Helping hands. We all need them. Especially when we face unexpected circumstances.
One of the greatest challenges of being a traveling single woman is the ongoing threat of car trouble. After a recent book signing, I loaded the car in preparation for the return trip home. Packed and ready to go, the car would not start. I looked around for anyone who might be able to help. I approached a parked car with three adults inside and asked, “Jumper cables?” Their response, “No, but good luck finding help.” Hmmm. Where’s that southern hospitality?
My Good Samaritans
I walked further and saw two young adults walking in my direction. I approached with a big smile. “Do you have jumper cables? My car won’t start.” They did not have jumper cables, but they pointed to a local garage that would be able to help. God sent two Good Samaritans to my aid. (Luke 10:25-37). Their names: Tyler Peters and Casey Montgomery (pictured above).
Tyler walked into the garage and walked out carrying the golden egg – a pair of cables. He and Casey walked with me to the car, lifted the hood, and did that “jumper cable thing”. No success. After several attempts, it appeared the car would need a tow. As we waited for the tow truck, Tyler and Casey returned the jumper cables and I climbed into the driver’s seat. Miracle of miracles, the car started! Delayed reaction.
I ran to the street to alert Tyler and thanked them for their help. The tow truck was canceled. I returned to the car, overwhelmed with thanksgiving. I wanted to thank these two young people for their help, but what did I have to offer them? Then a scripture came to mind. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. (Acts 3:6). Then it dawned on me. I didn’t have money, but I did have a gift of encouragement and a written story of God’s love and faithfulness. Grabbing two books, “The Making of a Dragonfly”, I ran back to the street. I flagged down Casey, gave her two books and signed them with a prayer.
The amazing end story is how the car never gave me another issue. It is as though God wanted Casey and Tyler to have a book and a blessing spoken over them, and He wanted to give me two new friends, my Good Samaritans.
Helping Hands and Blessings
Our random acts of kindness can change the direction of someone’s life and greatly impact their day. Our spoken prayers and blessings are powerful. Let’s use every opportunity we have to reach out to those in need (even in need of jumper cables), pray for one another, bless others, and spread the love of Christ.
Casey and Tyler, again, thank you for your southern hospitality, for being the hands of Christ, and for not leaving me stranded.
Mary
