Our granddaughter asked for a spare notebook, so I checked the cupboard where I kept old school supplies from years ago. I found a vinyl spiral-bound notebook, flipped through it, removing pages I had written on, and gave it to her.
I discovered, on those pages from long ago, that I had begun an exercise journal ten years earlier, working out a detailed plan to get in shape and eat healthier. This plan included riding a bike to work. The date triggered a memory; it was two months prior to the day I would be hit by a car on the very bike meant to help me achieve this.
Today is the anniversary of the day I was hit eleven years ago.
That morning, I was excited to ride my new bike and commence work on the new and improved me. Just fifteen minutes later—I was a new me, alright, lying face down on the pavement unconscious, with seventeen fractures, road rash, and presumed dead on the scene.
So much for my plan.
I had no idea what was coming that morning as I rode away; I couldn’t have. My well-detailed plans and goals almost felt like a cruel joke in hindsight—get too consumed about your body image and splat you’re roadkill.
It would be months before I could walk without a walker or back brace, and even standing for short periods would leave my back on fire. My 2-week-old, brand new bike was mangled and remained in custody at the police precinct until the case was closed. I didn’t care; I would never choose to ride again.
Remembering that morning isn’t rehashing a nightmare in a masochistic ritual. Sometimes bad things happen when we least expect them. The real indicator of character is the next step you take.
God doesn’t waste our wounds. It’s not the weight of the burden, but how we choose to carry it that matters. Approaching the unplanned burdens in my life with the conviction that they serve a purpose makes all the difference. Am I just a hapless victim who gets everything bad? Or am I challenged to go beyond my limited capabilities and, with God, lean into His strength?
I’ll admit it took time to choose the latter, and from it I learned to rely on God, my spouse, and my family. I learned to ask for help, something I am terrible at, to accept somebody else’s way of doing things instead of my own, and let myself receive their love and assistance. That challenge, coupled with the intense pain, stretched my weak, “suffering muscle”, growing it stronger over time.
I don’t wish it had never happened because a valuable lesson was learned about myself: the art of conquering physical, spiritual, and mental mountains with God’s help.
God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. PS 46:2
It’s weird that the dates that stick most in my mind were either incredibly happy or almost cost my life. Maybe it’s because they made an imprint, because of how I stepped beyond them. Like an invisible line in the sand, I moved beyond my small self-imposed limits. When I received them in a spirit of acceptance from the Good God who, in His Providence, allowed them to intersect my life, I gained something.
Each person, place, or event matters. Nothing is random or coincidental. Approach each day with an open heart and mind, ready to receive what the Lord will allow, and trust that no matter the difficulty, you will benefit.
Reminding myself of one of the hardest, scariest days of my life helps me put everyday life into proper perspective. Life is short, live it in a manner worthy of heaven.
I remember that day, you are a miracle Barbie T!! God had a lot of plans for you here on earth, you are amazing and I am so grateful for your friendship!
Thanks Jill! It’s crazy all the plans God gives us to do despite the cross. Thank you for your great work in the pro-life arena. You are a warrior and so happy to have you in the battle.
Yes, Barb, you are right that those moments can provide the opportunity to lean on God completely and allow others the gift of lending a hand to someone who is loved so much! I remember the day too and how you were an example of courage and grace through it all! I remember seeing you in your back brace still lectoring and serving. What a gift you are and you inspire me to keep at it, even when it hurts!
God bless you.
Thanks dear friend, and an example you are as well with your back and continued gift of self.
Almost the same thing happened to me five years ago when I was hit by a pickup as a pedestrian and suffered a fractured humerus requiring surgery in Flagstaff . The immediate reaction of my family was to get to me and as my daughter and my husband threw the dogs in the car and were at my bedside from Phoenix within a short period of time. Nothing beats the power of love and God’s protection. I am so thankful I had a full recovery and grateful my family was there to help me through this ordeal!’
Sorry to hear about that Terry. Hope you have recovered and are stronger than ever😊
You amaze and inspire me! The way you look at life, the obstacles you continue to overcome and your unwavering faith are the things that give me hope that one day I’ll get out of my own way and live my life worthy of Heaven!! Thank you Barb!!
Thank you Sharon you will get there, fear not God has a plan through all this heartbreak and heavy cross. It is in our suffering that we most resemble Christ.
Barb, we are so glad you made a full recovery from this terrible accident. To this day Donna and I ride our bikes regularly, but never on a public road. It’s simply too dangerous. We remember your long and difficult recovery from this. Thankfully God had further plans for you and over these past 11 years you have continued to serve him and so many others in so many glorious ways. I cant believe it has been 11 years already.
I know right, 11 years. Be safe out there friends!
Wow. You never cease to surprise me, Barb. Letting go of control has been God’s project on me… how stubborn I am that 50+ years later I still give Him a hard time. Let’s not start talking about asking for help 🤭.
Last night I had a conversation with a mother whose daughter is very ill and away from the faith. Hearing my words to her was a good reminder that we must trust in His Providence, just as a toddler jumps into the pool knowing his dad/mom is there to catch him… even when they let him struggle a bit underwater it’s never too much… just enough to help him grow.
Thanks Monica, we are all just toddlers learning His ways, rebelling and running into his waiting and🤗
As always Barb, thank you for your honesty. I have passed this on to several friends of mine who are going through challenging physical recoveries.
You are always an inspiration to all of us. I pray God continues to watch over and bless you and keep you safe. We miss you!
Thanks for passing this on to hopefully encourage others Leslie. I think that is how God uses our crosses to help others carry theirs. It’s like healing salve we get to give to others. It makes the fruit of our cross more visible ❤️