‘Jesus Saved My Son from Drowning!’ Recalls Mother

Courtney’s powerful testimony reveals the tangible presence of Jesus in so many ways! As a mother and a nurse she experiences the unimaginable battle for the life of her own child. An inexplicable prompting for prayer, the faith of a young praying brother at the scene, the family of providers who faithfully rushed in for support, and Max sharing his encounter with Jesus and what he observed. Praising God with this family for their miracle and for a very present Savior! - Julie

I am Courtney McKee, and I want to share with you a miracle that has profoundly impacted my family.

A testimony of faith, hope, and a miraculous encounter that we experienced with my youngest son, Max. This journey begins with a regular summer day that turned into an event that would forever change our lives and deepen our faith in ways we never imagined possible. I'm a mother of two incredible boys, Brody, who is now 11, and Max, the baby of our family at 6 years old. My husband and I, high school sweethearts, blessed with our careers and our precious sons, never foresaw the trials and the miraculous events that were about to unfold. Our story takes a significant turn on July 11th, 2019, a day etched in my memory with both fear and awe.

On that day, wanting to escape the routine and enjoy the warmth of summer, my boys were set to spend some time at my mother's farm, a place of many cherished memories, including afternoons at the pool. It was a scene we envisioned filled with laughter and joy, reminiscent of my own childhood. However, as we dropped them off, a sudden, unexplainable urge to pray overtook me. I asked my husband to stop the car, and there, in the parking lot, we prayed fervently for the protection of our children and my mother. This intense moment of prayer was a prelude to the events that were to unfold.

The following day, amidst a busy shift at the hospital where I work as a nurse, I received a heart-stopping call. My sister-in-law informed me that Max had been found at the bottom of the pool. The details were blurry; how long he had been underwater was uncertain. At that moment, my world came crashing down. The professional environment I was part of, filled with nurses, doctors, and therapists, suddenly became a backdrop to my personal crisis. I couldn't stand; I couldn't speak. My colleagues quickly became my support, enveloping me in prayer and taking charge to ensure Max received the best possible care.

Max’s accident was a parent's worst nightmare. He was only two years and ten months old, and after a moment of tiredness from playing, he slipped into the pool unnoticed, his absence was discovered only moments later but moments that felt like an eternity. My sister-in-law, reacting swiftly, pulled him out and started resuscitation efforts while my mother dialed for an ambulance. Amidst this chaos, Brody, my eldest, became a pillar of faith. He knelt and prayed unceasingly for his brother's recovery, a testament to the power of faith we had instilled in our children.

The initial prognosis was dire. Max was lifeless when found, and the uncertainty of how long he had been underwater loomed large. Rushed to the local trauma center, I was caught between my role as a nurse and a mother. I knew the medical steps being taken, the gravity of his condition, yet, as a mother, I felt helpless. My colleagues, my work family, stepped in when I couldn’t. They were my voice, advocating for Max, and ensuring he received immediate and comprehensive care.

Seeing Max in the emergency room, surrounded by medical staff, tubes, and machines, was an image I'll never forget. Yet, in that moment of overwhelming fear, my faith never wavered. I prayed, not with words, for I had none, but with my heart, pleading with God to spare my son, to breathe life back into him. It was a prayer of desperation, a cry from the soul of a mother facing the possible loss of her child.

Miraculously, Max’s condition began to improve significantly. The prayers of our community, our family, friends, and even strangers, became a powerful force. Max, once on the brink of death, was now recovering at an astonishing rate. He was talking, eager to leave the hospital bed, a testament to the power of faith and prayer.

But the most remarkable part of Max’s story was yet to come. After we brought him home, he shared with us an experience that would forever change our understanding of God's presence in our lives. Max told us that he wasn't scared when he was in the water because Jesus held him. He described Jesus’ hands, asking about the “boo-boos and scratches,” the marks he saw. “Who hurt him?” he expressed with care and concern. This revelation was astounding. We had never spoken to him about the crucifixion in such detail. His experience, his calm assurance that Jesus was with him, brought indescribable peace to our hearts.

Max’s story has since become a beacon of hope for many, especially for parents grieving the loss of a child or grappling with fear and trauma. Hearing a child affirm that they were not alone, that they felt no fear because they were in the arms of Jesus, offers a comfort that words alone cannot provide.

In the aftermath of this ordeal, our family has been drawn to a mission of raising awareness about drowning prevention and the power of prayer. Inspired by Max’s miraculous survival and his divine encounter, we are working on initiatives to teach water safety to children and to share our testimony to encourage others in their faith. We are also exploring the idea of creating a children's book series, drawing from our experience to spread hope and the message of God's protective love.

Through this journey, we have seen the profound impact of community, the strength derived from faith, and the transformative power of a miracle. Max’s story is not just about survival; it's a testimony to the presence of Jesus in our moments of deepest need, a reminder of His healing and protective power.

Our family’s experience has shown us that miracles do happen, and sometimes, they come to us in the most unexpected ways, teaching us lessons of faith, hope, and love. We have been given a second chance with Max, a miracle that we do not take for granted. Our hearts are filled with gratitude toward the medical staff, our community, and above all, to God, for answering our prayers in a most extraordinary way.

As we move forward, we hold onto the promise that no matter what trials we may face, we are never alone. The power of prayer, the love of our community, and the presence of God in our lives are sources of strength and hope that can overcome any obstacle. Our mission now is to share this hope with the world, to testify to the miracles that can happen when faith, love, and community come together in the name of healing and recovery.

This is not just Max’s story; it's a story for anyone who needs to be reminded of the presence of God in their lives, of the protective embrace that surrounds us even in our darkest moments. It’s a call to hold onto faith, to believe in miracles, and to never underestimate the power of prayer.

Further Reflection

Courtney McKee’s story of her son Max’s miraculous survival is a profound reminder of the power of faith, prayer, and divine intervention. This testimony invites us to reflect on how we respond to crises and challenges in our lives. It encourages us to trust in God's presence, even when circumstances seem dire. Consider how you have experienced God’s protection and provision in your life. Reflect on the moments when prayer brought comfort, guidance, or a miracle in times of need.

Imagine yourself in Courtney’s place, witnessing a miracle that defies human understanding. How can you strengthen your faith and deepen your reliance on God’s presence in your everyday life? What steps can you take to cultivate a prayerful and trusting heart?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the miraculous story of Max and the unwavering faith of his family. Help me to trust in Your presence and to believe in the power of prayer, especially during difficult times. Strengthen my faith and remind me that You are always with me, guiding and protecting me through every challenge. Grant me the courage to rely on Your love and to seek Your presence in all aspects of my life. May my heart be filled with gratitude and hope, knowing that You are always near. Use my experiences to encourage and support others, sharing the message of Your miraculous power and unwavering love.

Amen.