Saturday, March 31, 2012

There, By the Grace of God, Go I

Tonight I was out and about just before dark taking care of some church welfare business. After I was done, I decided to make a quick trip to a local "Grocery Outlet" to browse their bargains before I headed home for the night. It got dark as I drove, and this store isn't in the best neighborhood, but I thought that if I parked close to the front door I would be okay.

As I pulled in to the parking lot, I saw an elderly woman from church standing in front of the store with a cart of groceries. She was using her phone, and I could tell that she was waiting for a ride. I parked my car and got out and called to her, asking if she needed a ride. She started crying and told me that she hadn't been able to get ahold of anyone to come pick her up. She lives not too far away, but it isn't the kind of neighborhood where anyone should be walking alone at night. I told her I would take her home.

As we were talking, standing in front of the store, we suddenly heard a LOUD gun shot! There were two rough looking teenagers standing near us, and when they heard the gun shot they jumped and swore, and immediately headed for the inside of the store! I thought to myself that if these two tough looking kids were scared, then I sure should be too! The woman with me was kind of in shock and stood still without moving. I called her by name, and in an authoritative tone said, "Come with me." She obediently followed, and we went inside the store.

We waited there for a few minutes until things seemed quiet, and then we went back out to make a dash for the car. As we were driving out of the parking lot, we could see an ambulance headed in the direction of the gunshot. I told her there were no bargains in that store worth staying for! I took her home by a safer route.

Some might say I shouldn't have been there in the first place. But can you imagine what might have happened if she had tried to walk home? And who knows but what I was the person chosen to be the answer to her prayer.

6 comments:

Vid said...

I live in an area where the crime rate is pretty much lower than that of the Moon... It always shocks me how much crimes are committed or how common they are in other places. Living in a foreign country should shock me out of that!

Inklings said...

I think you were the one chosen to help her! It is so good you were there.

Grannymar said...

Your guiding angel brought you there at that particular moment.

blackwatertown said...

great you were able to help.

Rummuser said...

Synchronicity. You were meant to be there for her at that precise moment. You did the right thing.

Max Coutinho said...

D,

I agree with Rummy: sheer synchronicity.
You were there for a reason and that reason appears to have been to save that old lady's life.

I have never been in a similar situation, but I am guessing it must be as creepy as hell.

Cheers