Key Colony – Grits with Grace

fear, Grace, life, prayer, Scripture, thankful, travel

Dangerous Currents

Posted on October 3, 2025October 2, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

For the first time in a long time, I was genuinely frightened, in fact, I was afraid. One of the things we enjoyed about our getaways at Key Colony is the fact that we could snorkel right there. At each end of the beach, two small jetties have been built. They extend out into the water for about 75 feet and keep the waves from passing boats and storms from creating waves that might take away their homemade beach. Fish like reefs and in a way that is what the jetties are—the underwater nooks and crannies make great places for the small fish to eat and hide.

While only a few of the fish have brilliant colors, there are literally hundreds of them. It is fascinating to watch them as they swim in large spools or dart in and out of the rocks…looking for food and making sure they don’t become lunch themselves. One morning, I was heading out for a swim with my mask to see what I could see. A guy who had been spear fishing earlier said that if I would go out to the point on the west jetty, I would see some large angel fish. So, without much thought, I headed out. Maybe I should have thought.

You see, on the other side of the jetty is a large channel that went to the other side of the island. It is a major thoroughfare for all the fishing boats going in and out so naturally the water was much choppier there. I began to swim out making sure my breathing tube from my face mask stayed above the water. As I swam, I looked for fish but really the water was too murky to see. It was also too murky for me to realize that I couldn’t see the rocks in the jetty either. I lifted my face out of the water and saw that I was being carried by the strong current out into the channel. I was concerned.

I immediately turned around and began to swim back toward the jetty and the relative safety and calm it provided. I had my face in the water and through the murkiness I could occasionally see the bottom. What I saw wasn’t good. As I took a stroke forward, I was being carried back more than I was moving forward. I picked up the pace and intensified my efforts and slowly, too slowly, began to make some progress but swimming against the current was very difficult. In a short period of time, I was gasping for breath through my breathing tube and my arms were very tired. The outcome was in the balance.

Well, somehow, someway, I was able to keep going and after several minutes that seemed like several hours, I could feel the protective calm of the jetty as the current let go of me. I was safe. I was tired, and I was exhausted, but thankfully, I was safe. When I could finally touch sand, I stood up and saw Judy coming. I quickly waved her off. I knew I didn’t want her to experience what I just did. And not only did I not see the angel fish I felt like I could almost see the angels, “comin’ after me.”

I was amazed how strong that current was that wanted to pull me out into the channel. If it had been obvious from the surface…if I had known, I wouldn’t have gone. My friend who told me about the angel fish didn’t mention the current—either it wasn’t an issue earlier or he had fins that helped him fight the unseen force. Regardless, I was once again grateful that God gave me the strength to overcome. Strength.To.Overcome. There are many things about this whole God thing that make me glad that I am a believer and on that list is the ability to be an overcomer.

My friend Jesus said in His Word, the Bible, that we would have troubles in this world, and He told the truth, times two. But He didn’t stop there. He went on to say that we should “be of good cheer” because He had “overcome the world.” In other words, we can face the storms of life and the currents that threaten to pull us out to sea, because He is there with us and for us. We can be overcomers because He is an overcomer. I like that…a lot.

I will probably remember my encounter at the point of the jetty for a while…and I want to remember. You might ask, “Why?” Well, it was such a good reminder that as I do life, I need to pay attention, I need to be prepared, and I need to trust—not in a pair of flippers or better swimming skills. No, it will remind me that there are dangerous waters in life to navigate and I need to trust in my Heavenly Father, my Dearest Daddy to help me through it all. It’s just good to know that He is there and, no matter what, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel

Chosen

Posted on September 20, 2024September 13, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.” Ephesians 1:4

I was as surprised as she was. One of the wonderful things about Key Colony and the Continental Inn happens every day about twelve hours apart. The place where we stayed has a small private sand beach. Now that doesn’t sound too impressive until you realize that sandy beaches aren’t that common in the Florida Keys. Most often when you make it to the shore, you find it covered with large rocks. In fact, that was our first experience many years ago. The kids were young, and we drove down from Naples where we were staying. When we arrived, we rushed to the “beach” only to find it covered with large rocks. Bummer.

At the Inn there is glorious sand and an abundance of clear water. Both are amazing. But here is the special part. The beach faces the east which means every morning there is a beautiful sunrise. Every day I would go out with a cup of coffee while the water was like glass, and it was still dark. The fingernail moon would be there offering little light but plenty of beauty and the stars glimmered in the dark night sky. And slowly, God gave birth to a new and beautiful day. Every morning, I would say, “This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it.” At that point it was a blank canvas, but I knew the Maker of masterpieces would be painting that day and He works wonders…always.

So, the sun would rise and about twelve hours later it would take its bow and night, a time of rest, would come. Everything is beautiful in its time. Now here is the part you must love. Every evening Judy and I would walk out of the front parking lot, go about 100 yards and there was Sunset Park. It was a small peninsula where the community had set up benches and built a small pier, and folks gather there to watch the sunset. Imagine that. A place where you can watch the sunrise over the water in the morning then walk a short distance and see the sun set…again over water. It was amazing.

On our second night, something magical happened. Again, people gather at Sunset Park every evening to watch the sunset. This night however, I noticed, almost bumped into, a group of four young people. I nodded and smiled, and they did the same. Judy and I found our favorite bench and the group of four chose to stand about fifteen feet from us. They were smiling…as were we. It was a moment to enjoy…and then it got better.

About that time, I heard laughter of joy and looked over as one of the young men slipped an engagement ring on the left hand of the “one” he had chosen. It was a total surprise for her and for us. I don’t know if I have ever experienced this event as a stranger looking on and in, but it was a beautiful moment. She was laughing and jumping, and they were hugging and celebrating. Their friends, who were in on the surprise, were beaming from ear to ear. And all this is happening in a beautiful waterfront setting as God puts His seal of approval on another day. It was glorious.

When it was time to go, Judy and I walked over and congratulated the young couple and told them it was their lucky day since I was a pastor, and we could seal the deal right then. I shared about five lines from the traditional ceremony I use, and we all laughed together. What a wonderful moment. I think the joy of it all might be summed up in one word…chosen. You see, the young man chose her to be his. Out of all the girls in his world…he chose this one to spend his life with. And…she chose him by saying, “Yes.”

It is a wonderful thing to be chosen and never is it more beautiful than when we realize that God chose to love us…He chose us to be His bride. In the New Testament letter called Ephesians, we read, “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.” How incredible is that? If we are willing to accept His invitation to be His, like her, our lives will never be the same. To be loved like that is the greatest of all gifts. God didn’t have to love us…He chose to love us. We were scarred by sin and brokenness and yet He saw in us beauty. We weren’t worthy of His love and yet He still extended it and to Him each of us is as beautiful as a bride on her wedding day.

Being chosen is a glorious thing and I hope you have accepted God’s invitation to be His beloved. Remember, no matter how scarred your life may seem you will always be beautiful in His eyes. And this marriage, well, it can never go south. Sadly, many marriages don’t end well, but He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He will be yours and you will be His…forever. If you haven’t already, why not accept His proposal today? He is patiently waiting for you to say, “Yes.” And, when you do, you will find Someone who will walk by your side no matter what…One who believes in you, One who loves you, and who will whisper security and assurance with six simple words…I’ve got you and no matter what, I’ve got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, loving others, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel

Ready…..or Not

Posted on January 12, 2023January 11, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”

2 Timothy 4:2

Do you think they would mind,” she asked? It was over a year ago but even now I savor the moment. It was very early in the morning on our last day at Key Colony. I awoke from a good night’s sleep (I mean we were on vacation), made a cup of coffee, and headed down to the beach. Sunrise was a good hour away, but the water and the air were both calm. The only sound was the gentle lap of the waves against the sandy shore. This is my time of the day. God is in the labor room delivering another day for us to enjoy…and I love it.

After a while, the sky slowly turned gray, and you could see the beginning of the sunrise. It was going to be a good one. About that time, my wife Judy wandered out and sat down with me. Just when you think something couldn’t get better…it does. Judy seems to make anything better. We chatted and sipped coffee enjoying the creation process. After another few minutes, the sun peeked over the horizon and another day was born. Good job, Father, and thank you. Now that it was daylight, you could see that the water was not only calm…it was crystal clear. It was then that Karen walked up.

We had talked with Karen and her boyfriend the night before. We talked about life, faith, and God. It was an opportunity for me to share some about how much God loved us. Gary had a large tattoo on his left arm that said, “Faith.” That gave an opportunity to talk about not only faith, but where that faith should be directed. I shared it wasn’t enough just to have faith…you had to direct that faith in the right direction…right toward God.

When Karen walked up that morning, I noticed that she was carrying two small containers. I could tell that something was on her mind and that is when she asked the question. She asked, “Do you think they would mind if I poured my son’s and husband’s ashes in the water?” I quickly assured her that I was sure they would not. It turned out that her son had tragically died of an opioid overdose at the age of 22. I didn’t get the details of her husband’s death but since she was in her early fifties, I assumed he too died young. Then, it was my turn to ask a question. I asked, “Would you like me to say a prayer?” And, without hesitation, she answered yes.

Judy asked if Karen would like to have a picture taken and she agreed to that too. All three of us walked down into the water and slowly Karen opened the containers and poured the ashes into the water. As they touched the water, it turned to a color very similar to wet cement but then just as quickly the color disappeared. She said a few words, speaking to the souls she could no longer hold. And then, I asked God for His peace to be on Karen. I thanked Him for His love…even in hard times like this. With an amen we were done. Almost.

Judy and I both gave Karen a hug…that was the only way we knew we could tell her we cared, and that God cared too. As we left the water, Karen headed to Dunkin’ Donuts for a cup of coffee and Judy and I returned to our chairs by the beach. We knew that we had kept a divine appointment. I wish I could write and share how Karen and Gary both placed their faith in Jesus but that wasn’t the case…at least not that day. But I do know we scattered seed in their lives. I know we left fingerprints on their lives and heart and who knows what God will do with that.

When I woke up that morning, I didn’t know I was going to preside over a funeral standing in the Florida Straits. Judy didn’t know she was going to act as a memory maker for Karen…but our Dearest Daddy did. He knew…just as He always does. We just need to be ready whenever He opens a door or a window and then simply walk where He leads.

Paul, the one who wrote a chunk of the New Testament, told a young preacher named Timothy one day, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” When he said to preach…trust me, it was more than standing on a stage on any given Sunday…and it wasn’t just for preachers and teachers. It was for all of us Jesus followers and it is for all places…planned…or not. I learned a long time ago that the best sermons are often not preached on Sunday…rather, they are lived out over the course of the other six days. So, let’s be ready to be used. It may be at the store, on the job or at the ballfields. Just remember this. When the time comes, He will be there to help and you can rest assured, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, Trials, wisdom

Ready…or Not

Posted on September 20, 2021September 19, 2021 by Dewayne Taylor

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”
2 Timothy 4:2

“Do you think they would mind?” she asked. It was very early in the morning on our last day at Key Colony. I awoke from a good night’s sleep (I mean we were on vacation), made a cup of coffee, and headed down to the beach. Sunrise was a good hour away, but the water and the air were both calm. The only sound was the gentle lap of the waves against the sandy shore. This is my time of the day. God is in the labor room delivering another day for us to enjoy…and I love it.

When Karen walked up that morning, I noticed that she was carrying two small containers. I could tell that something was on her mind and that is when she asked the question. She asked, “Do you think they would mind if I poured my son’s and husband’s ashes in the water?” I quickly assured her that I am sure they would not. It turned out that her son had tragically died of an opioid overdose at the age of 22. I didn’t get the details of her husband’s death but since she was in her early fifties, I assumed he too died young. Then, it was my turn to ask a question. I asked, “Would you like me to say a prayer?” And, without hesitation, she answered yes.