Posted on February 28, 2013 - by Shari Barr
In Too Deep
A little over a year ago my husband surprised me with roundtrip airline tickets to Maui. On arrival in our tropical paradise, we perused the scads of flyers in the resort lobby trying to decide which activities and excursions we wanted to try. After much discussion, we decided on several, one of which included a boat trip to a nearby island, Molokini, to snorkel along the coral reef.
This may sound wonderful, but there was a problem. I don’t like water. Or more accurately—deep water terrifies me because I never learned to swim. I must have been determined that day because I convinced my husband I could do it. After all, I had snorkeled once, years ago, but in much shallower water.
The day of our excursion arrived and our boat, crammed with tourists, left the dock. The captain began explaining the details of our trip, casually mentioning that snorkelers should rent wet suits for their buoyancy because there were no life jackets on board. Gulp. You say what? No life jackets? Surely I didn’t hear him right. Unfortunately I did, though.
While he instructed the divers on proper snorkeling procedures, I began to worry if I could handle this. Everyone else seemed so sure of themselves, eager to get in the water and begin the dive. Me? Backing out was looking better and better all the time.
After he finished his demonstration, I pulled the captain aside and asked him if he was sure the wet suit would hold me up since I didn’t know how to swim. Apparently, not many non-swimmers go snorkeling, because he looked at me like I was nuts. He assured it would keep me afloat but glanced at my husband and asked, “Are you going to stay with her?”
“Yep,” my husband nodded.
After anchoring alongside Molokini, I let everyone else get off before me, delaying the inevitable as long as possible. Finally my turn was up. I climbed down the ladder at the back of the boat and sat on the bottom rung as I slipped my feet into the fins. I put on my goggles, took the paddle board the tour diver handed me (for baby snorkelers like me) and prayed like crazy. “Oh dear God, help me. Please.”
I glanced nervously at my husband waiting patiently for me in the water. I clutched the paddle board in both hands, pushing one end toward him, begging him not to let go. He promised, grabbed it with one hand, and then I slipped off the rung into the chilly waters of the ocean. He tugged me away from the boat, and suddenly an overwhelming fear enveloped me. “I don’t like this,” I cried out.
Mike calmly assured me I’d be fine and suggested I put on my snorkel and put my face in the water. All I could think about was the deep, deep water surrounding me. Putting my face in the water was something I didn’t want to consider right now. But I did, praying all the while, asking God to help me. I breathed through the snorkel like the instructor had taught us. A peace washed over me, and I felt my fears floating away. My husband continued to tug me via the paddle board round and round. The sights beneath me in the crystal clear sea were simply breathtaking. Swimming among the sea turtles and tropical fish was one of the highlights of the trip—something I’ll never forget.
I couldn’t have done it if my husband hadn’t been at my side, but a greater power took away my fear. God knew my weaknesses and helped me through a time when I needed it most.
Now, if someone asked if I’d snorkel again, I’d answer “yes” without hesitation. I can do anything through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.
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February 28, 2013
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Rose Ross Zediker said:
Shari,
A wonderful life example of the Phillippians Bible verse!
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February 28, 2013
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Rose Ross Zediker said:
P.S. I now have the Little Mermaid song, Under the Sea, running through my head!
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February 28, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Thanks, Rose, but sorry I got that song running through your head. Now it’ll probably be there all day.:)
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February 28, 2013
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Joleen Thornton said:
Ahh, That’s such an encouragement! So often we get into something and then fear overcomes us. Thanks for sharing!
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February 28, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Thanks, Joleen. I tell ya, I was pretty freaked out there for awhile, but once I realized I was okay, I was fine. It’s good to see you over here today. Glad you stopped by.
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February 28, 2013
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Brenda Anderson said:
Applause! I think it’s cool that you agreed to snorkeling in the first place, much less follow through on it. I’ve heard it’s a phenomenal experience–and you just confirmed that.
My hesitation would have come when the instructor recommended putting on a wet suit. Uh … nope. Not happening.
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February 28, 2013
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Dawn Ford said:
Shari,
How blessed you are with such a patient husband! Both my husband nor I swim well. It would have been a disaster for us. I’m so glad you got the chance to overcome your fear for this experience. I know that peace. It’s pretty awesome when it comes over you.
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February 28, 2013
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Lorna Seilstad said:
What a great example, Shari! Thank you for sharing your experience. While I can swim, I think I would have been as nervous as you. I’m so glad you were able to enjoy the experience.
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February 28, 2013
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Kav said:
Well, thanks to Rose I now have Under the Sea rattling around in my brain as well. LOL. Love this story, Shari. It shows how courageous you are! And what a wonderful opportunity to see God’s miraculous handiwork up close. That’s a chance in a lifetime for sure.
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February 28, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Brenda, I felt the same way about the wet suit but when the captain said we needed it for warmth, and I needed it to stay afloat, I knew I either had to wear it or stay in the boat. That’s another fear I got over that day-wearing a wet suit in public.
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February 28, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Dawn, fortunately, Mike’s a good swimmer. And, that feeling of peace when you feel God working is so amazing.
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February 28, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Thanks, Lorna. I, too, am so glad Mike and I shared this experience together. It was definitely a chance of a lifetime.
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February 28, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Thanks, Kav. I didn’t feel very courageous at the time, just like one big wuss. But I guess God wanted me to calm down and see His handiwork. Glad He did.
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February 28, 2013
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Stacy said:
Love that story, Shari. From the surprise trip to Hawaii (I wonder if MY Mike is listening!) to being brave enough to push past the fear. Makes me think of the Scott Krippayne Song – “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” (and other times He calms His child). Yay for you being brave and yay for God being right there with you.
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February 28, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Thanks, Stacy. Maybe you can convince your Mike that you have a fear you need to confront, preferably in Maui.
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February 28, 2013
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Regina said:
Oh my. Since my biggest fear is heights, the plane trip over the ocean should do it for me!
Thank you for sharing this , Shari. We just need to learn to let go, and let GOD do these things through us, don’t we?
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February 28, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Regina, I don’t like heights either. But planes don’t bother me. I even rode in a hot air balloon once and was fine. But climbing lookout towers or being somewhere high where I don’t feel secure-then I’m freaky. It’s all a mind game, I know.