OCEAN’S DEEP written by Kevin Deming is a Short Christian Fiction Novel.
Summary:
Paul has yearned for a father-son fishing trip his entire life, and when the moment finally arrives, it promises to be an unforgettable adventure. However, what begins as a day of excitement and bonding turns into a harrowing test of their faith and endurance.
Set against the backdrop of the vast, unforgiving ocean, the story follows Paul and his father, John, as their small fishing boat is caught in a relentless storm. Separated from the safety of land, they confront the brutal forces of nature that threaten to overwhelm them.
As they battle the elements, their journey becomes more than just a struggle with the Ocean, but it is a spiritual quest where faith in God is their compass and love for each other is their anchor. Together, they grapple with fear, doubt, and the raw power of the sea, discovering the depths of their own strength and the enduring love between a father and his son.
Themes:
“Ocean’s Deep” delves into profound themes of faith and the human spirit. It explores the idea that faith is not the absence of fear but the courage to keep moving forward in the face of it. It reminds us that life’s storms are inevitable, but our response to them defines who we are.
A Song’s Influence:
Inspired by the lyrics of the song “Oceans” by Hillsong, this narrative takes readers on a lyrical journey where the music of the ocean serves as a backdrop to the characters’ inner struggles and triumphs. The song’s powerful words resonate throughout the story, providing a soundtrack to the emotional rollercoaster.
Conclusion:
“Ocean’s Deep” is a poignant and beautifully written exploration of the human condition. It is a reminder that, in the darkest of moments, faith can be our guiding light, and love can conquer the most tempestuous seas. This book will leave you not only with tears in your eyes but with a profound sense of hope and a deep appreciation for the enduring power of love and faith. Kevin Deming invites readers to join in on this unforgettable journey, and you will emerge from it forever changed.
Read Chapter 1
It was nearly impossible for Paul to fall asleep. Tomorrow was a day he had been waiting for ever since he was a boy. He celebrated his 12th birthday last week and the time had finally come. He had watched his dad for years go out on his charter boat fishing deep in the ocean and take people on half day, full day and 2-3 day trips on his 60 foot boat. Paul had been on several half day trips and even a full day, but never one that would take them nearly 50 miles out in the ocean and never one that was overnight. His dad had always said, “When you are 12 years old, we will do a 2 day trip.” He couldn’t wait.
Paul found himself checking his duffle bag and making sure he had everything he needed. He had his sunblock, even though he didn’t like wearing it. His mom would make sure that he had at least 30+ SPF. Yeah, he could hear Mom saying, “Paul, the sun is brighter on the ocean and there is a lot of reflective glare. You will need to make sure you put sunblock on your face, neck, ears and everywhere else.” He laughed to himself thinking about how Dad probably would just ask him if he had put it on and probably not make sure. He could get away with not using it unless he had too.
As he rummaged through his bag, he saw he had his sunglasses, hand towels, camera, dramamine (he didn’t seem to need this the last time he went out), several water bottles, and of course 3 large bags of beef jerky and hostess cupcakes. Gotta make sure I have the essentials, he thought to himself.
The door opened and Paul’s mother, Cynthia walked in. “Hey Sweetie. I know you are so excited for your trip, but you will need to get some sleep. Hop into bed and I will pray with you.” Paul moved his duffle bag off of his bed and laid it on the chair at his desk and then climbed into his bed.
“Mom, I really can’t believe that tomorrow I will be on the ocean with Dad and able to go fishing for 2 days. It seems like I have been waiting all my life to spend the night on the ocean. I can’t believe it.” His mom could tell that he was very excited as he spoke. He had more energy than normal at this time of night.
His mom took her hand and brushed his hair off of his forehead and leaned over and kissed him. “Paul, I know you are getting older and I know you are looking forward to this trip, but please be careful. You know that as beautiful as the ocean is, there are many dangers. Please listen to whatever your dad tells you and do it without complaining.”
Paul looked up at his mom and smiled. “Mom, I know. I will be a big help to Dad and I will do whatever he says. Don’t worry, Mom. There is no reason to be nervous.”
“You know I worry every time your dad goes out on his trips. I know God is in control but I still can’t help but worry. I just don’t like to think about anything bad happening to either of you.”
“Well, you know it won’t, but if it does there is nothing you can do to control it. Mom, I think you might need to trust God a little more.” Paul smiled and reached out and pulled his mom close to him. “Mom, just think of how I get to see the world that God made from such a beautiful place.”
She hugged him tightly. “You sound like your father. I know you will love being out there with you dad. It’s just hard being home and wondering what is happening with you.”
“Just picture me catching fish, and eating steak with my dad.”
She smiled, “I will. Let me pray for you, little buddy.” She tucked Paul in and laid her hand on his, “Dear God, I am so thankful for the opportunity that Paul has to spend time with his dad. Please help remind them as they are out in the ocean of your deep love for them. Keep their eyes above the water, and let your Spirit guide them. Watch over them, protect them, and enable them to have a great time. God, show yourself to Paul in big ways over the next few days so that his love for You will grow more and more in the knowledge and grace of Your truth. God, we love you. Thank you for enabling us to learn to love you more each day. God, fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may grow in the fruit of the Spirit and our life might reflect you more. Amen.”
Paul leaned up and hugged his mom tight. “Thanks, Mom. I love you and I will miss you while we are gone. Thanks for letting me go with Dad.”
“You’re welcome. I will be praying for your safety, for you to have fun, and for God to show you His love in a deeper way.” She pulled the covers up around his neck and tucked him in. “Alrighty, you need to get some sleep. Four AM will come early tomorrow.”
“Mom, four AM always comes early!” Paul laughed.
“You stinker. You know what I meant. Get some sleep.”
Just then, Paul’s dad John walked in. “Paul, I have everything packed up and ready to go little buddy. I know your mom has checked your duffle bag to make sure you got all you need, but don’t worry. If we need something while we are out on the ocean we can always stop by Wal-Mart if we need something.” His dad laughed at his own joke.
“Dad, when did they build a Wal-Mart in the middle of the ocean?”
“I’m just messing with you. We have plenty of supplies. We will be fine. We could survive with just the clothes we will have on and be fine.” Paul grinned, thinking about the trip. “Ok, get some sleep. See you bright and early in the morning.”
Paul’s mom and dad kissed him on the forehead, turned off the light and headed off to bed.
Paul laid in bed thinking of everything that was about to come. It was like Christmas night. There was no way he was getting much sleep. As he lay there dreaming of all the fish he would catch and fun he would have, he found himself fighting to stay awake and before he knew it he had drifted off to sleep.