I'm seeing so many images from the tsunami in Japan that just stay with me all day. And hearing so many stories that go straight to my soul. There's one that a particular reporter will have with her for a long time. From a survivors' shelter.
It was that dad holding his three-year-old daughter. When the tsunami hit, he grabbed her in his arms - and held on, literally for dear life, as the raging waters nearly pulled her away.
But her father held on. And even though they were safe in the shelter now for two days, he still clung tightly to his little girl, refusing to put her down.
He loves her. He saved her. He will not let her go.
I'm a father, but I see myself in that little child. With a Heavenly Father who has saved me from what would otherwise have carried me into an unthinkable eternity. "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness" (Colossians 1:13). He offers me - and all those who belong to Jesus - a security that transcends even life's most devastating losses. Jesus said, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish...No one can snatch them out of My Father's hand" (John 10:28).
He gave His Son to rescue me - He's not about to lose me now. He'll hold on tight to the one He has saved.
In the cascading waters of these uncertain times, that's awfully good to know.