Unexpected things can happen anytime and anywhere. That being said, we don’t expect them to happen near a church.
My mamaw was known as an awesome cook. Whether it was at a Homecoming or a church social, everyone would flock to her table first. Also, when somebody in the church or community passed away, she always contributed food.
One day she called me to take some food to a local church for a deceased member. She was rather busy and didn’t have the time to take it herself. Of course, I agreed. When I reached the church, the member from the deceased’s family hadn’t arrived yet. It was a warm summer day, so I got back into my car and turned on the air conditioner as I waited.
The church parking lot was on a hill. It is East Tennessee after all. Anyway, near the top, two ladies were talking outside of their cars. One was older while the other was younger. In the back seat of the younger lady’s car, I saw two young children. In the front seat was an older girl. In a few minutes, she scooted over from the passenger side to the driver’s seat. Then the two in the back began get to move around a lot. I remember thinking: “This may not be good.”
Within a few minutes, the car with the kids inside began to roll. It didn’t move but a few feet until it slammed into the side of the older lady’s car. There was a loud crunching sound of metal hitting metal. The two kids popped out of a back door. “We told her not to touch anything but she wouldn’t listen!”
The lady with the damaged car didn’t say anything at first. I think she was a little shocked. The mother on the other hand was a totally different story. I could tell by the look on her face that she was extremely upset. I expected her to start yelling. Instead, she did something that I will never forget. In all her anguish, she dropped to her knees on the asphalt and began to pray.
“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 (KJV)
Most people would have immediately started to scream or yell at the young girl behind the wheel. It’s usually a gut reaction. But this lady’s first response was to pray about the situation before she reacted to it. How much better would the world be if we all reacted like she did?
About that time, the family member showed up, so I gave them the food and left. I have no idea what happened with the fender bender in the church parking lot. But, when I left, the young girl hadn’t gotten out of the car yet. Can’t say that I blame her there. If it had been me, I wouldn’t have either.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you