How to Swim With People

The challenge is to minister in a healing way without being consumed in the process-like the swimmer who caries a struggling, drowning person for some distance without being pulled under along the way. It's easier if you are not alone. It takes time. You will feel worn out at times. The person may fight against you. You need to keep a clear eye on where you are headed. You must hold the person firmly and lovingly but in a way that does not allow you to be pulled down. You will get tired and will need to rest. You will pray. Sometimes the shoreline seems impossibly far away. Sometimes there are waves, sometimes big ones. You will need to call for help. Still the task is to keep the person moving slowly towards the firm ground. (Miller and Jackson: 1995, p. 357)