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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Write an INSPIRATIONAL or DEVOTIONAL piece (04/26/07)
The weatherman said to expect sudden downpours near the coast; we were fifty miles inland, which hardly seemed coastal. We were driving along a stretch of divided four-lane when the storm hit.

The sky got dark; then drops began to fall on the windshield, and headlights began to appear. Ahead of us I saw a wall of water. “Looks, like we're in for a bad storm.”

My wife paid little attention; she was busy helping one of the grandkids with some schoolwork.

We entered the heavy rain like diving into a pool. The little van struggled in the accumulated water on the highway. A car passed us, then another, and finally a large truck passed us sending a wave of water over the van. Then, all control went out of the steering wheel. I did everything I could to stabilize the van to no avail. In a split second we were on our side and sliding down the shoulder till crashing into a grove of trees and a ditch.

When I awakened I discovered the airbag hanging toward the top of the van. I too was suspended by the shoulder harnesses. Dazed, I knew my head was wet and I could feel water rushing into the cab.

Suddenly, a dark arm reached into the cab and pulled my wife out; the arm appeared again and carried each grandchild out. And, finally, the head and arm of a man reached in and unbuckled me before the water completely overtook the cab.

Once we were out of the van and sitting on the roadside, the man checked us over. Then, saying he was late for work, he got in his pickup and drove away, Minutes later the EMTs and highway patrol arrived.

We never got the name if the man who saved us.

Luke 10:33. But the Samaritan, when he traveled, came to where the man was and took pity upon him. (NIV)

Lord, thank You for those who would stop to help a stranger in need. Add Your blessings on these the Samaritan’s of our world.
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This article has been read 1364 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Dolores Stohler 
05/03/07
Great story. God bless all the Good Samaritans of this world. Thanks for sharing.
Rita Garcia
05/04/07
Great inspiration! "Lord, thank You for those who would stop to help a stranger in need. Add Your blessings on these the Samaritan’s of our world." Amen!
Sharon Singley
05/04/07
This gave me chills. How terrifying a moment, yet how incredible the thrill of knowing the Lord is watching at all times.
joe hodson
05/05/07
Great story! I like your writing style. great description. It's comforting to know God's providence!
Jan Ackerson
05/08/07
Yikes! Scary, and then awe-inspiring. How blessed you were to have sunch an encounter!
Catrina Bradley
05/08/07
A well told story, leading to a great lesson. I was on the edge of my seat as the van slid off the road! I call the Samaritans who come to our aid "earthly angels" - the people who follow Christ the way He meant us to, by loving our neighbor. Thanks for this example of that love.
Julie Arduini
05/08/07
I loved this as I share this story. I was 10 weeks pregnant on my way to the hospital of all things for blood work when I flipped our brand new van. I was hanging upside down in a small creek and a hand helped me and my dog, and I never saw them again. I guess they kept my dog and everything but when we tried to thank them, they could not be found. Vivid writing, you had my full attention.
Cheri Hardaway
05/08/07
Wow! Awesome job. You had me holding my breath as that van slid along the shoulder of the road.

The stretch of road you described sounds like a stretch of Hwy 12 in Louisiana. Any chance this is a true story? Blessings, Cheri
Pat Guy
05/08/07
Yes - and I know the real story behind the story. ;)

Connecting and poignant. I liked the 'dark arm' lesson also - timely message.

Love,
Pat
Patty Wysong
05/08/07
Yes! Thank God for those who stop and help! I loved the imagery of: "We entered the heavy rain like diving into a pool." That's exactly how it is sometimes. :-)
Joanne Sher 
05/08/07
What a story, vividly told! I was on the edge of my seat.
Jacquelyn Horne
05/09/07
Wonderful story. There are good samaritans out there. This is a good accounting of the event.
Loren T. Lowery
05/09/07
This is such a dramatic story witnessing to a Biblical parable that is far easier to read than to live. Your article brings to life how important that Biblical principle truly is.
Thank-you for sharing.
Donna Powers
05/09/07
Very well written and an excellent title. Thank God for His timely provision. Thanks also for sharing the story.
Sara Harricharan
05/10/07
This reminds me of a story from the "His mysterious ways" in a guideposts magazine. It's inspiring and conveys a sense of hope throughout. I like it.
Marilyn Schnepp 
06/12/07
When overwrought, depressed or needing a "pick-me-up"...I read Challenges from the Inspirational and Devotional topic. Yours was a blessing, and I already feel better. I believe in angels - and perhaps you met one unawares. Who knows? A great story and an inspiration to all. Thanks.