Wrinkles is a female Sharpai owned by an eighty-five year old man named B.J. of Gulfport, Mississippi. My volunteer and very amateur construction crew worked for five days to finish hanging the sheetrock in B.J.’s hurricane damaged home.
I was initially apprehensive about giving up a much needed Spring Break to volunteer in Katrina ravaged Gulfport. However, I have learned over time that I might miss a blessing by not participating in an opportunity that God presents to me, and I was not disappointed this time.
As the renovations unfolded, so did the story of Wrinkles and his owner B.J. The day hurricane Katrina hit land, B.J. had stayed behind with Wrinkles to protect his home. When the water rose above the sill of the window, B.J. took his one life jacket and secured it to Wrinkles. Through an open window, they swam in turbulent water, grabbing onto branches of trees to rest, until they reached a two story house in the neighborhood.
On top of a table on the second floor of this house, B.J. and Wrinkles successfully waited out the storm. I pondered about what B.J. had done; the choice that he made to risk his own life for his beloved pet. I would not choose such a risk. It could possibly result in my grandchildren growing up never knowing me. I want to be able to watch them grow into adults as I have done with my own children, but I am humbled by B.J.’s sacrifice.
B.J.’s willingness to give his life jacket to his dog is a small example of the love God shows us. God is in the practice of giving life jackets. Jesus came and died so that we all may find safety through the storm of life until we reach an eternity of safety with Him.
Memory Verse:
“Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.”
– Psalm 4:5 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Dear Heavenly Father, help me to remember that regardless of the sacrifices that I make for those that I love, it pales in comparison to the sacrifice You made for me. Please place a life jacket around me as I endure this trial of…”
Contributing Writer:
Cynthia Faulkner
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