What a Life-Altering Accident Taught Me About Human Frailty and God’s Power
There’s an incredible beauty in such an opportunity for growth that is far too easy for us to miss.
With great frequency, I am asked if I am angry with the man who struck me with a Jeep last summer, breaking both of my arms as I was cycling on a clear day. I’m not.
To the best of my knowledge, the man who hit me isn’t evil. He’s simply human. There was no malice in his action, only negligence. Better said, he made a mistake. We all do that from time to time, and if we’re honest, we all act in ways that are reckless or negligent periodically. Most of the time, everything works out okay. For some of us, the worst possible scenario happens instead — like hitting a cyclist when looking at a cell phone while driving.
Hello Sarah, my prayers and protection are with you. I'm concerned about the latest accident you reported on substack. I could not seem to comment there - but it is similar to this biking accident - I recall reading a post you wrote about this titled something like The Privilege of Non-essential Services - how your ability to tell a good Samaritan to call your church when your phone was shattered saved you a great deal. That did not seem to be that long ago, in fact the title was related to the covid debacle of church closings etc. Do not underestimate the enemy's tactic of trying to destroy us when we are young and still rising up - be guileless as a dove yes, but also wise as a serpent. That's a singular statement that always goes together when we are among wolves.
You are way too kind and forgiving. Or, maybe you are just a better person than I. But along with God almighty, I believe in the rule of law. This man wasn't just negligent, he was CRIMINALLY negligent. The reason for that is quite simple. A person cannot be distracted by their phone at any time when the vehicle is moving. It is against the law and if it results in bodily injury, can be a felony depending on jurisdiction. What you call a mistake I would call a choice. A willful decision to ignore law and almost kill YOU. At the very least, he should never drive again.