day 3: you will need to train to rescue.

After learning that my dream job of lifeguarding was not all sexy-fun, I became aware that there was detailed training needed.

Sitting in that high-towered lifeguard stand didn’t require deep physical training, but everything else that went along with lifeguarding did.

Training is physical and mental.

I began to wonder if this dream of rescuing people would ever come to be. Not only was I required to get physically in shape by increasing my endurance swimming those dreaded laps, I also had to practice and learn different maneuvers for rescuing drowning victims. When the instructor flopped a training manuel down on the table and gave me homework for the day, I knew I had work to do.

There were things to consider:

how far was the victim from the side

how deep was the water

were there other people around

what was the best way to approach the victim

where was the lifeguard ring and shepherd’s crook

was their airway blocked

was 911 needed

Rescue is worth the effort you put in.

I’m learning today that rescuing people in a spiritual sense is much like rescuing drowning victims. Helping others catch their breath takes training. Not just training from a Biblical sense, however important that is, but even in a physical and mental capacity.

Knowing that you yourself are well or fit enough to help another is vital. When you feel weak it is hard to push through with the extra energy needed to help a wayward soul.

Keeping your eyes and ears open to others who are drowning as you go about your day is a learned process. We each instinctually look to ourselves, but learning to read others hearts as you go through your day is exhausting. And totally worth it.

Would you like to be a heart reader? Click here for an awesome quick read that will help.

Training is tiring.

There will be days you are exhausted and wonder if training is even worth it. It is! Keep on, keepin’ on. The hours you put in will mean life to someone else.

Learning to read hearts and rescue others can be overwhelming. You’ll begin to feel their pain. Don’t lose heart though, because having empathy for others is part of the training process.

When you feel others pain to the point that you feel like you are hurting too, then you can truly help. [tweet that]

Then your weary soul is ready to offer:

a drink to a homeless man on a hot day

a word of encouragement to a worn-out mom in the grocery store

a bold prayer for the teenager is who strung out on drugs

a helping hand to the women needing detox

a safe house to the girl needing rescued

Training is necessary.

Learning to navigate new training maneuvers is awkward. That’s been my life for the past few months. With the announcement that we would be opening up a rescue house for trafficked women,

I have gone in to strict training.

There’s new language and terms to be aware of.

Stats to learn. Processes to understand.

Warning signs to know.

Resources to secure and connections to make.

There’s been long hours of training, researching, crying, and praying. But even before the house is ready, women are being rescued. There are women detoxing, breaking away from prostitution, and women going through complete restoration processes.

When you train at a new level, your eyes are opened to more opportunities to help others along the way.

Train hard – others are counting on you for rescue!

QUESTION: Do you like the training process that has to happen before a dream is realized?

This post is part of the 31 days of rescue series. You can find all posts listed here.

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After wrestling with the word rescue for months, I decided to bring this word to life. I’ll expose the truths stirring in my soul regarding this daring, venturesome, and fearless word. Oh how I’d love your input too!