Have you ever seen "Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel. With the exception of "Adoption Stories", this is my pick for absolute best television show.

In 2002 I participated in a great Men's class at the Littleton C of C. We focused on John Eldredge's book, Wild At Heart. I loved this class for not only the content, but for the cross-section of men that participated. One such guy in the class struck a chord with me. Not of familiarity, but of "wow, what a great story". This guy (which shall remain anonamous) told about his severe longing as a young man, to get his fathers approval. His journey led him to the Bering Sea for a few seasons of fishing. This was his attempt to prove his manliness and (I guess) worthiness of being a son worth bragging about. He said it was dirty, dangerous and disgusting work. I don't know if his brief vocation proved anything to his Dad, but examining each episode sure made a believer out of me. There is certainly something interesting about all of these guys in boats working off Alaska's shorelines.

As I began to watch "Deadliest Catch" since the first season, I have tried to look into the guys that are showcased and wonder where they are coming from. What are their inner demons. Who are they trying to run from, or get approval from. Like many of us there are guys with addictions, anger problems, relationship problems. Some even have seemingly healthy family lives-just trying to provide a good living.

Something in an episode this season, a few weeks back, made me look at myself. One of the rougher-type captains was observing a deck-hand from a nearby ship. This deck-hand was hanging off the side of the huge boat trying to chain the Crab Pots down, to keep them from shifting in the 20' waves. The deckhand suddenly disappeared into the water. The observant captain IMMEDIATELY made a call to his crew of "Man Overboard". In the frigid waters of the Bering Sea, a few minutes will make the difference between life and death. His crew put on their dry suits and immediately began combing the waves for the fallen sailor. Amidst the buffeting waves they found him in a nick of time, and hauled him on deck. He wasn't out of the "water" yet. The effects of hypothermia can take it's toll even after being plucked out from the cold sea. The sailer was instructed to strip down and cover up with heavy blankets. His legs couldn't hardly stand the short walk to the galley. Once it was apparent the kid was safe, the captain came by. The captain is a rough guy. They embraced long and hard-not the awkward way you might think that 2 strangers would. This was a sincere bearhug. For you see...the last guy they plucked from the sea years earlier was already dead. As the tape was rolling. the saved sailer kept saying "Thank You" and "You saved my Life". He even asked for paper towels to dry his head. Because of his thankful tears, the towel never made it to his hair. In his gratitude, he forgot how cold he was. He was thankful for to his savior, to the point of tears.

This was a great episode, but one that got me thinking about Jesus. There's a great sermon somewhere in this episode. This sailor was able to thank and physically hug his savior. The one that plucked him out from certain death. Seeing this episode made me think that I really need to grow spiritually. Ever since watching this, I need to visualize Jesus as the sea captain that was willing to pluck me out of the cold waves. This episode has made me think more seriously about the term "personal savior". Make a mind to watch this episode. You might have similar thoughts.