 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

10 Therefore 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

Matt 6:25-30 31-34

Matt 7:24-27

Mark 4:39

Matt 14: 22-33

Matt 6:33

Matt 24

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

Rom 12:12

Gal 6:9

James 5:7-8

Col 1:11

Prov 16:32

2 Peter 3:9

1 Corth 13:4

Psalm 37:7

In the Reflection of Our Father: Celebrating the Quiet Strength of Fatherhood

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Father and child

The divine role of a man in their household has been watered down by society. Due to the breakdown in the family that has been a gradual process over decades, men have lost their identity, function and position in the family. The established role that the Lord created for men has become blurred lines in relation to the roles between husband and wife.

In the Garden of Eden, a man was created in His own image. In the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them. Gen 1:27 A woman was created as a helpmate. Gen 1:20-24

Bird flying across the ocean

“Let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Gen 1:26

The Lord established the man to be the head of the household. He was designed to lead with Godly wisdom, authority and integrity. He was not created to take advantage of his own strength and power to dominate but to lead with holiness, authority and dominion.

When women began to work outside of the home, it shifted the whole dynamics of the family structure and foundation. There was a constant power struggle between the husband and wife which applied pressure on the family not to mention societal and economic pressures. Not only was there a power struggle, but there was an identity crisis, character flaws and a lack of Biblical values and principles established to build a strong foundation. With the rise of inflation, it’s nearly impossible to have only one source of income in the household. This has added financial conflicts, tension, anxiety and increased stress levels in the family.

In Esphesian 5:25-27, it states, “25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

In an act of obedience and commitment, the foundation established by a strong family result in raising up disciplined and respectful children.

little girl with soccer ball

“Train up a child in which way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov 22:6

The importance of instruction, discipline, obedience and guidance in raising a child in their early stages of life reflects the Lord’s natural and spiritual design and intentions for the family.

The role of a father is one of great sacrifice and dedication to the family. He has great responsibility and many heavy burdens that should be released to the Lord to carry – not only financially but mentally, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

infant hand holding father's hand

As we honor Father’s Day, may we celebrate the strength and endurance of the men who lead with dignity, wisdom and strength in a world that is constantly changing and with the demands and pressures of life that are fierce to undertake.

family walking in sunset in a field

Prayer for Our Fathers

For the fathers who have lost children, may the Lord comfort and strengthen you in your time of grief. May you receive courage, support and encouragement to fill the pain and void in your life.

May you walk with the hand of the Father who guides every step you take and every decision you make. May you desire a deeper relationship with the Lord to overcome every challenge, opposition or temptation that you face. May the hand of God shield and protect you and your family from any harm or danger as you walk in faith and lead with integrity, courage and tenacity in every area- family, business and life.. With trust and assurance, may you receive the provision and abundant blessings of peace, rest and grace to sustain you.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Related Bible Verses

Eph 6:1-4

Eph 3:17-19

Exodus 20:12

Psalm 103:13

Luke 15:18-20

Prov 22:6

Prov 23:24

Prov 20:7