Road Rage
Teaching people a lesson, yeah, that's what I do behind the wheel.
On October 8th, 2004, God taught me a lesson. I was headed to visit my mother when I signaled to exit the freeway for a quick drive-thru bite. As I was exiting, my rear view mirror showed an old school cadillac right on my tail. Mind you, I am NOT a slow driver. He continued right on my tail, as I got more and more irritated. I honestly thought he was going to hit me. I flailed my arms at him to get off my back (no obscene gestures) and think I even honked a few times. It didn't work.
The exit ramp ended in a yield with a T, and I continued slowing down to figure out which direction to turn for the fast food. Then, sure enough, he hit me. I can't tell you how mad I was. I KNEW he was going to hit me and it was sooo stupid, so unnecessary, so AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!
Fearing nothing in my rage, I leapt from the car yelling at him (no obscenities this time, just words of frustation and questions of why). Slowly, an African American man, probably my mom's age, but much, much larger, emerged from the vehicle. He was talking back a little and recounting the events with somehow not being his fault. I was shaking I was so angry, but was still able to grab my camera and take a still photo of our two bumpers. There was no damage, but that wasn't the point.
Then, something completely came over me. I hadn't prayed or specifically asked for help in that moment, but help arrived. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. My entire mental state and demeanor changed, as I just stopped. I looked at the man and I said 'Hold on. Do you know the Lord?' Please understand that this is not the kind of thing that I say. I have never said something so out-of-the-blue like that to a total stranger before...and quite possibly to anyone before. They weren't my words really; they just came out. And in that moment everything changed.
After I said it, the 'Sundee' in me took over for another instant, fearing the responses he might give and how unequipped I felt to deal with them. But, God is always bigger than that.
The man answered 'Yes.' Whew. I said back, 'What are we doing? This is not how I want to be.' So, we politely introduced ourselves and surveyed the damage (there was none). He apologized and I accepted without a thought. I still remember his name, Jim Banks, who was on his way back from kidney dialysis when our paths crossed. I shared a similar struggle of a friend that was also going through dialysis, and told him that I would pray for him. We parted ways much differently than when we first met, only moments before. Why did we meet? Perhaps he needed to be reminded of even the smallest miracles God can perform, perhaps he needed a prayer, or...perhaps I needed a lesson that it's God's job to teach, not mine.
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. " Galatians 5:19-21
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:12
On October 8th, 2004, God taught me a lesson. I was headed to visit my mother when I signaled to exit the freeway for a quick drive-thru bite. As I was exiting, my rear view mirror showed an old school cadillac right on my tail. Mind you, I am NOT a slow driver. He continued right on my tail, as I got more and more irritated. I honestly thought he was going to hit me. I flailed my arms at him to get off my back (no obscene gestures) and think I even honked a few times. It didn't work.
The exit ramp ended in a yield with a T, and I continued slowing down to figure out which direction to turn for the fast food. Then, sure enough, he hit me. I can't tell you how mad I was. I KNEW he was going to hit me and it was sooo stupid, so unnecessary, so AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!
Fearing nothing in my rage, I leapt from the car yelling at him (no obscenities this time, just words of frustation and questions of why). Slowly, an African American man, probably my mom's age, but much, much larger, emerged from the vehicle. He was talking back a little and recounting the events with somehow not being his fault. I was shaking I was so angry, but was still able to grab my camera and take a still photo of our two bumpers. There was no damage, but that wasn't the point.
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Then, something completely came over me. I hadn't prayed or specifically asked for help in that moment, but help arrived. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. My entire mental state and demeanor changed, as I just stopped. I looked at the man and I said 'Hold on. Do you know the Lord?' Please understand that this is not the kind of thing that I say. I have never said something so out-of-the-blue like that to a total stranger before...and quite possibly to anyone before. They weren't my words really; they just came out. And in that moment everything changed.
After I said it, the 'Sundee' in me took over for another instant, fearing the responses he might give and how unequipped I felt to deal with them. But, God is always bigger than that.
The man answered 'Yes.' Whew. I said back, 'What are we doing? This is not how I want to be.' So, we politely introduced ourselves and surveyed the damage (there was none). He apologized and I accepted without a thought. I still remember his name, Jim Banks, who was on his way back from kidney dialysis when our paths crossed. I shared a similar struggle of a friend that was also going through dialysis, and told him that I would pray for him. We parted ways much differently than when we first met, only moments before. Why did we meet? Perhaps he needed to be reminded of even the smallest miracles God can perform, perhaps he needed a prayer, or...perhaps I needed a lesson that it's God's job to teach, not mine.
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. " Galatians 5:19-21
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:12
posted by Sundee at 11:21 AM
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4 Comments:
Wonderful story. I love you, sister. Night. Night.
awesome post!
we missed you today!!!
great story - thanks for sharing it!
Wow! I love your blog! I am a former student of Chrys Mundy and I am always reading her blog to see what she is up too. I also read the other blogs from her friends. I love all the pictures of the children and the updates that they give. I always enjoy reading yours and seeing your awesome photography. Today, I stumbled upon this blog. And the Lord really spoke to me through your words. I love how vulnerable and open your heart is. At times I struggle with being this way and also seeing God in the small things. But, I love how you see God's promises in the simple chores of life, such as taking a shower or driving. What an encouragement! Thanks again for your sweet words! They were such a blessing.
Nicole Davie
nicoledavie@gmail.com
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