TeenConnect: Turning Point October 30, 2023

Learning to respond with prayer

Shari Charlston

Originally appeared online in the teen series Turning Point -  August 29, 2023

When I was a teenager, I loved scuba diving and would go as often as I could. To sit on the ocean floor and watch the gentle movement of the kelp forest above me was one of my favorite things to do. The quiet beauty under the water brought me a deep, almost indescribable peace. 

One day, after hours of diving fun, I was unpacking my car and tried to close the trunk while juggling some of my equipment. As I did, I dropped a two-pound diving weight—used to keep me submerged when diving—which struck my foot with great force. The impact was directly on one toe. At first, I felt lightheaded, but I was able to make it into the house.

I think I looked a little ridiculous as I hobbled around. My brother even accused me of faking it. For the next few days, I tried to walk normally. But I couldn’t, and after I limped around for a bit, my dad suggested I have my foot X-rayed.

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