Thankfulness

May 31, 2008

My heart has been heavy today. No, not because I'm 30 now, but because of what I saw yesterday. I don't have a picture to share of this woman but I'll try to paint a mental picture that won't leave my head and continues to bring me to tears. I was on my way to pick up Austin from work. (We were on our way to go out to dinner for my birthday.) About 3 blocks from the Hope Center, I was at a busy intersection waiting to turn and I saw a couple walking across the street. They were about my age. He had on plaid shorts and a white T-shirt and she was wearing orange. All of the sudden in the middle of the street he grabs her and starts beating her up. He dragged her back to the sidewalk and by the neck held her up to the brick bridge. He said something to her and then they were done. He walked away and sadly she followed him. Meanwhile I had been trying to call 911. After being transfered twice I was cut off. By that time they were already walking away so, feeling helpless, I drove on. I was so shocked at what I had just seen.
The rest of that evening and today I've felt so many emotions: anger, sadness, thankfulness. I hate that the woman and so many like her are living a life like that and I pray that she finds a savior in Jesus Christ. I wanted to run that man over with my car but I pray that he finds saving grace from Jesus Christ. And I am so thankful that I have never had to experience violence in my own childhood or marriage. I am so grateful to Jesus Christ for saving me from a life of hopelessness like so many around us face each day.