It was the “leech board” that did it. We were at a camp in the Adirondack mountains; the water was beautiful and everyone except me was having a blast.

My skinny-legged eight-year-old self could not muster the courage to jump into that lake. There I was pacing on the dock, stressed and trying to talk myself into it.

I didn’t know much about leeches, but I knew enough from that piece of plywood nailed to a post near shore to know my legs were never going to have a chance to meet a leech.

A lot goes through a child’s mind while looking out and hearing shouts, laughs, splashing and everyone around him having summertime water fun.

But some of the kids in that lake had moved from cheering for me to join them, to taunting me.

I’d look at that water, go to the end of the dock and curl my toes abound the edge, ready to dive in. But then my burning feet would walk back and look at that board.

“Two inches”. “Four inches”. I’m pretty sure one was six feet. Your mind plays tricks while considering a plunge into the home of those blood-sucking creatures.

Some tried to help. “Look, no leeches. Jump in the water’s great.”

All I could muster was the misery of trying to run out the clock for “swim time”.

Pacing

Pouting

Trying to be a little brave.

We were in the Indian Guides and brave is what little Indians are supposed to be.

Not me!

An act of congress wasn’t going to get me in that water – not even a toe. Everyone was trying their best, but the leech board was winning the day.

Yearning to join them, I was startled when I heard a gentle voice behind me say, “are you afraid of leeches?”

When I turned, I teared up and had that quivering lip that said it all.

What he did next said even more.

“So am I”.

There stood a forty-something leader of our tribe who walked me to the end of the dock where we sat down – cross-legged – Indian style.

We just talked and laughed for a while until he made a suggestion that “he learned when he was my age”.

He showed me how to have fun splashing my feet in the water without ever putting them in deep enough to reach “where the leeches lived.” I believed him.  

I think it was the most fun I’d ever had in my whole life – at least it felt that way.

He understood the value of a simple act, like this “tribe” in Acts 28:2. It reminds me that you don’t have to be a Christian to know this, but if you are, this you know Col. 3:12.

Here’s my question for you:

Who in your sphere is marginalized, trying to be a little brave, or just needs a small act of kindness to make their day more hopeful; and what will you do for them? I’d love to hear your response. Reply and share it with me. I read every email.

P.S. & Invitation. Together we can double the reach of this ministry. It’s a worthwhile challenge and you can help. Can you forward this newsletter to a few people you know — in your household, workplace and church — and encourage them to subscribe? Thank you.

🧔🏻‍♂️For the men in your life. This is a good place for men to open up. I’ve been a part of this ministry to men for a while and highly recommend it.

🛐 How can I pray for you? Please let me know here.

📖 ICYMI. Monday 8pm (eastern) online Bible study & fellowship. Click this Zoom link a little before 8pm on Monday and you’ll be welcomed in!

📫 Forward this email to friends & family and encourage them to subscribe

♥️ Follow on Instagram | Facebook | Threads for more biblical encouragement.

👊🏼 Quick Favor? I’m attempting to double the reach of this newsletter. You can help. Can you forward this to a few people you care about-and encourage them to subscribe? Would you also help me spread the word by sharing BV2U to your social media? Thank you.

💬💡Feedback? Let me know how to improve BV2U or how it impacted you. Reply to this email or use [email protected]. I read every email.