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Topic: Heroes (03/08/04)
TITLE: Interstate Hero By toronto49 Aird 03/11/04 |
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Most motorists passing by were absorbed in their own world and didn’t notice the tragedy about to unfold. Others, apathetically, would give a passing glance and continue on pursuing their own agenda. One even cruelly shouted out his encouragement to jump as he traveled within feet of him.
But then, like the wonderful story of old, there was a "certain Samaritan."
Parking his vehicle near the interstate entrance the good Samaritan, in his staff sergeant’s uniform, walked calmly to where the young man was sitting precariously on the overpass looking down upon the last scene of his life. The interstate hero introduced himself and asked how he could help. Like an excised wound the young man began to share his pain and sorrow. He spoke of his mistakes, the consequences of those decisions, and how his life was not worth living. He questioned the hardness of the world and asked who would really care if he lived or died? It seemed to have been a series of bad decisions after another resulting in the loss of his job leading to the separation from his wife.
Listening intently, over the gathering sirens of the assembled emergency vehicles, the seasoned military recruiter’s eyes began to glisten as the young man’s ordeal of one tragic event after another unfolded. He genuinely began to care for this hurting fellow human being. Finally, sensing that the “moment of truth” had arrived and with a whispered silent prayer for wisdom this interstate hero smiled and simply reached out his hand.
In that extraordinary moment this would be jumper was afforded another option. The grace of God intervened. He could stay the course and end his life or he could reach out and grasp the caring hand that had been offered. The battle was raging within and in what seemed like an eternity the young man finally, with a sigh, turned and gripped the outstretched hand.
The two never saw each other again. The interstate hero was given a commendation by the police department and was lauded as a hero by a local not-for-profit group. But the real reward for this U.S. Army recruiter was in knowing that he penetrated the darkness of a lost soul and brought the light and glory of a Godly deed through listening and by extending his hand.