Neal Pollard
When I was a boy living in Cairo, Georgia, my family took several trips to a place in Florida called St. George Island. It was a beautiful strip of land wedged between Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. We would sit out on the porch of our hotel room at night and look at the vast array of stars with the ocean roar providing the sweetest background music. We would comb the beach for shells and sand dollars. We would get in and play in the water. One year, when I was about eight, I was pushing the limits of safety by wading deeper and deeper into the water. The waves were growing larger and larger, and I was having fun riding them up and down as they came past. I remember looking back and waving at my parents, then turning around in time to misjudge the height and force of the incoming wave. In a split second, I was underwater. I remember seeing the water rushing and sea creatures beneath my feet. I remember the feeling of terror and disorientation. In what seemed an eternity, I was able to get to the surface and get back to water shallow enough to put down my feet. Over 30 years later, I remember that vividly.
It often comes to mind when I read some inspired statements made in the Old Testament. Facing the exile of his people and the devastation wrought by the Babylonians, Jeremiah wrote, “Waters flowed over my head; I said, ‘I am cut off!'” (Lam. 3:54). David described his response to his sin in similar fashion, and though not mentioning water he paints a picture that makes me think of it when he says, “For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me” (Ps. 38:4). Life can so overwhelm us, knock us off our feet, and disorient us! It can hurt, frighten, and confuse us. What do you do when that happens? Prayerfully, you must try to get back on your feet and get your head on the right side of the water. We need divine help in such times. Like the Psalmist says, though, God “stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of the waves, and the tumults of the peoples” (Ps. 65:7). God will buoy us up and deliver us through the crashing of the waves that go over our heads. We must never doubt that or give up when covered up!
The Preacher Pollard Blog 
Hi Neal, it makes my heart glad to see that you are doing the Lord’s work!
I have recently discovered Face Book and am discovering what a wonderful place to find people I haven’t seen in many years. Do you remember Bobby, David, Michael and Steve Jones? We came to Cairo when your Dad was preaching at the church here. We have been here 32 Years! Yes, we have spent many days at St. George Island fishing.
In Christian Love,
Vivian Jones
Yes, I remember them all. How are they? I would love to go back to Cairo and St. George Island! Great to hear from you.
Love,
Neal
When were you in Cairo? I helped with a campaign that started the church there
c. 1965.
I preached in Thomasville.
My dad preached there in the ’70s to early ’80s.