My name is Rodger Thomas, and I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Although I’m officially retired from the medical field, I’ve come to learn that when your life’s purpose is helping others, retirement doesn’t mean stepping away—it just means serving differently.
I’ve spent the better part of my life in the medical field, trained to respond to emergencies and care for people when they need it most. Even now, in my retired years, I keep my medical kit with me wherever I go. If someone goes down at the beach, on a bike trail, or in a parking lot, I’m ready to act. That calling hasn’t left me—it’s a part of who I am.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10
That’s how I’ve always tried to live—with my hands ready and my heart open.
A Lifetime of Medical Service
My medical training includes emergency response, trauma care, CPR—you name it. I’ve served in high-stress environments and made decisions that helped save lives. The jobs that I have held include Paramedic Firefighter, Underwater Rescue Commander, Ocean Rescue Lifeguard, National Ski Patrol Emergency Medical Responder, and Water Safety Instructor. That type of experience doesn’t leave you, even when the job does. Today, I may not clock in, but I stay ready because I know how fast life can change—and how much it matters to have someone by your side in those moments.
I don’t need a uniform or title to help. I just need to be present.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Living Fully in Fort Lauderdale
I thank God every day for the chance to live in a place as beautiful and healing as Fort Lauderdale, FL. Being surrounded by nature—whether it’s the ocean, palm trees, or winding trails—restores my soul.
These are some of the things that fill my days with joy:
- 🌊 Surfing when the waves are right, soaking in God’s power and peace
- 🚴 Bike riding through scenic trails, feeling freedom with every mile
- ⛳ Golfing with friends, enjoying both the challenge and the camaraderie
- 🌲 Hiking nature trails, reflecting in the quiet places where God speaks loudest
- 🚙 Road trips, exploring God’s creation across this country
- 🤝 Spending time with family and close friends, laughing, listening, and loving
These aren’t just hobbies to me—they’re ways I stay connected, stay healthy, and stay grateful.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Faith First, Always
My Christian faith is the foundation of everything I do. It’s carried me through dark valleys and brought me back into the light. There have been seasons where I felt broken, forgotten, and worn down by life. But God never left me.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” – Psalm 23:4
That promise has kept me strong more times than I can count.
Everything I’ve done—every life I’ve touched, every hand I’ve held during a medical emergency, every stranger I’ve comforted—has come from that place of faith. I know God gave me the gifts I have so that I could serve others. And I plan to keep using them until my last breath.
God so saw fit after I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Science to continue a track of education, ultimately blessing me with a PhD in Christian Psychology. I specialized in addictions, and I can’t express enough how satisfying it is to see the light come back to someone’s eyes and see the change process begin to take place.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Closing in Prayer
As I reflect on this life God has given me—the trials, the triumphs, the moments of heartbreak and the seasons of restoration—I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude. I know many reading this are carrying burdens, facing trials, or wondering if their story still has meaning.
So I want to end with a prayer—not for myself, but for you.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of this life. Thank You for walking with me through the fire and for never letting go. Today, I lift up every person reading this. For those who feel lost—may You guide them. For those who are hurting—may You heal them. For those who have been judged, labeled, or misunderstood—may You remind them of who they are in Your eyes.
I pray for restoration, for new beginnings, for broken relationships to be healed. I pray that Your grace would cover every wound, and that Your love would light the way forward.
Help us all to serve, to love, and to live each day as a gift from You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
My name is Rodger Thomas, and I will continue to live my days helping, healing, and walking in faith. If you see me around Fort Lauderdale—surfboard under my arm, med kit on my shoulder, or just sharing a laugh with friends—know that I’m living proof that God isn’t finished with any of us yet.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
