Through Troubled Waters

By Georgia McCain

Dave Maddox's dreams came to an abrupt halt when he had a serious automobile accident as he and his new bride Carol travelled to their honeymoon the day before Christmas. Carol had critical injuries and finally died of her injuries. This was devastating to Dave. He could only see an empty life, stretching endlessly – no wife, no home, no love, no happiness. He had especially bitter feelings towards Christmas since his accident happened the day before Christmas.

While hospitalized, Dave observed that one of the nurses, Jennie Taylor, was very likable, caring, and wonderful with Carol. He also noticed that she prayed with Carol every day. After Carol died, Jennie had told Dave, “If I don't see you anymore, I will be praying for you”.

Even though Dave attempted to go on with his life, his grief continued and his life continued to spiral further out of control. After Dave had gone to Joe's Bar, he woke up in jail and was told that he was found sitting on the curb bawling his heart out about “Carol”. Subsequently, when at the drug store, he ran into Jennie and asked her to call him sometime.

Dave's lifestyle contributed to health issues and Dave was admitted to the hospital where Jennie worked. While in the hospital, he asked about Jennie but she was out sick at the time. He was very distraught that his life had gone “out of control”. When Rev. Smith, Jenny's pastor, came to visit Dave at the hospital, with Rev. Smith's encouragement, Dave repented of his sins and accepted Christ.

When Dave later called Jennie's number to check on her, her mother answered and informed Dave that Jenny was in the hospital. When visiting her there, he told Jenny about Rev. Smith's visit to the hospital and his religious conversion. After Jennie's release from the hospital, they went on several dates. After several weeks, he proposed to her and she accepted. They later married in a quiet ceremony.

As time went on, Jennie wanted to become more involved in activities that allowed her to witness for God. Dave, however, would not allow her to get involved in activities outside of the home. Dave began to stray from God and admitted to spiritual defeat. Meanwhile, Jennie became pregnant and gave birth to their beautiful daughter Joan. Dave's condition continued to worsen and he finally left the family.

One day, Rev. Smith and his wife showed up to tell Jennie that Dave had been in a car wreck. Jennie went to the hospital and subsequently discovered that Dave was in the car with another woman that he had picked up at a bar – both were drunk at the time of the accident. When Jennie was very forgiving, although Dave had spurned God's love, Dave expressed to Jennie that he was “sick and tired” of the life he had lived and the grief he had caused Jennie and Joan. This led to Dave repenting again for his transgressions. He told Jennie that he would no longer hinder her from doing God's work.

Dave returned home with Jennie and Joan shortly before Christmas. After a while, after Joan complained of a headache, she became very ill and had to be hospitalized. Jenny wondered if this was God's way of allowing Dave to realize the importance of achieving a fully sanctified Christian experience. Dave later left to go to a little roadside church to ask God to help him achieve this complete Christian experience. When Dave returned, he was apologetic for the way he had caused Jennie and Joan to suffer. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Spinks came in the room to tell Joan and Dave that Joan seemed to have recovered. In fact, he shared, that she had recovered much faster that he expected. He said he had no hope for recovery when she first came to the hospital.

Meanwhile, sounds of “Silent Night, Holy Night” were coming from the hospital corridor. With his prior disdain for Chistmas, he knew then that he had indeed survived his passage “through troubled waters” and had finally obtained a full lasting Christian experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Georgia McCain
• Release date: Dec 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370715633

Georgia McCain

Mrs. McCain died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident at age 87 on December 9, 2013. She maintained her Christian commitment and ministry, as well as her writing skills, until the time of her unfortunate death.At the time of her death, many of her books were out of print. To preserve the books and allow many new readers to enjoy, the books are being converted to e-books by her family. To increase relevancy and impact to a more contemporary and international audience, minor edits to the original text have been made to some of the books.The following article was published in the Cenla Focus in October 2012 prior to Mrs. McCain's death, and provides a synopsis of Mrs. McCain's life as an author. It was authored by Holly Jo LinzayGeorgia McCain, an author of 10 published books, recalls the day she felt the Lord Jesus lead her to start writing. "I was standing in the kitchen, and God asked me, 'What is that in your hand?" McCain remembers, and answered, "'Only a pen, Lord.' Then He asked me if I would use the pen for his honor and glory, and I said, 'Yes, Lord, as you direct me, I will write for the glory and honor of God."That very night, her first short novel unfolded completely from beginning to end. "The Lord gave me the name of the book and just opened up the story for me from the first page to the last," notes McCain about her first book, Through Troubled Waters, which was published more than 40 years ago. Her first book is a work of fiction interwoven with Biblical truths. McCain has sold thousands of copies, and has received letters from people all over the world expressing how the book touched their hearts. "I never dreamed about writing a book, let alone getting one published,' McCain notes.As a child, McCain wrote poems and made up short stories. In the ninth grade, as her teacher was passing out Christmas gifts to the class, she called McCain to the front of the classroom. She told the class that Georgia had a gift for all her classmates. Stunned, McCain realized her teacher had made copies of a story she had written and shared it with the class. From time to time, she would write another short story. Later, she was asked by a preacher to write a story that would continue and develop in a religious paper. 'I told him that I couldn't just sit down and write a story. God had to give me the thoughts: McCain recalls, remembering it was later that night that she heard God question her about writing. When her son, Danny, came home from college, he read her story, Through Troubled Waters, and encouraged McCain to get it published. "Everything I write, I want it to honor God,' McCain says with conviction.The 84-year-old author is a woman of prayer, and has lived a life in pursuit of holiness. Growing up as one of 14 children In the rural community of Rigolette, McCain graduated from Tioga High School. At 19 years old, she met and started dating a young man named Carl McCain. He worked as a lineman for South Central Bell and she was working as a telephone operator. After a whirlwind courtship, the two were married on July 1, 1946.The young couple made their home in Rigolette and raised their seven children--Ronald, Danny, Kenny, Randy, Barry, Donna and Jackie. The family attended Tioga Wesleyan Methodist Church, where Georgia and Carl served in every ministry they could. They have 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The two were married for 62 years before Carl passed away. Her home is a testament to a close-knit family with photographs vying for space on shelves stocked full with mementoes from the grandchildren. A legacy of love is showcased with framed drawings from the kids alongside epic poems written by McCain about her family.In between her serving at her church and raising seven children, McCain found time to write more books. Her second book, Trials and Triumphs, is non-fiction and retates many of her personal experiences, including the loss of her four-month-old grandson, Nathaniel, to meningitis. Her third book, a fictional novel, Shattered Shackles, deals with alcoholism and its affect on a family. "My daddy was an alcoholic, who would say he was tapering off when he was trying to quit. Later, he did sober up," McCain says, adding that her real-life experience probably played a role in the book.Another of her books, God's Little Lambs, is a compilation of stories written for children that can be read as bedtime stories or for family devotions. At one time, McCain says she felt impressed to write a novel about some twins. In Straight Paths, the story of fiery-tempered "Connie Slocum" unwinds as she struggles with heartaches, persecution, separation and loneliness. In the book's sequel, Plucked Out ofthe Net, Connie's twin brother, "Donnie Slocum," is featured in a story of redemption.Three of McCain's books have dealt with prayer and answers to "prevailing" prayer. "It is absolutely amazing that God has spoken to me over and over, and keeps giving me books to write. He has faithfully led me all the way," notes McCain. In all, she has written 10 books, and family and friends are after her to write a book of poems. She has written long poems with clever rhymes marking nearly every milestone in her and her family's life.It does not take long to get caught up reading one of McCain's books, and believing the incredible stories of faith in the non-fiction books. Written In such honest prose, her words flow from her heart and from a life seeking after holiness. If her books inspire and encourage or cause someone to "seek the Lord," then McCain says the books have served their purpose. "God deserves all the glory for anything accomplished through the writing or reading of these books," she emphasizes.A woman of faith, McCain has taught Sunday School and Bible studies in just about every ministry at her church. In addition, for the last 34 years, she has taught three different Bible study groups at three different nursing homes. McCain has been honored and received numerous awards for her volunteer service from Ball Senior Citizens Center and various nursing homes. In 2001, she was named the Volunteer of the Year of Tioga Manor and named "Most Faithful" volunteer at two other nursing homes.When her husband Carl served for a number of years on the Rapides Parish Police Jury, McCain supported him by participating in a variety of ways in the community. Known as a great cook by her family and friends, her daughter, Donna, presented her with a cookbook of the family recipes on her 50th wedding anniversary. Besides serving the Lord, McCain says her most important role in life has been as a wife and mother. She said all her children are “successful and love the Lord," and that they never gave her a "lick of trouble" beceuse she kept them in church and a "switch on their behinds", if needed. Her son, Danny, who is a missionary in Nigeria, even calls her every day.McCain says she is "blessed beyond measure by the Lord" with family and friends. Some have called her a "prayer warrior," in seeking God's will in her life. One piece of advice she freely gives out to all who will listen is the same encouragement she offers in her last book, Walking with God for Over 50 Years, "Sometimes when we can't seem to pray our way through, we can often times praise our way through to God. Try it."

Book preview

Through Troubled Waters

Georgia Davenport McCain

Published by Ron McCain at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 Ron McCain

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Thank you downloading this ebook. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied, and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. If you enjoyed this book, please return to your favorite ebook retailer to discover other books by this author. Thanks you for your support.

Originally printed 1979 by Old Paths Tract Society, Inc., Shoals, Indiana, 47581

Dedication

To my husband, Carl.

To my children Ronald and Dolores, Danny and Mary, Donna and Ken, Jackie, Kenny, Randy, and Barry.

To my grandchildren Allison, Ryan, Carmen and Kimberly.

Also, dedicated to the memory of my grand-baby, Nathaniel Keith McCain who departed this life at the tender age of four months.

And to the memory of my beloved parents, Bill and Artie Davenport.

The publishing of this book was made possible through the money inherited from my parents.

Contents

Excerpts from Readers

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

About The Author

Books By Georgia McCain

Letters From Readers of Georgia McCain Books

EXCERPTS FROM READERS

I would like to tell the world what God and your book has done for me. Praise the Lord! It made me stop and realize there is a God and He truly loves me, regardless of the sins I had committed and the wrong I had done. God was calling me for one of His children. Before I read this book, I had so much hatred and bitterness in my heart, at times I even hated myself. Just as I put the book down, I had a strong urge to fall on my knees and ask the Lord to forgive my sins and to take the hatred and bitterness out of my heart. Praise the Lord, He immediately answered my prayer. He has, also, given me a great burden for lost souls.--La.

Surprised and happy to receive your book. The Lord certainly used you in writing it. It is an interesting, emotional, and evangelistic book, very well written, and I am sure it is a blessing to all who read it. I am interested in ordering some more copies. -- Alaska

A wonderful message for both young and old. Sure it will be a blessing to many people. -- Tenn.

My grandmother taught me you could live above sin in this life. Your book has enlightened me in this matter.--La.

Unless you truly loved the Saviour, you couldn't have done such a book. How we enjoyed it.--Fla.

Have read your book twice and found it very enlightening.--Wyoming

We all have our problems and I am no exception. Your book came to me at a time I was depressed and so unhappy. I received a real blessing from it.--Okla.

Enjoyed your book thoroughly. I want five more copies.--La.

The teaching on holiness is excellent.--Ind.

Believe God has ordained the writing of this book for his people who are in troubled waters.--Ohio

I sat up late to finish your book. I cried, prayed and shouted as I read it.--La.

Your book was really good. Has a good lesson in it and I'm sure that everyone who reads it will get some benefit from it.--S.C.

The true message of salvation is in this book. I want to see it promoted.--Fla.

I did so appreciate your book. I only laid it down twice before I read it all. How did the Lord give you strength to write such a good book after raising such a large family? It is amazing. I could see myself in several of Dave's affairs. You didn't have me in mind when you wrote this book, did you?--Texas

Very profitable reading.--Calif.

A very swell book and gets a message across very nicely.--Okla.

What a blessing your book was to me and my husband! We are interested in getting more copies for our unsaved loved ones.--La.

Thanks for the copy of your book for our church library. My son and a friend have read it and they really liked it. I'm so thankful for the message.--Ark.

I've heard many good remarks about your book. God is really using it.--Fla.

Presents the plan of salvation clear.--S. C.

Read your book through in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll try to promote it among the families in our church.--Okla.

My husband never reads fiction but he sat up late and read this one. He's really promoting it.--Pa.

Could not put it down until I finished it. Real good.-La.

We agreed to use your book for a part of our yearly youth Reading Course. Each year we recommend four or five books for the spiritual edification of our youth and sell them as a package to each youth society. I am heartily recommending it to our youth for two reasons, one is the danger of not obtaining holiness of heart and the other is the need of more personal workers on a one-to-one basis. The book is well written and I'm sure will continue to bless many lives."--Pa.

Finished reading your fine book. It has an evangelistic message that is up to date and practical. Its message is desperately needed by thousands today, a 10,000 or more circulation among the various holiness churches.--Ariz.

The story is so true to life. It holds you in suspense all the time. I really enjoyed reading it. The clear guidance into sanctification is the best I've read and helped me a lot. My copy will be passed on to others as the Lord guides, and pray with me that many will be brought to a better understanding and to the blessing of sanctification."--Florida

CHAPTER I

The second hand moved slowly around the clock, marking off the minutes. One, two, three, four, five. Dave kept his eyes on its movement. The drops of rain falling on the ledge outside his window seemed to keep time with the ticktock of the clock.

I wish it would stop raining, he said aloud to himself. He thought that perhaps the sun shining through his window might help to brighten his spirits.

Reaching over with his left hand, he turned on his radio. The beat of the jungle-type music matched the wild beat of his heart. Listening a few minutes, he decided to change stations.

Silent night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright, a young tenor voice rang out in the stillness of the room. Soft organ music accompanied the singer.

There is nothing calm or bright for me, Dave scoffed as he snapped off the radio.

Ouch! He had moved his leg too much and a pain shot through his whole body. What a mess to be in! He spoke aloud again but there was no one to hear him. What difference did it make if he chose to talk to himself? For that matter, what difference did anything make? As far as he was concerned, life for him was just one long, monotonous ordeal. He looked at his bandaged right arm lying limply by his side, on to his broken leg covered with a cast, then to the other leg swathed in bandages. His head ached, and his heart felt as if it would break.

Oh, come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, the young melodious voices of a church group resounded in his room. He covered his head with a pillow attempting to shut out the sound.

I wish they would get lost, he grumbled.

He did not want to think of Christmas. Oh, if he were only capable of producing a mental block so that he would never have another thought of Christmas. Joyful and triumphant, indeed! he sneered. Don't I have lots to be joyful over!

His door opened and a nurse entered his room.

Good morning, Mr. Maddox. How are you feeling today? Mrs. Lucas' cheery voice irritated him.

Just like I felt yesterday and the day before, he retorted. How do you expect me to feel all wrapped up like a Christmas package?

There it was again! Christmas! Everything was a reminder of Christmas. He turned his face to the wall hoping Mrs. Lucas would leave, but no, she had medicine for him. She poured a glass of water and offered it to him. Here, Mr. Maddox, swallow these capsules.

Reluctantly, he obeyed. Mrs. Lucas straightened his pillow and top sheet, watching him solicitously as she made him comfortable. It appeared to Dave that she wanted to say something, but somehow words failed her and she turned to go.

Mrs. Lucas, Dave's voice was gentler now, what about Carol? I have a feeling something is wrong. The doctor is trying to keep something from me, isn't he?

Didn't Dr. Shepherd talk to you about her, Mr. Maddox?

Very little. He only tells me not to worry but to concentrate on getting well. Why can't I see her?

Mrs. Lucas laid her hand on Dave's good one. He noticed a tear trembling on her eyelash as she spoke. Mr. Maddox, you're lucky to be alive. My! If you could see that car you came out of, you would wonder how you have even this one good arm. Now, you must be patient. Your wife is getting the best treatment available, but she's having a rough time, too. It will take time.

Could I send her a note?

Now, Mr. Maddox, you can't write a note with your left hand, can you? Cheer up! Tomorrow is Christmas. Here, let me open your door so you can hear the lovely Christmas carols. A youth group from one of the local churches is singing for us. She started for the door.

No! Dave's bottom lip curled in a sarcastic gesture. Leave my door shut. I hate Christmas carols. In fact, I hate Christmas. Period!

The look on Mrs. Lucas' face was one of sympathy as she left the room, being careful to close the door behind her.

Christmas carols, indeed! Dave scoffed. Wouldn't they have a soothing effect on my jagged nerves?

Once again, memories overwhelmed him as he lay helplessly on his pillow. The wedding was everything one could dream of. How beautiful Carol had looked in her lovely wedding gown as she walked down the aisle on her dad's arm. That red hair with its beautiful luster was not completely concealed under the gauzy, white veil. She had smiled in her own special way as their eyes met. Dave's heart had pounded as he stood proudly beside her loosening his tie in a nervous gesture. He yet recalled the minister's words. We are assembled in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses to unite this man and this woman in the holy bond of matrimony. Dave closed his eyes tightly. How he longed to push these thoughts aside, but they swarmed through his mind like bees around a honey comb. Wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife to live together after God's ordinances in the holy state of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her as long as you both shall live?

Dave groaned. Oh, the bliss of that moment! But now the uncertainty about Carol mingled with his own helplessness turned those happy memories into bitter heartache. I pronounce you man and wife together in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. What therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder.

The wedding was over. A few hours later, as Dave and Carol headed for the mountains to spend their honeymoon, Dave had put his arm about her shoulder and drew her close. Their mutual love for each other and joy in belonging to one another for life was beyond their comprehension.

Next week Christmas will be here, Carol. I don't have o go back to work until after the first of the year. Just think, two whole weeks together, two wonderful weeks of bliss. Glancing at her, he had added, My darling, how does it feel to be Mrs. Maddox?

Wonderful, Dave, she had whispered, snuggling closer to him and resting her head against his shoulder.

Perhaps if he hadn't been noticing how the bright sun flashed on that shiny, red hair against his shoulder he would have seen the danger sooner. He could only wonder if it could possibly have been soon enough. Had the trucker fallen asleep? Did he have a mechanical failure? Whatever the cause, when he looked up a big transport truck was heading right at him. Frantically he had jerked the steering wheel, but it was too late.

Now, here he was as helpless as a baby. And Carol, his precious Carol, was she even living? He had been unable to obtain any information whatsoever. Why, oh why, did all this have to happen just when he thought nothing could mar their happiness?

These unforgettable memories brought pain to his heart which seemed unbearable. Life is cruel, he murmured, very, very cruel. Why was I ever born?

Exhausted from mental fatigue, he soon fell into a fitful sleep. The rain had ceased when he awoke, but a gloominess still permeated the atmosphere. Dave lay motionless in a deep depression. His door was slowly pushed open.

Mr. Blake, he gasped.

His visitor walked to his bedside and lovingly laid his hand on Dave's good one. He attempted to speak but choked up each time he tried. The tears rolled down his haggard cheeks and he wiped them away with his handkerchief. He was the picture of a broken man.

I'm a mess, am I not, Mr. Blake? Dave commented, groping for something to say.

Yes, Son, he managed to answer. But you will be all right. You're lucky to be alive.

Have you seen Carol?

Mr. Blake nodded in the affirmative.

How is she, Mr. Blake? How is my Carol? Dave asked excitedly. Maybe he would learn the truth at last.