June 19, 2005

It was a sun-drenched day in the Gulf of Manfredonia. The scenic southern coast of Italy teamed with tourists and locals enjoying the
balmy weather.

Approaching the docks, a father and his 14-year-old son, whom I’ll call Roberto, decided to go sailing. The afternoon seemed promising. Plenty of wind to fill the sails. Crisp, salty sea spray. Sunlight sparkling off the surging swells. As father and son sailed out of the bay they wondered aloud if they might be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Filippo. Filippo was a free-spirited dolphin who had lived in the Gulf waters for many years. The cavorting creature had become so popular among the locals that they gave him a name.

As the sailboat sliced through the surf, an occasional wave splashed over the gunwale. Without warning Roberto slipped on the slick deck, flew backward over the bow and into the Adriatic Sea. His father rushed to the vessel’s edge and frantically searched the waters. Desperation quickly overcame him when he caught no glimpse of the boy. Panic stricken, the father knew his son couldn’t swim.

As Roberto hit the waves and slipped below the surface, a vise-like fear gripped him. The fear of death. Having no ability to save himself he knew he was bound to drown. His thrashing arms did little to slow his decent. His lungs began to ache for air. Then, in a moment, a miracle occurred. Rather than sinking to the shadowy ocean depths, Roberto felt a sudden upward surge. Something underneath was swiftly pushing him back to the surface.

With a thrill Roberto recognized the slender form, blue-gray skin, and beak-like snout of a dolphin. It was Filippo! Realizing the dolphin was his only hope of survival he clung to Filippo. With thrust from a powerful tail and the swish of stabilizing flippers, Filippo carried the boy up to the hull of the boat and into his fathers waiting arms. Then the dolphin turned and simply swam away.

The story of Filippo and Roberto made headlines around the world. Sometime later as he recounted the story to an Italian news agency, Roberto proclaimed feelings of exuberance and relief. When all hope seemed lost, a miracle occurred. As long as he lives, Roberto will never forget his aquatic savior.

Neither will I. For my story and Roberto’s have much in common. I too have been miraculously rescued when I had no ability to save myself. But my savior was not a bottle-nosed dolphin. My Savior was a tenderhearted God.

Drowning beneath the surface of my own selfishness and self-destructive behavior, fear and discouragement become overwhelming. Trying to save myself proved to be hopeless.

Knowing my desperation, God’s own Son dove deep into the shadowy depths of this dark planet. With an upward surge of love and grace he saved me from certain death. But God’s compassionate rescue far surpasses Filippo’s. The dolphin merely gave his assistance to the drowning boy. God’s Son gave his life. And by clinging to him, I will soon be given life eternal and returned to the waiting arms of my heavenly Father. Saved!

By his grace, may I never forget my hopelessness.

By his power, may I never forget my rescue.

By his love, may I never forget my Savior.

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love.” 1 John 4:9-10 NLT

Todd Chobotar
Mission development
Florida Hospital