At just 19-years-old Kevin had already been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and suffered life destroying bouts of depression. During one period of depression, things got so bad that Kevin decided to commit suicide. One dark night in 2000 Kevin jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge, but as he was falling through the air, he suddenly changed his mind.
At this point, most people would assume its too late to change ones mind, after all less than 1% of people who jump from the Bridge survive the fall. However, we serve a God who knows no boundaries so when Kevin prayed to God to save his life mid-air.
God intervened in Kevins suicide attempt and the next series of events can only be described as a miracle.
I prayed for my survival, hit the water, which is like hitting a brick wall at that speed, Hines recalled. I shattered three vertebrae, rendering me, my legs motionless. I went down 70 to 80 feet, but I opened my eyes.
Kevin had beaten the odds and survived the fall, but how could he survive the strong currents in the water?
Everyone who looked down saw this creature circling in a clockwise motion beneath me It just kept circling beneath me. I remember floating atop the water and this thing just bumping me, bumping me up So they saw me laying atop the water and being bumped. This thing beneath me didnt stop or didnt go away until I heard the boat behind me.
The creature God had sent to save Kevin was a Sea Lion.
15 years on, Kevin has made a full recovery and has now dedicated his life to suicide prevention and support for those suffering from mental illness. He has also written a book called ‘Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After Suicide Attempt’.
Kevins words of wisdom, Remember this Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. Thats why they call it the present.
You can find out more about Kevin Hines on his official website: www.kevinhinesstory.com
Photos via www.kevinhinesstory.com and www.freeimages.com.
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