beach – Grits with Grace

Family, fear, life, Scripture, Southern born, Trials

Bruiser

Posted on June 19, 2025June 16, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

I should have seen it coming. Both are true, and the truth is, it didn’t matter. Several years ago, a chunk of the Taylor tribe was able to go to Florida for a week. The middle daughter had been going to the Palm Coast of Florida for the last several years and she suggested we give it a try. I was a reluctant participant.

You see, I was raised on the Northeast coast of Florida. My growing up years consisted of regular trips to the beach. Many years later I discovered the Gulf coast with its sugary white sands and clear blue-green waters and I was sold. Because of this, I wasn’t overly excited when the plans for the East coast were drafted. However, having done life being the only male in the house (there was my wife, three daughters, a girl dog, a girl cat or two and six female tropical fish. Even the mice in the barn were girls.) I realized that resistance was futile. So off to the East coast we went.

I was pleasantly surprised. We were about an hour or so South of Jacksonville (where I was raised) in a nice condominium complex. We shared the place with our middle daughter and family and it was just perfect. It overlooked the golf course with a great view of the ocean. The grounds were well maintained and it had two very nice pools—one family and one for the adults who liked things a little quieter. The normal vacation crowd was much smaller because of the COVID thing. The only problem was “they” were there.

“They” were waves. Pretty big waves. You see on the Gulf side you usually have little friendly waves. The waves gently bump into you and seem to say, “Hi, we are glad you are here.” The waves in the Atlantic are from the Southside of Chicago. They are gangster waves. When we went to the beach they were waiting. This is the part I remember from my growing up and from one or two vacations from earlier years. You can hear them before you see them. They are inviting you into the water—so they can bully you.

Anyway, we get to the beach and you know they didn’t look too intimidating. I mean they weren’t gentle “hey, glad you are here waves” but they weren’t “terminator” waves either. We planted our stuff on the beach and off we went into the water. First, I tested the waves with a knee deep stand. Not bad. Then I went a little deeper. Still not too bad but I could begin to feel them. They wanted me. They had my number.

I was out in waist deep water and realized the power of perception. Those waves that didn’t seem so big from shore were all of a sudden larger—much larger. I turned to talk to Judy who was close by and looked back just in time to see a large wave coming. Fortunately, I was able to keep my footing and survived the onslaught. I smiled. My sunglasses were still on my face and my hat was still on my head. I was an overcomer. Who’s the man now?! That’s when “Bruiser” came.

“Bruiser” was epic, “Bruiser” had one goal in mind—take me down. I saw him coming but it was too late. “Bruiser” was well over my head and broke right on top of me. One minute I was standing and the next minute I was in a washing machine of ocean water…in the spin cycle. When I came to surface, of which I was very grateful, “Bruiser” had moved on. My swim shirt was over my head, my hat was gone and my pride and body were a little bruised. He had won. I had taken on the big boy and come up short. Probably worse of all my Seattle hat, the one I had worn for several years was lost to the jaws of “Bruiser.” He never had a chance. May he rest in peace.

Well, one time in the spin cycle was enough for me that day. And somewhat gratefully I was glad to learn that others in the family had suffered similar fates. Even the son-in-laws got bowled over a time or two. Hats and sunglasses were lost but what was found was the joy of being with family. We had a good time.

I did learn, or perhaps more accurately, relearn a lesson about the waves of the Atlantic. They can be pretty powerful. Usually there is a flag system that warns of particularly rough waves. Our beach didn’t have that, but I later heard on the news there had been some big waves. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20. Sometimes they manage to sneak in but even when you see them coming, they can take you down.

Life is the same way. A day at life’s beach can quickly turn into a spin cycle of ocean water. We can get bowled over by circumstances, uncertainties, tragedies and a occasional pandemic. Even when we see them coming, they can be overwhelming. After my encounter with “Bruiser” that day, I decided it was time to visit the pool—eventually all of us did. The Bible says, “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” Translated another way that means there is a time to swim in the ocean and there is a time to head to the pool. Wisdom is knowing when to do what. Wisdom is also knowing that no matter what life throws at you, we can rest in the One who makes the waves because He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, life, loving others, Scripture, travel, Trials

She Just Wasn’t Herself

Posted on January 27, 2025January 23, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16

She just wasn’t herself. Several years ago, we spent a few days in Panama City Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. We were lucky enough to have a condo right on the beach, five stories up. The view and the sound of the Gulf were absolutely amazing. We’ve been here many times, but this trip felt different.

See, I was raised on the East Coast of Florida, where the Atlantic Ocean is. The water there is kind of grey, always moving, with waves constantly crashing toward the shore. But the Gulf? It’s usually a lot calmer, with that smooth, bluish-green water. It’s beautiful, especially in the winter. Even though the water’s too cold for me to swim in, I never get tired of looking at it. But this time? Something was off.

Right from the start, the Gulf was much more stirred up than usual. The waves were big and constant, crashing in one after the other. The red flag flying on the pole said, “Stay out of the water,” and honestly, you didn’t need the flag to know that. The ocean was rough, and the sky was filled with grey clouds that matched the color of the water. It was like the Gulf just wasn’t herself. Something had her worked up. What was it? I don’t know, but she was definitely off her game.

But here’s the strange part: even though the Gulf wasn’t acting like herself, it was still beautiful. There was something powerful and majestic about those waves, and it reminded me that nature, in all its wildness, is still part of a bigger plan. Even though things weren’t calm, I knew that I’d be back here again someday—and the Gulf would calm down too. The rough waters didn’t change the fact that this was just a moment in time.

That got me thinking about us. We all have our days, don’t we? Times when we’re not ourselves, when we’re not calm or peaceful, but instead feel like we’re struggling, all stirred up inside. And, just like the Gulf, we might not even know why we’re feeling that way. We might not be able to explain it. People who see us from the outside might notice that we’re not our usual selves, but we’re the ones in the middle of the storm, feeling all the turbulence. Hopefully, it’ll pass, and things will settle down again.

So, what do we do when we come across someone who’s acting like the turbulent Gulf? I think the answer is simple: we show them grace. Grace is God’s unearned favor, and He gives it to us freely. And because we’ve received so much grace from Him, we’re called to extend it to others. As John puts it, “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Jesus was overflowing with grace, and He shared it with everyone He met—including us. So, it makes sense that we should do the same. When we understand how much grace we’ve been shown, it becomes easier to pass that grace along to others—especially to the people who need it most.

Eventually, we had to head home. We left the Gulf, and according to the forecast, the waves would stay rough for a few more days—but not forever. Calm days would come again, both for the Gulf and for me, and for you too. And for that person who’s struggling right now? Go ahead and splash a little grace on them. It might be just what they need to find calm and beauty again.

And whether you’re in the middle of your own storm or standing on the shore watching someone else, remember this: whether you need grace or you’re extending it, God’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

fear, forgiveness, Grace, life, New Year, Scripture, Trials, wisdom

Watch For the Flag

Posted on January 20, 2025January 18, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10

The flag was busily snapping in the wind. A couple of years ago, my wife Judy and I journeyed to Panama City Beach burning a few leftover vacation days and looking for a little white space before we started another busy year. White space is that thing you have when there is less pressure to be and do and it gives you an opportunity to recoup, recharge, and restore. I know in my preretirement world that was a rare thing and therefore an especially valuable thing. That day we were sitting on the balcony looking at the Gulf of Mexico and enjoying the balmy 76 degree temperature. Can someone say, “Paradise?” It was then I really noticed the flag.

To help swimmers stay safe in the Gulf waters, the local authorities have flag poles up and down the beach and the color of the flag informs the beach goers of the water conditions. A green flag means everything is good…calm waters and currents. A yellow flag indicates that there is a slight risk and one should at least pay attention to the waves and the currents. A red flag means that no one should go into the water…there are significant waves and dangerous currents. A double red is as if they are shouting the warning. Well, when we arrived there was a yellow flag and it was warm enough that more than a few people were swimming. Then came the next day.

Judy was out on the balcony and I was inside writing Grits. She watched as the safety patrol came by and changed the flag from yellow to red. While the waves were a little boisterous the real danger was what was happening under the water—riptide. Riptide is an undertow that can quickly pull you away from the shore and immediately put you in danger. Apparently that danger was greater than normal. The internet said it and so did the flag but surprisingly many people simply ignored it.

I joined Judy on the balcony for breakfast and a break from writing. I watched as a young lady, probably in her late teens, walked right pass the flag pole with its red flag. She was carrying a wave board and her beach stuff. She put her board and bag on the sand, spread out her towel and quickly removed her swim coverup. And then, without a thought, grabbed her board and headed out into the water. Soon she was further out than anyone else and the current had moved her probably thirty yards down shore. No, this story doesn’t have a tragic ending but from my fifth story balcony it did give me a clear perspective. While she probably never even saw the red flag, I could see it clearly and because I saw it clearly I knew there was a danger. I knew I needed to stay clear of the water.

I found it intriguing that some saw the warning and heeded it, some saw the warning and ignored it, and some blindly ran straight into the danger…totally unaware and it made me think. That day happened to be New Year’s Eve. That meant we were, Lord willing, about to walk right into a brand New Year and we know now from past experience that we really don’t know what the new year will hold. The good news is there is Someone who does know and that someone is the God who created all of this. And here is more good news. First, He loves us dearly and wants more than anything for us to be able to call Him Father. That happens by believing in His Son…the One we celebrate at Christmas. Google it…it is an incredible story.

Second, if we are willing to believe and listen, He too will give us wisdom and guidance for this New Year and for that matter each new day. No, it probably won’t be a green, yellow, red or double red flag—it will be something better—His Word. The Bible isn’t just a rule book—a bunch of do’s and don’ts but rather it is a love letter where the One extending the love shares how to make the most of life. In fact, Jesus said, “A thief (that is Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” But what He says next is amazing, “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” Someone said that translates as, “the life that is really life.” I like that.

So, as we continue our launch into 2025, and knowing more than ever before how uncertain a New Year can be, why not check out a relationship with Creator God…why not check out Jesus? If you have or if you begin one now, it would be a great time to get into His Word and watch for the “flags” He shows you. Oh, and here is more good news. If you do find yourself in dangerous waters, don’t worry, He will still be there for you. Over the din of the waves and the pull of the current, you will hear Him shouting, “It’s OK…I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, travel, Trials

Sharks, Riptides, and God

Posted on June 27, 2024June 26, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I am a Florida boy. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. All my life I have made multiple visits to multiple beaches. I well remember making regular trips to Jacksonville Beach and spending the day baking in the sun and swimming in the ocean. My sister Agnes and her husband Jim lived in Daytona Beach for several years and we would spend time each summer at their house. Sometimes it was solo and at least once it was with my sister Kathy. Again, more baking in the sun and more swimming in the ocean. Later, after Judy and I were married, our vacations were often to Panama City Beach. We would always wait till after Labor Day when the prices dropped. What did I do there? Well, I bet you guessed I baked in the sun and swam in the ocean. It was who I was…it was what I did. But this Florida boy has just about given it up. Why? Well, here’s the answer.

First, but not most importantly, is the sunburn thing. We now know that over exposure to the sun can be a major contributor to skin cancer. And trust me, I have enough time in the sun to be more than a bit overcooked. It became some sort of twisted ritual where I would go with the full intention of getting a bad sunburn. It was like a rite of passage. So, I gave all that up. The skin doctor told me if I didn’t, I would regret it. Oh, I know they have sun protection but enough was enough. I believe I finally wised up.

Now for the real reason. Two words: sharks and riptide. Yup, that’s right. You see, regularly and all too frequently, and especially in Florida, shark attacks are way up. Recently, there were three shark attacks within six miles of each other. While all survived, one 14-year-old girl lost her hand and leg. I know the odds are supposed to be low, but I wonder if those that bumped into Jaws didn’t think the same thing? I don’t know but I think I will be swimming more in the pool and less in the gulf.

Now riptide. This weekend in Florida—six people became victims to this monster called riptide. Two young adults, as in under 25, checked into their hotel, changed into their suits and went to the beach and promptly drowned when they were caught in a riptide. What a heartbreak. What a difficult thing. Riptide is a current, often invisible from the surface, that can pull you away from shore. Now all of this and all of that is not supposed to be a “Debbie downer.” Rather it is meant to help you and me understand that sometimes the world, often the world can be a dangerous place—a place where we need help—we need God.

Now I’m only speaking for me and I’m not saying I will never swim in the ocean, but I sure plan to think about it before I do. It just makes sense to be careful. Now let me tell you about another ocean where none of this applies. What and where? It is the ocean of God’s grace and His faithfulness. In that ocean you never have to be afraid. In fact, that ocean helps us deal with the oceans that cause us to be afraid. Shannon Adler said, “Fear is the glue that keeps you stuck. Faith is the solvent that sets you free.” We should not walk in fear—rather we should live by faith. Faith and common sense can help us enjoy life as He wants us too. If you find yourself drowning in fear and consumed by faith eating sharks, remember that your Dearest Daddy is greater than anything you might face. Oh, and never forget, He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, travel

Just Like Papa

Posted on December 15, 2023December 13, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24

It is one of my favorite pictures. It was more than a few years ago when Blake and Sarah were stationed in Savanah, Georgia. He was serving in the United States Army, and they were one of thousands of families who make the sacrifice to go where they are sent and do what they are called to do. Now, of all the places the Army can sent a family, Savanah was good duty. The oldest city in Georgia and located in the Southeastern side of Georgia it is rich in heritage and about 25 miles from the beach. Not bad.

Well, one day Judy suggested we should go down and see them. Let’s see…family, grits, history, and pralines (in case you don’t know they are a crisp or semi-crisp candy typically consisting of butter, brown sugar, and pecans. You need to try them.) Yup…sounds like a great idea. We load up the van and off we go. It’s about an eleven-hour drive and we broke it up into two days because we are not as young as we used to be and to us the journey is part of the adventure.

When we arrive in Savanah, there are the usual “big hellos” and “what’s happening?” Soon after we arrive, come the next two big questions—what are we going to eat and where do we want to go? We decided to go to the historic downtown. If you have never been to Savanah, it is hard to describe this special part of the city. It is a series of parks, literally block after block, filled with trees, flowers, monuments, and fountains. Oh, and there is a Five Guys Burgers and Fries nearby. It can’t get any better. It’s like the Southern part of heaven.

After three or four blocks of strolling I decided it was time to sit down. I wandered over to an empty park bench to sit a spell. As I sometimes do, I lean back, locking my hands behind my head and just relaxing. The birds are singing, the squirrels are playing, and life is good. And then, it got better. While I am sitting there doing my relaxing thing, my grandson Will, who was about four, comes over to the park bench and eyes his Papa. What he does next is recorded in a photograph and in my heart.

Will, with a bit of a struggle, climbs up and sits on the park bench. He then gives me a look, raises his hands behind his head, locking his fingers. He is imitating his Papa. He is doing what he sees me doing. Judy, with the keen eye of a great photographer and grandmother, snaps the picture. It was only when we got home that we saw the true beauty of the picture. Today, a copy sits on my desk in my home office, and it is indeed one of my treasures.

Will reminded me that day there are always people watching and looking and often imitating us. Sometimes they are family, sometimes they are fellow church members, sometimes neighbors, sometimes even strangers. But they are watching and looking to see what we are going to do, how we are going to react and then they do what we do. That might be the reason when one of Jesus’ disciples ran—then they all did. It might be why when one shouted “crucify Him,” they all did. This picture makes me pause and ask, “What are my kids, my grandkids, my friends, the yet to be friends around me, seeing when they see me?” What do they see at the park, in Wal-Mart and yes, on Facebook? Hmmm.

The guy who wrote Hebrews says that we should consider—we should weigh carefully—how we may spur one another on toward love and good works.” In other words, the things we do and say should cause others to do good—and not to do evil. We are to be beacons of light shining out into a dark, rough, and dangerous sea. I guess I really love that picture because of the innocence of it all. But what if, what if, that same picture showed me being hateful or rude. What brings me joy would, and should, then bring tears.

Today is a new day. I like new days. New days say I get another chance. Let’s use this day with the knowledge that people are watching and we get to show them the way to get it right—not wrong. I know, it is a daunting task…but we have a great, big God pulling for us. Just like I got to set an innocent example for Will, so Jesus has set a sterling example for us. Just follow the leader and you can’t go wrong. So, climb up on the bench, sit a spell and rest. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, Integrity, life, Scripture, thankful, travel, Trials

Shock Factor

Posted on July 20, 2023July 19, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12

I call it the “shock factor” and I am not a fan. One of the things that I love about deep South Florida and the Keys is the water temperature. I mean it is perfect. When you wade into the water there is no gasping or shuddering. There is no “shock factor.” On the other hand, I have been to the Florida panhandle many times, often in the dead of summer, and it always seemed the water was cold. It probably isn’t but it sure seems that way.

Several years ago, we were down with the family. We had a place on the beach and soon there was a clamor of “let’s go to the beach.” Well, I am not a fan of the beach, but I am a fan of my family so off we went. We got there and it was time to take the plunge. So, I put my little toes in the water and was shocked at how cold the water seemed. Holy moley…I thought this was the Gulf not the North Sea! Well, I inched a little more trying my best not to act like a girl—sorry ladies. As I waded out, the water got higher and higher until finally it was time to go all in. Yep, I finally just bent my legs, and the water came up to my neck. Holy moley, for the second time!

Well, for about four or five minutes it was just cold—I swore I saw penguins walking on the beach. Hot temperature or not…sun or not—it was cold. Then gradually I realized, it wasn’t cold anymore. In fact after a bit, it actually felt pretty warm. Had my body temperature changed? Nope. Had the water warmed up? Nope. Fact was I just acclimated to the water. In other words, I just got used to the water and when I did, the shock factor was gone. I found out you could even get out of the water for a couple of minutes and return without shouting, “Holy moley!”

I find this whole hot/cold water thing kinda interesting. You have probably heard about how a frog can be put into a pot of water. As heat is applied to the pot the ole frog just sits there and until the water is boiling and he is cooked. He doesn’t sense the temperature change because his body temp is controlled by his environment. And then I realized that is exactly how it is with us and sin. The longer we stay in a certain sin–and the more often we visit there–the lower the shock factor. In fact, it sounds crazy but it explains what is happening all around us today. It probably explains why so many “Christians” can live in sin and feel quite comfortable there. They have lost the “shock factor.”

When it comes to water temperature, God gives us the shock factor to physically warn our bodies that something is different–perhaps dangerous. He does the same for us morally and spiritually. When we are walking down a path with big regrets and bigger consequences, He sometimes sends the “shock factor” to wake us up. That “Oh my, what am I doing?” thing is from God, and He is warning us to get out—fast. In the Old Testament part of the Bible, there is a verse in the book of Proverbs that says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” That is so true…just ask the frog.

So unlike Mister Frog, we can physically “feel the heat” but morally and spiritually we aren’t much different. We need to be wise enough to jump out while we can. Many a good frog has waited to late…and so has many a person. That uncomfortable feeling is there for a reason…jump while you can. Like a good lifeguard, God is waiting for us to call for help. You can trust Him…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, Scripture, travel

She Just Wasn’t Herself

Posted on January 3, 2023January 2, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16

She just wasn’t herself. A year ago, we were in Panama City Beach on Florida’s Gulf coast for several days. We were blessed to have a condo right on the beach and five stories up. The sights and sounds of the Gulf were just amazing. We have been here many times over the years, but this year was a little different. You see, I was raised over on the East Coast of Florida where the Atlantic Ocean lives. There the water is grey and is in constant motion from the waves as they make their way to shore. Usually, the Gulf is just different. Here the water usually has just a slight chop and it is not uncommon for it to be a bluish-green color. In a word…it is beautiful. All of that is especially true in the winter months. While the water is too cold for me, I never grow tired of its beauty. But this year…well, it was different.

From the get-go, the water was much more boisterous. The waves were constant and large…especially for the Gulf. The sounds of water tumbling toward the shore filled the air. The red flag flapping on the pole said, “Stay out of the water” but not many needed a flag…especially not today. Today the turbulent water said it all—stay clear…stay on shore. And while the air temperature was a pleasant 72 degrees, the grey clouds, matching the color of the water, echoed that message. The bottom line was the Gulf just wasn’t herself. The old girl was stirred up about something. What, I didn’t know, but she wasn’t herself.

The strange thing is that even though she was not herself, even though she was something totally different, the beauty was still there. There was something about the waves and the grey water that was still beautiful. Perhaps it was the power and majesty of nature and knowing that it was all there by Divine design. Perhaps it was knowing that sometime in the future I would be back…and so would she. I knew that those three or four days didn’t dictate her permanent nature…it was just a moment in time.

At that moment, it occurred to me that what is true with the Gulf is true with us. You see, we all have our days. We all have times when we are just not ourselves and instead of calm and peaceful, instead of a thing of beauty, we act the opposite—turbulent and troubled—more “beastful” than beautiful. And, like the Gulf, we and perhaps not even they, can explain why they are struggling that day, week, month or perhaps year. And probably, most likely, you don’t need to tell them…they know it. You are on the shore looking in, but they are in the midst of the waves…struggling. And hopefully, soon the time will pass, and the calm and color will return to their lives.

What do you do when you bump into someone who is acting like the turbulent Gulf? I think we should do what God does for us…extend a little grace. Grace is defined as unmerited favor and that is what He extends to us and encourages us to extend to them. Grace receivers should always be grace extenders. I like the way John, the one in the Bible, puts it. He says, “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Jesus, so full of grace, went about splashing grace on everyone He met—including us. And it just seems right that we should do the same. First, understanding God’s gracefulness to us, be full and then splash it on everyone we bump into—especially the ones who need it the most.

Well, we eventually had to head home. We left the Gulf and according to the forecast she would be turbulent for a few more days…but not forever. Calmer days were ahead for her and for me and for you. And that person that is struggling right now, go ahead and splash a little grace on them. It just might be the thing that brings a return of calm and beauty to their lives. And whether you find yourself in the turbulence or on the shore looking on, remember this. No matter if you need grace or need to extend some, He will be there. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, travel

Beached

Posted on September 13, 2022September 12, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

Southwest Florida has gotta be a great place to live. A couple of years ago, for the first time in a long time, Judy and I headed back to Southwest Florida for a visit. I am a Florida boy—born and raised in the Northeast corner of Florida in Jacksonville. Judy is a Georgia peach raised in Valdosta. If you’ve driven to Florida down I-75 you have been through Valdosta. So being from Florida and close to Florida, it is naturally a place we like to visit.

We spent the week down in Fort Myers Beach and had a great time. Several times we hopped in our rented Mustang Convertible and drove around. Fort Myers Beach is built on a narrow strip of land and there is only one main road that runs through it. We would turn out of our condo and either go left or right—there were no other options.

We would see these places where dozens of cars would be parked beside the road and of course that piqued our curiosity. We just had to know what all those people were doing. Did they know something that we needed to know—to see? Well, one Saturday evening we decided to drive down to one of those spots. Earlier that day it was just packed with cars, and we imagined it had to be a beautifully secluded beach. It might even be worth exploring the next day. So off we went. It was raining a little and when we neared the spot where there had been dozens of cars and now there were only a few. Paradise was within our grasp.

We parked in the small sand parking lot and noticed there was a sign that said Dog Beach. We figured that was the name of the beach. Maybe it was shaped like a dog or dog’s leg or something. Even without an umbrella we started walking. It was a rather small path, wet from the rain. Then we came to an opening to what appeared to be a large bay. We met some folks who were heading back to their car, and we asked where the beach was.

They told us we would have to wade through the water, follow a small path and then go around a small peninsula and there would be a beautiful beach. So…off we went wading through water, carrying our shoes, and walking a path through the woods. Along the way, we came upon a few folks heading to their cars and they all had dogs. How about that? We normally aren’t slow to figure things out but today wasn’t one of our better days. We kept walking till finally we came upon a small, not particularly beautiful beach. It wasn’t on the Gulf but rather on the bay. There was a person with- you guessed it, a dog. There was also a couple out in the water with, you guessed it, a dog. Hmmmm…I was starting to connect the dots.

I asked the couple with the dog if they were from there and they said no. And I asked them about what was so special about this place—that we had seen dozens of cars here and thought it must be special. And it was…if you owned a dog. You see, it was in fact a dog beach. All those dozens of cars with many more dozens of people were there for one reason—it was a place where their dogs could be dogs. That was it. It was only paradise if you had a dog that enjoyed playing in the water. And, for a lot of people, that hit the spot.

I left that day only a little impressed with the beach and more than a little wet and that was ok. What made that beach special wasn’t for me, but it was for a lot of other people. It taught me fresh and anew that the beauty of something really is in the eyes of the beholder. With that came the renewed lesson that I should be slow, real slow, to judge another person’s opinion. Hmmm…that just might be a game changer.

I know now that when I go by the Dog Beach and see all those cars that there are a whole lot of people just beyond the tree line that love their pups. And being a dog lover who just happens to be dog-less for now, that is pretty awesome. Instead of going by and thinking “Look at all those beach lovers,” I will go by and say, “Look at all those dog lovers.” Maybe before we assume or think we know all about a circumstance or relationship, we need to explore and figure it out and we may come to a whole different conclusion.

Need some help? Well, the One who made us all has it all figured out. In fact, He reminds us in the Bible that every person is made in His image, and He wants each of them to come be a part of His family. And then, He made that possible by sending His Son Jesus to pay for our sins. When you find yourself befuddled with someone or a particular situation, just check with your Dearest Daddy…leave it resting with Him. You can because He has this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, gratitude, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, travel, wisdom

Bruiser

Posted on August 1, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Hi Grits Family! Hey, my wife Judy and I are going to be “out of pocket” aka “not available” to write for the next couple of weeks. During that time, we decided to send out some of our past stories. I hope you enjoy the ones we selected and look forward to some “fresh Grits” in a couple of weeks. God bless. Bro. Dewayne

The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

I saw it coming. I never saw it coming. Both are true, and the truth is, it didn’t matter. So, about a month ago now, two-thirds of the family (that would be two of my three daughters and their families) were able to jail break and go to Florida for a week. The middle daughter had been going to the Palm Coast of Florida for the last several years and she suggested we give it a try. I was a reluctant participant.

You see, I was raised on the Northeast coast of Florida. My growing up years consisted of regular trips to the beach. Many years later I discovered the Gulf coast with its sugary white sands and clear blue-green waters, and I was sold. Because of this, I wasn’t overly excited when the plans for the East coast were drafted. However, having done life being the only male in the house (there was my wife, three daughters, a girl dog, a girl cat or two and six female tropical fish. Even the mice in the barn were girls.) I realized that resistance was futile. So off to the East coast we went.

I was pleasantly surprised. We were about an hour or so South of Jacksonville (where I was raised) in a nice condominium complex. We shared the place with our middle daughter and family, and it was just perfect. It overlooked the golf course with a great view of the ocean. The grounds were well maintained, and it had two very nice pools—one family and one for the adults who liked things a little quieter. The normal vacation crowd was much smaller and that was good news given the COVID thing. The only problem was “they” were there.

Anyway, we get to the beach, and you know they didn’t look too intimidating. I mean they weren’t gentle “hey, glad you are here waves” but they weren’t “terminator” waves either. We set our stuff down on the beach and off we went into the water. First, I tested the waves with a knee-deep stand. Not bad. Then I went a little deeper. Still not too bad but I could begin to feel them. They wanted me. They had my number.

I was out in waist deep water and realized the power of perception. Those waves that didn’t seem so big from shore were suddenly larger—much larger. I turned to talk to Judy who was close by and looked back just in time to see a large wave coming. Fortunately, I was able to keep my footing and survived the onslaught. I smiled. My sunglasses were still on my face and my hat was still on my head. I was an overcomer. Who’s the man now?! That’s when “Bruiser” came.

“Bruiser” was epic, “Bruiser” had one goal in mind—take me down. I saw him coming but it was too late. “Bruiser” was well over my head and broke right on top of me. One minute I was standing and the next minute I was in a washing machine of ocean water…in the spin cycle. When I came to surface, of which I was very grateful, “Bruiser” had moved on. My swim shirt was over my head, my hat was gone, and my pride and body were a little bruised. He had won. I had taken on the big boy and come up short. Probably worse of all my Seattle hat, the one I had worn for several years was lost to the jaws of “Bruiser.” It never had a chance. May he rest in peace.

I did learn, or perhaps more accurately, relearn a lesson about the waves of the Atlantic. They can be powerful. Usually there is a flag system that warns of particularly rough waves. Our beach didn’t have that, but I later heard on the news there had been some big waves. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20. Sometimes they manage to sneak in but even when you see them coming, they can take you down.

Life is the same way. A day at life’s beach can quickly turn into a spin cycle of ocean water. We can get bowled over by circumstances, uncertainties, tragedies, and pandemics. Even when we see them coming, they can be overwhelming. After my encounter with “Bruiser” that day, I decided it was time to visit the pool—eventually all of us did. The Bible says, “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” Translated another way that means there is a time to swim in the ocean and there is a time to head to the pool. Wisdom is knowing when to do what. Wisdom is also knowing that no matter what life throws at you, we can rest in the One who makes the waves because He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, Integrity, life, prayer, priorities, Scripture, Trials

Shock Factor

Posted on October 13, 2021October 12, 2021 by Dewayne Taylor

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12

I call it the “shock factor” and I am not a fan. One of the things that I love about deep South Florida and the Keys is the water temperature. I mean it is perfect. When you wade into the water there is no gasping or shuddering. There is no “shock factor.” On the other hand, I have been to the Florida panhandle many times, often in the dead of summer, and it always seems the water is cold. It probably isn’t but it sure seems that way.