Sitting poolside, my gaze was riveted on my two grandchildren. The pool was divided with swim class on one side of the rope and regulation floaty clad kiddos on the other side. My pair were amidst the playful lot. Nearing that moment when the rope would disappear and the masses rush into current forbidden waters, my sight caught glimpse of a young “lesson boy” struggling with fear.
My guess would place this lad at nine to ten-years-old. His frame was stocky. His sport inclination fell into the clumsy, non-athletic category. My Grammy heart was drawn to him. For at least ten long minutes, he struggled on the pool deck, time after time, trying to muster the courage to jump into three feet of water. Over and over, after each failed attempt, he’d punch his thighs, shake his disappointed head and bow to fear. His mother was obvious. She was the lady, eyes never leaving this child, hands nervously moving in circles, and breaking heart worn on her sleeve. The young swim instructor, inexperienced in how to instill faith and confidence, was kind but not invested in inspiration or fundamentally believing in oneself.
Most, who were only focused on the rope disappearing, began to realize what (or in reality who) was holding up its release. It broke my heart that many grown-ups were reacting as kids — making fun of a struggle, irritated by delay and totally unempathetic of the inner fear a young boy was outwardly fighting.
After many agonizing moments, the young warrior, with his bottom nearly seated on the deck, let himself slide into the water. Spontaneously, I applauded his success. The big people stared at me in total incomprehension. Only the boy’s mother gratefully smiled and understood.
I waited for the little man to exit the pool. As his feet hit dry land, I longed to elevate him with congratulations for his bravery. My words affirmed how very courageous he was — A brave sole is not one who is not afraid. A brave soul is one who faces his fear and overcomes it. I assured this child of God he was one of the bravest little boys I’d ever met.
Never will I forget how his cast down head suddenly lifted high and his tightly sealed mouth turned into a cheek-to-cheek humongous grin. Walking away, I thanked God for touching my life with this special little boy and asked Him to be His child’s courage and protect his tender heart and self-esteem.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not discouraged, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (ESV).
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 