"God, I Couldn’t Care Less” -- Jimmy's Story

It was a beautiful Memorial Day weekend. I didn't have a care in the world. Some friends and I were at Panama City, Florida having some fun when we decided to run across the sand and dive into the emerald-green Gulf water. As I went in head first, I felt a gut-wrenching crunch. Instantly, my life was changed forever.

After striking my head on the ocean floor, my body started to tingle, then slowly became numb. All I could do was hold my breath as I floated helplessly on the surface of the water. An overwhelming sense of terror engulfed me as I realized I could not move my arms and legs, or lift my head above the water to take a desperately needed breath of fresh air. A friend, who thought I was joking, rolled me over. Realizing something was seriously wrong, she pulled me to the safety of the shore. I am now a quadriplegic for life, paralyzed from the neck down with limited use of my arms and hands.

After returning home from months of rehab, I was overcome with helplessness and depression. I found it very difficult to cope with the traumatic changes in my life, and could hardly bear the thought of never walking again. Years of drug and alcohol abuse had led me down a dark path of sin that left deep spiritual wounds and a conscience that was continually haunted by guilt and shame.

I wondered what would have become of me if I had died that fateful day. I began reading books in an attempt to alleviate boredom. One day, out of curiosity, I picked up a Bible. Wow! What a marvelous transformation God's Word would have on my life. I did not grow up in a Christian home. As I read the Bible, I began to understand for the first time the truth about this remarkable man named Jesus of Nazareth.

I discovered that Jesus was God who “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:7-8). I learned that, He died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This proved that He truly was the promised Messiah Who conquered death once for all. I realized Jesus paid the full penalty for my sins with His blood so that I could be free my sin and guilt.

That day I confessed to God that I was a sinful person, and repented of my sins. I asked Jesus Christ to forgive me and save me from hell. Now I know that I am a born-again child of God with an eternal home in Heaven.

My friend, understand that you too are drowning in an ocean of sin, and Jesus Christ is the only one Who can pull you to safety on his shore of salvation. If your life came to a sudden end today, would you spend eternity with God in heaven, or would you find yourself burning in hell? Have ever lied, stolen, used God’s name as a curse word, looked with lust, felt hatred towards someone or had sex outside of marriage? God’s Word clearly warns, you will not escape the punishment of hell for your crimes against God. Romans 6:23 says, "The wages of sin is death…." But there is good news!" the rest of the verse says, ...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Out of sincere love, God provided the way for YOU to be forgiven of ALL your sins--a free gift paid in full by the precious blood of Christ. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)

Only Jesus Christ can pull you to the safety of salvation's shore. You must believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins and that God raised Him from the dead. Humbly confess (plead “guilty”) and repent (change your mind about and want to turn away) from sin. Ask God to forgive you and save you. Trust in Christ alone for eternal life. No religion, church, ceremony or amount of good deeds can ever save you. “Now then, as an ambassador for Christ,” I beg you in Christ's behalf, ...be ye reconciled to God! (2 Cor. 5:20)

Our dear friend Jimmy passed away in 2017. May his story give you the strength and courage to give yourself to the Lord as he did.