Lifeboat Number 10

The mesmerizing, white-washed waves of the wake, splitting the blue translucent water, created spine-like patterns through the Caribbean Ocean. The hum of the engines, the sound of the waves, the feel of the endless horizon as the sun began to set, was a breathtaking experience to behold.

The cabin was cozy with a port hole for gazing. The softness of the comforter, the fullness of the pillows, and the new experiences of each day, surrounded by family, made a perfect combination to inspire deep, restorative rest.  When I was soundly asleep, Dean would arise, as is his custom, to spend his time apart with God. On a ship full of mostly slumbering vacationers, the search for just the right place could have been challenging. Nevertheless, a spot nestled in the corner of the starboard deck, hidden underneath lifeboat number 10, became the meeting place.  

In the dead of the night, Dean read The Word, prayed and then lifted his guitar and his voice toward heaven. The strumming, the melodies, the singing sent shock waves of glory and illuminating praise toward the throne of God, piercing the darkness of sky and sea. Lifeboat 10 was about as secluded as you can get on a cruise ship. Yet, at 2:00 AM, when the bars were closing, the music wafted toward upper decks drawing the attention of both beloved family and complete strangers.

One tall, handsome African American man, in his late twenties, came seeking through the galley door as if lead by an invisible, irresistible force.  The slightest squeak alerted Dean that he was no longer alone. Ending that piece, Dean called out “Hey, how are you?” 

“I enjoyed hearing your jamming. From the deck above. I wanted to hear a little bit better,” He stared contemplatively trying to orientate to his newest surroundings and figure out what was happening.

“I’m just singing. Is there a particular song you want to sing?”

“Keep singing what you were singing.’ 

Spontaneously, Holy Spirit dropped this song in Dean’s spirit.  

“Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me.  I knew what I was doing. I knew what I was doing.                You gave Your life for me. You knew what You were doing.  You knew what You were doing. You gave Your life on the tree. You knew what You were doing. Forgive me”

Dean could hear a labored breathing and pained sounds of soft sobs as the gentleman began to weep.

“Oh my gosh what am I doing?’

“You need to give your life to the Lord.”

“I need to give my life back to the Lord.”

“I don’t need to give you the words to say. You know what to say. Just speak to the Lord whatever is on your heart.”

He began to repeat some of the sentiments of the song, “Lord, I have been away from You. I want to come back to you.”

“I have a Bible in my pocket. Can I give it to you?”

His paused response came, “I don’t need your Bible. My mom … she is a pastor. I have so many Bibles at home.”

After several more songs they embraced and he said, “Thank you. Maybe I will see you on the ship.”  

We went on this trip, a marvelous vacation. We traveled to Honduras, Belize and Mexico. We had beautiful encounters with our children, our sisters, our nieces and nephews. We ate great food, toured exotic places and danced into the night. But what will be astonishing to see, when we live in the heavenlies forever, is how the angels and saints have memorialized that one life coming back to Father, in the middle of the night, in the depths of the sea, under life boat number 10.

Isaiah 42: 5-9 I the Lord, have called you…To open blind eyes to bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house. I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another. Nor my praise to carved images, Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare. Before they spring forth I tell you of them