There’s a saying in the Black community that’s endured for decades and featured in several rap songs: “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” One Monday afternoon, sixteen-year-old Anthony Alexander Jr. had just finished playing basketball in a local park. He was resting on a park bench, but he remained ready. Not for another game, but to save a life.

That was the moment when a young girl approached him in tears, telling Anthony that her friend was drowning in the water. Several of her friends had fallen through the ice into a nearby pond. Anthony immediately sprang into action. After quickly dialing 911, he looked around for anything that could help these children in distress. His chosen tool? A broken tree branch.

Anthony said, “The first kid, a boy, grabbed the stick and I pulled him out. But I couldn’t reach the other two.” Leaving nothing to chance, he walked out onto the ice and got in. He said, “It was freezing, but it wasn’t too bad because I wasn’t in [the water] that long. I didn’t really have time to think about it.”

By the time first responders arrived, Anthony had already saved two of the three children, and was closing in on the third. He was later lauded as a hero by Sgt. Patrick Kilroy of the Collingdale Police Department, who arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. Kilroy said, “If he hadn’t called 911 and hadn’t taken action, this might have had a very different and tragic outcome. He’s one quick-thinking kid.”

Possible Preaching Angle:

God uses those who are available and prepared to make an impact. You don't have to be a professional, or even an adult. You just have to be yielded, ready, and willing.