Down but never out.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corin. 4:8-9)

In celebration of our second wedding anniversary, David and I traveled to northwestern Puerto Rico (PR) in pursuit of a peaceful escape. What we found provided us with a level of solitude and serenity that eclipsed any vacation we had ever taken. The beauty, strength, and majesty of God’s creation exceeded our expectations and left us in breathless awe and wonder at every turn.

In contrast to our first trip to PR on last year’s anniversary, the northwestern part of the island is raw and regal. While the east coast boasts pristine waters and peaceful shores, the northwest features rocky coastlines with powerful wave-breaks. While I read that surfers flock to these shores, the very idea of such a thing was hard to envision. Seeing the rolling turquoise waves break across the cliffs, rocky tables, and a craggy shore made a quick believer out of me.

Our Heavenly Father’s power was demonstrated at every turn. Row after row of waves pounded the surf, roaring in demonstration of our Creator’s majesty. Between the sustained winds of 20-25 mph with gusts up to 30 or more, we knew there would be no swimming in most of these waters. Rip-current signs were posted at almost all the beaches we visited. The strong waves crash over the rocky shores in most areas, creating a grandiose display unrivaled by geysers.

Our vacation rental sat high above the sandy beach on the outskirts of Isabela. To get to the shore, we hiked a half mile down a steep path through the woods, unlocking a makeshift stick gate with barbed wire and a fun sign (in Spanish and English) advising us to keep the gate shut to prevent the free-roaming cows from escaping. (Only in PR!)

When we arrived on the beach, we were blown away (literally and figuratively) by the beauty surrounding us. With cliffs to our right and a pounding surf straight ahead, we walked another half mile to the left and discovered a cove surrounded by rocks that blocked the waves from crashing into the shore. As we walked back up to our rental house at twilight, I was struck by the resplendent sunset we soon learned to take great lengths to witness each night we were there.

Each day, we were enraptured by the beauty of God’s creation as we visited 7 area beaches – each different from the other and yet equally memorable. One beach – Pastillo – promised a cave with a beautiful arch where unique photos could be taken. We discovered that the savage surf and treacherous riptides would prevent anyone from visiting the arch’s location – around the cliff and beyond the waves – during this time of year.

While we couldn’t enter Cueva de las Golondrinas, or the Swallows Cave as translated, we were happy to discover the rocky-faced profile of Taino Chief Mabodomaca – seemingly carved into the cliffside. His eye sockets, nose, and lips were easily visible – given a little imagination and the inspiring guidance to look for him when we arrived.

Along the way, I was intrigued to find a nearly horizontal palm tree along the shoreline. It was easy to envision the tropical storm or hurricane-force winds that had battered this shore and nearly ripped the tree out of the ground.

While the wind and surf had surely pummeled this tree – evidenced by its horizontal drop – its roots ran deep enough to keep it in place and allow it to regrow. While it had been forced down – bent nearly horizontal at its trunk – it ultimately grew up again towards the sun. I wondered how long this tree had stood as a testament to God’s power. How many people passed by it over time and yet never saw the analogy that I did?

Into each of our lives, storms will blow. They will knock us down – maybe even off our feet – but we can rise again. We can survive anything – with God’s help. Our Heavenly Father is always with us. He will never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:6).

As Romans 8: 35-39 tells us, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I read that Bible passage at my sister’s funeral after she and my niece were murdered by my sister’s husband in 2006. I thought of it often as I left my second abusive husband and tried to start my life over again. I think of it whenever I see someone struggling with circumstances seemingly out of control. It’s one of my favorite passages to share with anyone who needs to remember that God is always with us. And He always loves us. Nothing can ever change that.

Life is hard. It can be brutal. It can knock us off our feet and cripple us if we let it. But only if we let it. If we remain rooted in Christ, He will sustain us. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Just like the palm tree David and I visited on the shore of Pastillo Beach, I choose to stay rooted in Christ. He has sustained me more times than I can remember, and I know He will always hold me. All I need to do is keep reaching up to Him.

The same is true for you, beloved. Keep holding on and keep reaching up. You may be down but never out if you are rooted and sustained by Christ.