Monday, February 13, 2012

"I Said Over and Over and Over Again . . ."

John 9:10
But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?"

Traveling back from Jekyll Island one summer, I have a close encounter of the most unwanted kind.

My daughter, Sarah, and niece, Rebecca, are snoozing in the back seat of the van. I'm cruising along at the speed limit, contemplating how good a hot cup of coffee would taste right about now. How far to the next exit?

Out of the blue, a jet-black sedan veers toward my lane. Threatens a side swipe. A wreck in the middle of nowhere.

I slam on the brakes and steer into the emergency lane to avoid a collision.

He swerves right with me!

My brakes are screeching! The girls, jolted awake, scream at the top of their lungs.

The sedan swipes the guard rail before coming to a stop.

My bumper rests only inches behind its trunk.

My heart is in my throat. I'm shaking all over. Sarah and Rebecca are crying.

We stay in the van until we see the driver of the rogue vehicle emerge unscathed. He is on his cell phone. Calling the police, no doubt.

Sure enough. Within moments, we are joined by a state trooper and two county police cars.

We exit on the passenger side, still dazed by what has just happened.

Thankful for what did not . . .

The other driver and I are kept separated. The police officers, one by one, interrogate us in turn.

"Tell me, now, exactly how this happened . . .?"

I tell my story precisely.

Again . . . and again . . . and again . . .

I know they have to keep asking. To see if my story changes. To corroborate evidence.

I grow weary in the hot Georgia sun, but patiently answer each officer.

Wishing they could just take me at my word.

Accept my answers as truthful.

Just stop asking . . .

After what seems like an eternity, I am dismissed.

No citation. No ticket.

Free to go.

And, so many blessings to count.
~
Have you ever experienced a time when your veracity was questioned? How did it make you feel?

Will you pray with me?
Help us, Father, to be truthful and trustworthy in word and deed. Let our answers to others be accepted and never doubted. May we, too, respect the answers of others. Amen.

Readings
Psalms 89:1-18 or 89:19-52
Genesis 30:1-24
1 John 1:1-10
John 9:1-17

8 comments:

  1. Nice post...haven't really experienced anything like this...but, have found myself in a situation where I had to validate myself.

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  2. Thanks so much for coming by today, Janu!
    No, this was no fun to go through, but I'm thankful to this day no one was hurt. And, it is always a tough thing when our veracity is questioned in any way. Sorry you had to go through it!
    Blessings to you!

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  3. I would have had a heart attack if I were you! My God! Thank God you are okay. And yes I will definitely pray with you...

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Kriti, glad you stopped by today!
      Yes, this was quite a frightening few moments, especially with my girls in the car. God was certainly looking out for us on that day!
      Thanks, too, for praying with me!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  4. Yes, I remember, my whole person was put into question. I know the truth will one day reveal itself but til then I pray for forgiveness for all those who contributed to my sufferings.

    I pray you with Martha... I remember Jesus infront of Pilate. Jesus didn't say a word to defend Himself but instead continued loving the people who condemned Him.

    There must be a reason...for all these.

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  5. Replies
    1. Great, as always, to see you here, Melissa!
      I'm so sorry you had to go through the ordeal of having your truth questioned and that it made you suffer. You have chosen the high road of forgiveness, though. It's the only way both you and your accusers can heal.
      Jesus did set the perfect example for us when He stood in front of Pilate and refused to defend Himself. Perhaps, He knew that no matter what He said, Pilate, and the others who condemned Him, wouldn't understand. After all, He had given them so many teachings and miracles. And, still they don't believe? What would now change their minds? Their hearts?
      And, He knew what He had to do to save us all . . .
      Thank you, my dear, for praying with me and your always thoughtful comments shared here.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  6. Wow, that is so scary! Thank goodness no one was hurt. I'm actually a very honest person, to a fault sometimes, if that is possible, yet my veracity has been seriously questioned on several occasions. As you did, I think there is no recourse but to stand firm and in some cases not even to belabor the point. As long as I know in my heart I'm telling the truth, it doesn't matter who believes me. Blessing to you! <3

    ReplyDelete

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