HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE?

HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE?

On a wet and miserable morning in Ohio, Ray Blankenship was making breakfast when he looked out the kitchen window at an open storm drain that ran alongside his house.  He was terrified to see a small girl being swept along into the drain by powerful currents of water that were produced by an angry storm.  

Ray was painfully aware that only a short distance away the rushing water would disappear underneath the road.  Ray ran outside immediately and raced along the deep drain ditch, trying to get ahead of the little girl.  After hurling himself into the churning water he surfaced and was able to grab the child’s arm.  Caught in the current, they tumbled helplessly end over end.

Within one meter of the drain going under the road, Ray’s free hand felt something protruding from one side.  He grabbed a hold hopefully and held on for dear life.  ‘If I can just hang on until help comes,’ he thought.  But Ray did better than that.  By the time the first responders arrived, Ray had pulled the girl to safety.  Both were treated for shock.

On April 12, 1989, Ray Blankenship was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard’s Silver Lifesaving Medal.  The award was entirely befitting since Ray was at a far greater risk to himself than most people knew. You see, Ray Blankenship could not swim.

Occasionally, we are positioned at critical decision points that potentially threaten our own survival, and/or the well-being of others around us.  Indeed, life and love are risky enterprises.  How much are you willing to put on the line?  How much are you willing to give?

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!