
Photo by Leo Cardelli on Pexels.com
I had another post ready to go for today, but after an unusual experience last night, I wanted to share this instead.
Last evening, four of my family members were heading out to get some groceries. About 20 minutes from home we hit a very large pothole that instantly blew out 2 tires on our van. We were thankful it was very close to a church with a well-lit parking lot.
AAA was called and when the tow truck arrived there was not enough room for all of us to leave. It was decided that my husband would leave with the driver and our van, and my two teenaged daughters and I would stay behind in the parking lot.
We felt blessed that it was above freezing and not raining or snowing. We all had coats on, something that my teenagers do not always grab on the way out of the house, and there was a blanket in the van.
There were vehicles in the church lot but the building was big and we did not want to start knocking on doors and possibly scare the people inside. Instead, we decided to just stand and wait.
As we waited under a large light in the front lot, people started to leave the church. One vehicle after another drove slowly by looking at us, but no one stopped. We did not look scary, it was a mom with two teenage daughters, all dressed appropriately, other than I had a blanket wrapped around me. The lack of “hospitality” resulted in a very deep conversation between my daughters and I, something that I will keep between the three of us, but I was really hoping that the people leaving the church would have behaved differently. Not just because it was a church, but because we were in the country, off a busy road, alone, after dark.
As the last vehicle was leaving, a mom and her teenaged daughter stopped to ask if we needed anything. I thanked her profusely, explained the situation and reassured her that someone would eventually be back to pick us up.
So, what would you have done in that situation? (NO judging) Would you have stopped, or not, and why?
At least some of them should have stopped and offered help. If I was there I would have.
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I know you would have stopped! 🙂 The last person did and I was thankful. But, I have to admit watching vehicle after vehicle drive by the 3 of us standing alone in the lot was pretty surreal.
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It sort of damages one’s faith in humanity.
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You are absolutely right Sadje……especially at a church………
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Yes, specially there. I’m sure they would have heard words of kindness and compassion there. Why they weren’t affected by them.
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🙂 I think you are right……….maybe they sleep during the sermons. 🙂
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That could be the reason. But then why bother coming to the church. They would be more comfortable in their beds!
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🙂 🙂 you are absolutely right! 🙂
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🙏😉
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Something to consider is that many churches rent out their basements and facilities to groups and others in the local community, especially given that it was in the evening which is not a typical time for a sermon.
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Something to consider is that many churches rent out their basements and facilities to groups and others in the local community, especially given that it was in the evening which is not a typical time for a sermon.
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This was a duplicate comment, please delete.
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🙂
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You are absolutely right Averyl. I called the church this morning and spoke with the Pastor because i wanted to thank the person who did stop. It was church members having a gathering Saturday evening.
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That could be an explanation. But still human decency should have compelled them to offer help, church goers or not.
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yes, we did think of that while we were standing there. But, I called the church today in hopes that I could say thank you to the person who actually stopped. It was a church gathering that evening.
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😉
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Sadje I’m not disagreeing with that point, although there are many kind-hearted people who might not stop for reasons that have nothing to do with being decent or not. Maybe they are afraid, or have had a bad experience in a similar situation, I don’t know. I was simply addressing that one can’t always assume that people leaving a church are “church goers.” Also, speaking from personal experience, those who go to church aren’t perfect. *raises hand*. 😉
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Most certainly. And at least offered the warmth of my car to wait or to give a lift to some destination 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋 🦘 🐬 🐳 🌺 🌹 🌈
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Oh course you would Mark, because you are an awesome soul. It was surreal to watch people slowly drive by us staring, and to keep driving. I felt like we were on display at the zoo.
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Too many fearful souls in this world kind lady, and while ever that is the prominent thinking, alas, the outcome will follow its rules ☹️
But we’ll get there, once the crack in those walls we build from fear begin to widen from understanding them 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋 🦘 🐬 🐳 🌺 🌹 🌈
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I LOVE this response Mark…..it brought joy to my sould and a smile to my face! Thank you! May God bless you as you have richly blessed me.
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Unless I was in a dire hurry myself I would like to believe I would have stopped in concern for your welfare.. Three women, standing expectantly in the dark? Love thy neighbor….
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You are a beautiful soul Judi. Yes, three females standing in the dark in a parking lot is weird, especially out in the country like we were. Bless you for being such a kind soul.
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I’d like to think so, just as this lady did to ask if you were okay. If you then said that you didn’t need any assistance, I’d probably drive off, as she presumably did. “Above freezing” still sounds bloody cold, it might have been nice if somebody would’ve invited you inside while you waited for your ride. They must’vee at least seen you as they drove out.
The parable of the good Samaritan springs to mind.
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Yes, the person who stopped did drive off but by then we knew someone would be there sooner rather than later. Had one of the first people stopped, I would have paid one of them to drive us home. We were cold and by the time I got home I could barely walk.
Bless you for being willing to help others in their time of need!
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I can understand why she drove off, because there is a fine line betweeen helping and being pushy. But given none of these people stopped, you could have beeen in any predicament – theey were not to know that your ride was coming to get you. They should at least have stopped to see if you needed to call anybody to let them know. You know, verybody has a cellphone these days and a call is peanuts. Somebody should at least have stopped to find out.
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Yes, I understand why the woman drove off. By the time she stopped we had someone coming to pick us up. We were deeply appreciative that she checked in with us and thanked her profusely. I think she would have driven us home had we needed it. It was so nice to have her seem so concerned.
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No question. I would have stopped. We have had similar experiences to this. It makes you question amlot.
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It does make you question……….and I am sorry you have had this experience too Lorraine!
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Sadly it happens wendi.
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you are absolutely right………
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If there was no indication that you (plural) were in distress, and you weren’t trying to catch anybody’s attention, I probably would have assumed that you were waiting for somebody.
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I appreciate this perspective! Thank you so very much for taking the time to comment, it is much appreciated.
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A mother and two young girls? Wrapped in a blanket? I would definitely have asked if you needed help, offered you a ride or my car or money or whatever you would have requested.
Just because it’s a church doesn’t mean they’re Christian. Sad.
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You are a kind soul Cindi! I thought we looked sad……….we were cold, and after 30 min. outside we couldn’t feel our feet. My neuro condition started “acting up” and I just wanted to cry………but, we made it through and we made memories. 🙂 But you are right, just because they were in a church doesn’t make them behave like Christians 🙂
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Wendi I am so so sorry this happened to
You and your girls. I ALWAYS make it a point to ask anyone I see in despair if they need help. Don’t fret. God has a reward for you. He’ll show you some great kindness to make up for what happened to you. God bless.
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Thank you Cindi…….it could have been SO much worse……….thank God it was not snowing or raining, I don’t know what we would have done. It did create memories at least. But, today, I am in bed for the day.
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Be well 🙏
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🙂
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I wouldn’t have even got in my car … I would have approached to ask the problem as that is an unusual place to wait. And I wouldn’t have left either without you or until your lift came ,,, just in case. Small c christians and not very hospitable for country folk.
Good to blog about such incidences to make others more aware of common courtesy 🙂
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what a beautiful way to handle this situation Kate. you are a kind and thoughtful soul. i really just wondered what other people would do if they saw us all standing there……….I was wondering if I was expecting too much for people to at least stop to check……….I am thankful the last person did………..she restored my hope in humanity. 🙂
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thank heavens she did … I would have been upset at such rudeness 🙂
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🙂 bless you!
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I would have stopped in this situation and rolled down my window and asked if all was OK.
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🙂 bless you for caring about others Averyl! 🙂
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Yes I would have stopped! If your daughters were upset they should be.
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🙂 thank you so very much for taking the time to comment! God bless you…
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😊❄
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Yes.
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🙂 🙂
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I would have stopped and then offered to drive you to where your husband was!! Wow. I’m glad that you were okay.
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thank you so very much for taking the time to stop by and comment……….it was a long night.
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When we see a family and witness what happened, we can trust to help. I would.❤️
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thank you so very much Laleh for taking time to stop by and comment………..you have a beautiful heart and soul!
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My absolute pleasure sweetheart.❤️
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🙂
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Yeah, definitely need to stop, ask, get everyone into the church to wait in a comfy chair with a cup of hot chocolate and some chatting.
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Kathy, this would have been an amazing blessing Saturday evening! God bless you for helping out others…………you have a beautiful heart.
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😊💗
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Whew, it’s scary how quickly things like blown tires can happen. Thank goodness everything worked out okay – though it’s surprising that no one offered to help
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yes, it was very scary as they blew instantly and they are new and high end tires. but, it could have been so much worse so we are grateful no one got injured.
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I’d have offered you a lift home or to my place while you waited and made sure you had tea while you waited. Three women alone, wrapped in a blanket is not a common sight and definitely deserved a polite enquiry to find out if you were ok. Xx
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it sounds like a lovely way to spend a few hours while we were waiting! 🙂 we did have one lady stop, the last person out of the lot, and I called the church this morning to tell the Pastor to thank this person. 🙂 Bless you for having such a kind heart……..
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I would have absolutely stopped
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I love that you would have stopped. I know I would have too and I wonder if those of us who live with illnesses are more compassionate when it comes to things like this? I know no one could tell that my daughter and I live with chronic conditions but, looks can be very deceiving.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to stop by and comment, I really appreciate it.
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I don’t trust anyone or anything. I would probably not do anything. I’ve seen too many things which have made me cynical…especially if I had my daughter with me
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I completely understand this, you just never know about people. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts, I really appreciate it.
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I hope I would have stopped. If I was alone, I am sure I would. My spouse is less inclined to do so. However, if it had been at my church, you’d have been hauled into someone’s car or the building and this experience would not have happened. I’m sorry it did. It isn’t right- I’m thankful you were all ok and your teens had their coats!! Kids often forget those things..and may the city fix those potholes!
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Thank you Kris for leaving such a in-depth comments. 🙂 I know it is really hard to know what we would do unless we were put into the exact situation. I know I would have stopped, at the very least, to make sure they had a ride coming and to make sure they didn’t need me to make a call or another blanket.
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One of the hardest things about stopping to help someone is stopping. I had a situation this week, where I passed a car in trouble and by the time I realised I probably should have stopped, I was so far past I didn’t see a place to turn around. And if I had stopped, it might have been more dangerous. In a parking lot, that is different. A lot different.
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You are absolutely right Kris. Stopping on the side of the road can be extremely dangerous and I would never expect someone to stop and help, I would not want to endanger someone else’s life.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! 🙂
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Oh what an unfortunate situation to be in. You were stood outside the church, surely they could have invited you in to keep warm it was for half an hour you said not a lot of time. The first thing I thought of was your illness not many can tolerate the cold but you more so. At least you got home safe. I would have invited you into the church to keep warm or driven you to where your husband was.
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yes, we were outside for over an hour total, and we were safe there and thank goodness we all had some kind of coat on. it could have been so much worse, but the situation got me thinking as to whether or not I would have stopped. absolutely, if it was my church, i would have stopped and at the very least brought us inside to warm up. I know we live in a crazy world, and that leaves many people cautious.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment, I so appreciate you leaving your thoughts.
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Your welcome. I would have asked the rescue service to have sent a taxi to take you with them.
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he did call into dispatch and there were booked out for hours. so, we knew we had to figure it out.
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How sad, lessons learned.
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yes……….
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This is a tough question for sure. But it being in the country it shouldn’t be hard to answer. It is sad that this happened in a church. Here in the city we have a lot of bad things that have happened and we even have a lot of sex traffickers in our state since it is easy to get out of our country being close to a border. Sex traffickers will use women and young girls that are in trafficking to get others. In a park in our neighborhood here in the city we had a 20 year old lure a teenager online to meet up with her at the park, a friendship sort of thing. The girl was kidnapped (I will not go into the horrible details) they eventually found the girl months later, she is okay now but she was in the sex trafficking system until they found her.
My daughter once when she was 12 was riding her bike around the block and two women driving a truck went to park in front of her while the other in the passenger seat got out. Thankfully this happen when my daughter was on the same street my husband and a neighbor were out working on the yard and witnessed the whole thing. As soon as they saw my husband run towards them , the woman got back in her truck and the driver drove off.
They also send women to the malls and colleges to befriend other young girls to recruit into sex trafficking. They are using women to lure other women and children to them. There are some very bad people out there that is for sure. So to answer your question. I would roll the window down and ask if you all were okay and needed to call someone for help like the police. Then I would ask if you would like us to wait with you. It is very scary being out at dark by yourself.
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OH MY GOODNESS, this is TERRIBLE! Thank God your daughter is ok and your husband was there to save her before something aweful could have happened. OK, I never thought about someone thinking we were up to no good, and I guess because we were in the country-like setting. I was praying that a cop would drive by and see us all standing there and stop but no such luck.
You are right, had I been alone I would have been terrified. The parking lot was lit up but the surrounding area was very dark and a little intimitating.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave such informative comments……..it has made me look at this situation in a very different light. God bless you my friend and again, I am so thankful your daughter is ok!
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It can be scary out there sometimes. It is sad but true. I am happy that my husband was outside too. There was another neighbor out when it happened. I only heard about it second hand so I wasn’t a witness. I like to think they were only after her bike because my husband said they had some bikes in their truck but we have had bad things happen with missing kids and people in our state. We are number 2 with most missing people in our country with Alaska being number 1. It might have changed since I last heard about this report. When that mother went missing years ago (I think it was Colorado) she was abducted by two women. She was found right before Christmas wondering the streets confused when someone spotted her. I can’t remember the story too well but it made me remember my daughter’s incident with the two women in the truck. My daughter is blonde and similar to that woman. So scary, you guys always stay safe and call the police if you are ever alone in a dark spot, they are there to help or get you help if you need it.
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wow……..I had no idea about so many missing people in your state. Praise God you daughter was ok! Yes, thank you, we will be way more prepared if something like this happens in the future.
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Oh yeah, I always tell everyone God is always looking out for us. We are so happy nothing bad happened.
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Amen………..and Praise be to God!
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I’m an Atheist, not a believer, but those Christians who gawked instead of offering help, to you and your daughters should be ashamed of themselves. I’d like to think I would have spoken to you to see if your were OK. I deeply believe in good, but without the need for God …
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I guess as the old saying goes………standing in a garage doesn’t make you a car 🙂 I called the church this morning and spoke with the Pastor and asked her to thank the person who did actually stop. I told her what happened and wanted her to know that the last person out of the lot actually stopped and inquired about our situation. But, it was surreal to watch car after car leave and just drive by slowly and stare. So weird………Bless you for knowing you would help 🙂 May your day bring you smiles.
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Many thanks Wendi. Perhaps your pastor could speak about what being a Christian can mean. Offering help to others is surely up there on the list of Christian things to do.
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you are right Carolyn……..teaching others to show love and kindness is a very important lesson.
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The biggest and best lesson to learn in life perhaps.
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I agree!
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Many thanks Wendi. Perhaps your pastor could speak about what being a Christian can mean. Offering help to others is surely up there on the list of Christian things to do.
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🙂 I think this would be a great sermon. 🙂
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Wendi, I’m so sorry you had car trouble. That is an added expense that will hit the budget for sure!
I have to say, I would have stopped and have before.. I feel we have to represent God, foremost, but church, as well. Not for show, but out of genuinely love for our fellow man! (and woman lol)
I pulled into our church parking lot one time and saw a man loitering under our drive-through. He started approaching my car as I had parked and was waiting on my friend to arrive. It scared me at first. My door was locked. He approached, but stood his distance. He told me he was sorry to bother me, that he wasn’t trying to scare me, but asked if he could use my phone. He was from another town and was stranded and trying to contact his daughter to pick him up. I cracked my window and handed the phone out. He finished and thanked me. There was something about him, that I blurted out, (which I never do in this bold fashion) do you know the Lord? Big tears welled in his eyes. I had rolled the window down just enough to understand what he was saying, just to stay safe. He told me he had gotten away from the Lord. He had a praying mother. I ministered to him, as I felt God so strong. He told me his real name. I looked him up on fb to see if maybe he was on there and I could make sure he had made it home ok. Sure enough, he was and had told the truth. I messaged his daughter, told her the situation and asked her if he had made it safely home. He had, in fact. She thanked me. After that I prayed for him many days. We never know what a little love and generosity can do in any situation. I say this to say, that one person pulled into the lot and wasn’t so pleased that he was there. And told him he needed to leave. He did, but came back to sit under the drive through because of the rain earlier, before I had gotten there.
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Renee, this is a perfect example of how we are to behave, not because we have to but because we want to show God’s love to others. I love that you did this in a safe and thoughtful manner, which is good, you just never know.
The way people had to drive through the lot to get out, they were able to stay a min. of 20 feet away from us and could have asked us questions from their window. It was very sad to watch car after car leave and just watch us. They had no idea that two of us are chronically ill, but like you pointed out, you just don’t know how a little act of kindness can benefit another.
I called the church this morning and spoke with the pastor and asked her to please thank the lady who did stop. The pastor was pleasant but made excuses as to why no one else did. I explained that I was not upset with them, but thrilled that someone care enough to stop and that is why I was calling, to thank not complain.
You have a beautiful heart Renee………..thank you for taking the time to share your beautiful story.
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There were a ton of comments by the time I was able to get back to WP, so I don’t know if this was already expressed.
I can see how that would be frustrating or discouraging. Based on how you describe your appearance, and trusting my intuition, I’m pretty sure I would have stopped also. However, there are quite a few variables that can come into play with people making that kind of decision. Is it after dark? How safe is the neighborhood? Do they have young kids of their own that they’d be worried about? How many professional panhandlers in the area is another factor.
We have a ton of those here. You can tell they’re NOT homeless. They’re too clean and neatly dressed. When I lived in Atlanta, there was even a guy who would roan downtown wearing a tuxedo and telling people he was a concert piano player who came to town and had his gig canceled. He needed money to get home. It’s made people leery of trying to do the right thing and help those truly in need.
I view what happened to you as a sad commentary on the state of society as it is a failing of those individual people.
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You are absolutely right, there are so many variables to think about when you are dealing with a situation like this. Although this took place within a big city limits, it is a county setting and yes, it was after dark.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave such thought-filled comments, I really appreciate it. Life situations are very complicated and it is not always so cut and dry!
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Unfortunately that;s true. The news and politicians love to scare people for ratings and votes too. It doesn’t help.
It’s still a shame that the church didn’t offer you shelter until your ride arrived though.
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you are right! so much fear is put into our hearts and minds………thank you again for taking the time to leave such wonderful comments, I appreciate each one.
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A scary situation! It can be scary to stop and help someone, especially after so many people are doing so much conning and there is trafficking going on. I know I am afraid t stop when I am alone and it is dark. I feel horrible and pray, but I do pass on a lot.
I am glad you are all okay!
I have nominated you for The Decade Tag! Me and God love you, Wendi!
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2020/02/17/the-decade-tag-2-4-2020/
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I understand Gail, there are so many variables in a situation like this. You are now the second person who mentioned trafficking…….this is something that never crossed my mind.
Thank you so very much for the nomination Gail, I am deeply humbled my friend. 🙂
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Wendi! I reread this because I had a sense that I had missed something. God’s nudging was completely needed! I totally missed this whole thing happening at a church and with members coming out, passing by without helping! I thought you were talking about on the side of the dark interstate (which I must confess I still struggle to NOT stop because I have always been compelled to help. My family, especially my dad and brothers, one who was an officer working hard to help me understand the importance in being careful, and pastor friends teaching me and my son how to help and still discern God’s wisdom regarding people who use the women and children in their family to rob others helps me to wise in seeking God’s will and trusting Him with whichever answer He give… to help or not to help)
Anyway… THIS WAS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SITUATION FOR YOU!!! I am heart broken for you that God’s people did not stop to help you, especially while in their parking lot. The hospitality alone should have brought you help if someone had stopped to invite you to church, or an event, or just welcome you! I’m sorry you and your daughters had to experience it. Unfortunately I have experienced moments like that.
Let me first say that I have been blessed with an abundance of good and godly church families, at more than one church. To be broken down in their parking lots are clearly God working in all the lives there… theirs and ours! We even praised God for allowing those moments to happen.
But let me also say that I know you must have surely felt hurt. A hurt that doesn’t feel good, and as Christians who are trying to be loving and forgiving we are conflicted with having any ill will or bitterness. Your loving discretion and nurturing spirit with your children and even your followers on WordPress is a testament to the love God has placed in your heart. There are times that circumstances just do not seem to be what they are. Only God knows the hearts of the individuals passing you by. But Wendi, God cares about the hurt that you and your daughters experienced. That’s real pain. He experienced that rejection from his own disciples, the crowds that He healed, and that He had taught to love one another, and no greater love is there than to lay one’s life down for his friend. He cares about your humiliation, and the position you were put in to explain to your daughters how people can be while still trying to be a godly example for them. Honesty is a very godly teacher! Regardless of the picture it paints.
I would have stopped! You can ask my son who grew up with me stopping many times. By God’s grace He developed the same character. I am SOOOO sorry this happened to you.
Please know how special you are to me and God, as are your daughters and whole family! God loves you! Don’t judge Him through the actions of others. HE LOVES YOU! HE CHERISHES YOU! YOUR HURT IS HIS HURT!
Me and God both love you!!!
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Wow Gail, your response is just so precious! I am deeply humbled that you put so much thought and time into it and this touches my heart.
Honestly, I am not mad at those who did not stop, but I am disappointed. I have to admit I expected a little more, especially from fellow Christians but, I also realize we are all human with human behavior.
I KNOW you would have stopped Gail, as you would have seen the situation for what it was, 3 females stranded. I am not sure if those inside were near windows, but if they were they would have seen us sitting in the van waiting and the tow truck showing up and taking about 20 min. to load the van onto the flatbed with a bunch of flahsing lights. If not, they saw 3 people standing in their parking lot. Please know I don’t judge God, it has taught me and the daughters who were with us, to me more prepared. I now have Uber and Lyft apps downloaded to my phone and I have a local taxi service’s phone number added to my contacts. I am thankful this lesson was one that was learned with minimal consequences!
God bless you my friend……..you are such a light in this world.
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That you and your daughters know who was with you!! ❤ A beautiful testament to God presence in your lives, and in your hearts! Hallelujah!
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🙂 God bless you my friend. 🙂
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🙂
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Thank you for sharing!!.. first, I would have stayed and had you and the children go with the driver…second, I would have stopped to help… third, if you and the children were trusting, I would have stayed and allowed you to get in the car until someone would have arrived.. 🙂
“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Stephen Grellet
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yes, there was not enough room for all of us in the cab of the tow truck and I can’t drive well after dark so it had to be my husband who went. both of the girls refused to go with their dad as they felt they needed to stay with me…….I was very humbled by this.
I know that you would stop to help Dutch, you heart is very open to seeing the best in people and reaching out to make others’ lives better. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts, I am deeply appreciative.
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I understand, everyone deals with issues differently, that is what makes the world go around… 🙂
Had that been me, if not staying in the church, I would have made sure you and the girls had safe transportation home (family, taxi, etc), THEN I would have called for the tow truck to come get me… 🙂
Glad your experience had a safe and happy ending… 🙂
Until we meet again..
May your spirit only know peace
May your heart only know love
May all your dreams come true
May your life’s journey be filled with happiness
And life is all that you wish for it to be….
(Larry “Dutch” Woller)
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I think that would have been a really great way to handle the situation! I am going to download Uber and Lift apps onto my phone in case that ever happens again. And have a number for taxi service in my phone too. I was unprepared and I have to admit, it was a little scary standing outside worried about my girls.
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When I read through this the first time, I missed the fact that you were not in a car (duh, me–the car had been towed…). At first I was thinking that if I saw people I didn’t know in a car after the service, I would have assumed they were waiting for someone. If I had seen them in church or on the sidewalk, I would have said hello. But I would not have gone up to a rolled-up car window to speak to them as that would seem kind of intrusive.
But, your situation was different. Seeing three females standing in the cold, one in a blanket, indicates some kind of problem is going on. To be perfectly honest, I’m wary of unusual situations, particularly in light of the number of church shootings that have gone on in recent years. But I would have been more wary if it were men rather than women. I feel I would have at least alerted the pastor or one of the elders to the situation. If my husband were with me, I feel there is no question we would have stopped and asked if everything was ok or if anything was needed and would have invited you into the church to keep warm and stayed with you until your husband got there. I say that both because I am braver with him, and because I have seen him reach out to people who seemed to be in some kind of need.
I am so sorry this happened to you and your girls. I hope your condition settled down after you got home. I hope the girls don’t become bitter at this, but rather use it to fuel their own compassion towards those in need.
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Thank you so very much Barbara for taking the time to leave such awesome comments and explain your thought process. I know it is a very weird situation and I understand that people may be weary of us standing, after dark, in their parking lot. We definitely looked out of place.
We chose not to approach people as we did not want to scare anyone and although we watched every person leave, get in their car and drive away, we did not try to make eye contact. We figured that if they had it on their heart to stop, they would. (and the last person did)
Thank you for your kind words…….my girls were sure no one would help, they said “that is the world we live in today.” YIKES! I said a prayer and the last person, a woman with her daughter did stop…….I was so happy that God showed this act of kindness to my daughters. 🙂
I hope you have a blessed day Barbara.
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I would have hoped more would have offered help… And yes I would have asked if all were ok.. Especially given the time of evening and a family together.. Blanket around shoulders and everything… Sadly though, its been my experience that many while preaching love and light are not always the one who offer it…
Glad you were all ok… Pot holes in this country the UK are a big problem too… Hope you didn’t have to wait too long before you got home safe and sound… Snug and warm.. ❤
Take care dear Wendi.. ❤
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🙂 thank you so very much Sue! It was a very surreal experience Saturday evening, but I was thankful at least one person finally stopped. I thought we look pitiful but maybe people thought we looked to “scary” to stop and help.
Bless you for having such a kind and beautiful heart! 🙂 I am so lucky to know you.
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That goes both ways Wendi… Just so pleased all are ok… and no worse for your ordeal.. ❤
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thank you! i learned a lot………like i need to download Uber and Lift app onto my phone and put in the number for a taxi. I hope to be better prepared if we ever get stranded again. 🙂
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Let’s hope you don’t need it, but each lesson teaches us to be better prepared. And we learn from each experience. Much love 💕
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thank you, yes, I learned a lot in those few hours.
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I hope I would have stopped to see if you needed anything. Sadly, because of the blanket, they probably thought you were homeless. Which should have prompted them even more so to inquire as to your well being. But we are all now scared of strangers.
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🙂 my daughters said the exact same thing! I had on my husbands winter hat and his gloves, which did not fit right…..plus I had on leggings and a skirt (to help keep me warm). One of my daughter had on her dad’s vest which was WAY too big and one daughter that was too underdressed for the winter. I think you maybe right but like you also said, I would think they would really want to help then.
Thank you so very much Ruth for taking the time to comment and join in the discussion, I really appreciate it.
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In this situation I would stop, differ story if in big city in bad part of town. Now someone could have always turned around and told the preacher.
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Yes, we were in a country-like setting off a busy road that you could not walk down in the dark. I am so thankful it was not raining or snowing. It would have been terrible.
Thanks so much for taking time to stop by and comment, I really appreciate it.
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I have read a lot of very thoughtful responses to your predicament. I am not sure how I would have responded. As another person mentioned, we too have many homeless people around our church, including women and children. They can be quite threatening. If I had been you, though, I probably would have gone into the church.
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Thank you so very much Elizabeth for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate your time. We did think about knocking but we know that sometimes churches rent out their space to other groups and we did not want to interrupt a possible wedding rehersal or something else. Plus, it is a big church and did not want to walk around in the dark looking for all the doors. Now, if someone would have invited us inside, we would have gone in. 🙂
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The whole ordeal was very challenging for sure.
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yes. wishing you a very blessed day….
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I am glad it worked out well at the end. And the fact one car stopped gives me hope humanity is alive. I would have def. stopped – a woman with two teenage daughter standing alone, people should stop
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Thank you so very much Shantanu for stopping by and leaving a comment, I really appreciate it. Yes, it all worked out and I learned a lot from that experience – I now have Uber and Lyft apps downloaded on my phone. 🙂
The three of looked very out of place standing in a parking lot at night. 🙂
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I can imagine that. Lyft and Uber are savior at time. It is my pleasure to read your work
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🙂
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I can’t say how I would have reacted other than to stop and see what you needed. I assume I would have gone back in the church to talk to the pastor, and other members to ask a group to check on you. Then again, I may have thrown all my caution to the wind and offered a place in my car. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to just pass you by though. I’m glad everything turned out ok, and that you have a “back up” plan for unforeseeable events in the future.
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Thank you so very much Grace for stopping by and joining in the discussion. I know you and I would have hit it off immediately and probably gone out for coffee/tea/coke! 🙂
Yes, I now have a backup plan…….there was no wifi there to download the Uber or Lyft apps but I do now. 🙂 🙂
I hope today is being good to you!
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I’m late into the conversation. My wife and I would have stopped. The earlier comment about sex trafficking was, unfortunately, on target. And it is not just in cities.
Yes, we would have stopped. A young lady alone in the car should drive on. Others could and should have stopped.
Having been to numerous Deacons’ meetings at night, I think you would have been safe and welcome inside. Find the door nearest where the cars are parked and knock. It might even have been unlocked, in which case you could open it and call out a “Hello?”
In the end, though, a mother and 2 children on the lot? I’d have stopped, even if my chair was in the back and hard for me to reach. Mostly I’m glad you are all okay! 😎
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Thank you so very much for taking the time to join in the discussion. This experience has taught me a lot, including the explosion of sex trafficking. I knew it was an issue but not to this extent. Having 3 daughters, now I am even more concerned about their safety!
Hopefully this will never happen again, but I think we would try the doors next time and see if someone could help us or a least look up phone numbers to a taxi service (although I have put this number in my phone now too). So thankful God taught me a lot through this situation. 🙂 Thanks again and I hope today is being good to you…..
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The sheriff of our neighboring, relatively rural county recently arrested 76 people in a sting. They also rescued several ladies who were not working of their own volition. Glad you are safe!!!! That’s what matters right now! 😎
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wow! reading this just breaks my heart that this is happening in this country. Bless you for your kindness!
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If this had happened in Newfoundland, everyone would have stopped to help you. Ours is a very compassionate culture, here on an island off the east coast of Canada.🤗
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sounds amazing! 🙂 Newfoundland has always been a place that I wanted to visit. It looks breathtaking beautiful.
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Hi ! It is very beautiful, but its real strength is the kindness of its people. Nice to hear from you. 🤗
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that is a GREAT selling point. 🙂 🙂
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Firstly, I’m glad your all okay. Damn potholes are so dangerous! Secondly, that’s a real shame nobody other than the mum and daughter later on stopped. It’s sad lack of compassion, especially if people weren’t rushing to get somewhere (where you could at least say it’s understandable; they’re preoccupied, they’re late for work etc). I could also understand if someone were apprehensive for their own safety, but that’s not the case when it’s clearly a mum and daughters and nothing remotely to suggest there’s any threat (of course you never know but it’s an obvious immediate assumption). Years ago, when I was too shy and anxious to look people in the eye let alone speak, I wouldn’t have stopped; I would have desperately wanted to but probably wouldn’t have felt confident enough to, not unless I could see someone urgently needed help. So if there was someone like that then I’d understand, too. But even if there was someone there like that that night, it wouldn’t be all the folks in the church. These days yes, I would have stopped, without a doubt. I probably would have felt pretty useless in that sort of situation but I would have asked if you were okay and asked if you’d like me to hang around with you until AAA turned up. How’re you guys doing now? And is the car okay too?
Caz xx
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I love the comments you wrote Caz, you are right there are so many variables to think about and we did while we stood there and watched people drive away. 🙂 Where we were standing, people could have easily stayed 20 feet or more away from us and asked us questions from their windows. We did look cold, out-of-place, obviously without a vehicle, in this parking lot, in the country.
Thank you for asking Caz, I spent a couple days in bed, the girls were ok the next day after they thawed out and the van was $350.00 – plus tow. It’s always something and it could have been so much worse. We learned a lot and thankful to read so many points of view on this situation. It has been very educational.
Thank you Caz for joining in. I hope today is treating you well?!
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I’m glad you’re all okay (in the sense that, as you say, things could have been worse). Ouch at the cost. That’s something you definitely could have done without.xxxx
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bless you Caz for your – always – kind words!
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It’s wonderful to know at least one car stoped, but there should have been many more… especially coming from church. I have a lot to say about that, and have noticed how much church has become; a religious exercise for most. I work in the busy city, and every time I notice someone who seems lost, or need help to navigate which direction to go. I stop, ask if they need help? And if needed, walk them to where they’re going, even if it’s not the same direction. We are called to be light, different, set apart, showing compassion!
A good question to ask, and it’s wonderful to know your family got through it. God bless!
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Thank you so very much Warren for taking time to comment on this question. Yes, we were just fine and I am thankful I have learned a lot from this situation, and much of it has come from the comments that people have left.
Thank you Warren for being a light into so many peoples’ lives! May God bless you richly and you so richly bless others.
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You’re very welcome! The blessings overflow, God bless!
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🙂 Amen! 🙂
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I know that people are much more wary these days which is very sad but there were more than enough people that three or four could have approached together if they were unsure and asked if you needed help. It is a sign of the times that hitchhikers even in our rural area rarely seem to get picked up these days and to be honest if I had a teenager I would be horrified if they did so.. I hope you were wrapped p warmly at home as soon as possible. And as to the pothole.. I hope you have claimed for the tyres from the council.. x
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You are absolutely right, it is a sign of the times and I completely understand why people would be cautious. If three of four people approached us at once, that would have been amazing. We would have been thrilled to receive the help.
We are trying to be repaid for the damages, but I know this will be a very uphill battle. Thank you so very much for taking time to stop by and comment, I really appreciate your thoughts and time. 🙂
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I asked my son and he brought up a different perspective (because I knew I would have stopped and offered the warmth of my car in case yours wasn’t starting). He said he would have stopped and offered to change your tire or take you for help, whatever you need. He actually has done this for people so I pretty much knew his answer but… he also said that these days everyone has a cell phone so most people aren’t truly stranded anymore. Regardless though he would have stopped. My heart goes out to you because I know what it feels like to want the world to be a better place for your children. Sadly though sometimes it’s just not.
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Oh, thank you! I LOVE that you asked your son’s perspective and I so enjoyed reading this thoughts on this situation.
Some things that I did not mention because I didn’t want to make the situation to read too long, are, althougth we had cell phones, we did not have internet access. We tried to download some apps for Uber and Lyft but they wouldn’t download. The other thing that many people who are not chronically ill would understand is, I don’t have a lot of people to call. I have a very limited circle of friends. Those that I do know where not around that evening. I realize that there are some people with chronic illness that have a huge circle of friends, but I have been ill so long, that this is not my situation.
Thank you, again, for having your son chime in on this……. I hope today is behaving for you! 🙂
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Yes, would have stopped, have stopped, and we’d leave a note for on the windshield for your hubby. You’d come home with me and we’d play Yahtzee. Hot beverages and popcorn for all. No question.
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🙂 that sounds a lot more fun then what happened that night Kim, 🙂 🙂 🙂 thank you so much for being a light in this world.
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💝
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I nominated you for Sunshine Award, but no pressure!
https://monikajeneva.wordpress.com/2020/02/20/sunshine-blogger-award-tamara-yancosky/
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thank you so very much Tamara! 🙂
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I would have asked the three of you to wait in my warmed up car until you were picked up. Maybe ask another person to wait too. It’s a sad state of the world that people are afraid to help one another. I’ve been called to help strangers and wondered if I was doing the right thing but had to trust I would be ok. I was. Where was the faith they talk about?
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I know it can be very scary to reach out and help people and I understand why people are worried about helping others. My girls were worried that people would think we were homeless, because of all the extra clothing and blanket we were wrapped in, making them less apt to help out.
I am so thankful that it turned out as it did, as the situation could have been much worse, like waiting in the rain or snow or overnight.
God bless you for helping others when you are called to do so. I guess there was only one person felt called to assist that evening………
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking time to comment, I really appreciate it. It is nice to “see” you! 🙂
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I would have stopped. I am shocked that no one else did. I’m so sorry. God bless y’all.
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thank you so very much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. actually, the last person who left the church did stop and ask if we needed assistance. We were truly grateful but by that time we were sure we had someone coming to pick us up.
Wishing you a day filled with healing.
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Beautiful post Wendi! Unfortunately, I guess I am not surprised no one stopped. I think everyone needs to want to help others and be kind.It is sad how many people do not agree with this. You are truly an amazing person with a heart of gold!
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Thank you so very much Alyssa for taking the time to stop by and comment. The last vehicle out of the parking lot did actually stop and we were greatly appreciative. By the time she stopped, we knew that someone was going to be picking us up within the next half hour or so. But, it was very surreal to be standing in a large, well-lit parking lot, under a light, while car after car drove by slowly with people staring at us. Maybe we looked scary?!
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You are very welcome! I can imagine it must have been a person as sweet as you look very scary!!
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🙂 bless you.
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I’m not a church-goer, and my answer really depends on how I feel in the moment. I PROBABLY would have stopped to ask if you needed anything or if you wanted us (whoever I was with) to wait with you. I try to do what I think I would want someone to do for me in the situation, which is at least ask.
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thank you so very much for taking time to stop by and comment! I love reading others’ perspectives on things, as it allows us to see situations from others’ points of view. I love how you try to act like you would want others to act towards you………a very good way to live. 🙂
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I would have stopped. A mother and her daughters…come on. I also would have waited until help had arrived. But that’s just me.
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Stuart, thank you so very much for taking the time to answer this. While we were in the parking lot, watching people leave, you came to my mind, knowing that you are always to helpful to others and wondering if you would have stopped.
I am so thankful that we were safe, but watching so many people stare at us as we were leaving was pretty surreal.
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It’s just sad that so many walked/drove by 😦
The world has certainly changed
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It is sad……….and at a church of all places.
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Ikr 😣
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There are good people everywhere, even among diappointing ones.
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You are absolutely right! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Wishing you a blessed day……
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