"Instead of drinking to excess, fill your heart with the Holy Spirit" ~ Ephesians 5:18
He’d become far too comfortable driving drunk. At first, he
did everything right: using designated drivers, calling Ubers, or even chilling
for however long it took to sober up. But as the years went on and Jerrod’s alcohol
tolerance increased, he broke his own rules.
What started as a
slight buzz evolved into full-blown drunk driving. Tonight, on his drive home,
a neighbor driving toward him repeatedly flashed his headlights. It was a
warning that the Sheriff was parked around the corner.
He’d been driving more
than twice the speed limit. Jerrod decelerated quickly and passed the Sheriff
without incident. “Whew, dodged another bullet,” he said to himself.
Aaron, the driver
who’d signaled Jerrod to slow down, had seen him ‘flying’ down the road and,
knowing him, was probably drunk again. He deliberately flashed a warning.
Days later, Aaron sat
alone when his daughter, Carrie, got home, her beautiful smile and warm heart
reminded him of his late wife. He missed her so, why did she have to die?
Carrie (17) was now
the center of his world. He cherished the memories of years gone by, but she’d
always be ‘Daddy’s little girl.’ But oh, how she was growing up too fast!
They spoke briefly,
before she hugged him, and kissed Aaron goodnight. She headed for bed, then
stopped to say, “I saw a friend of yours today. He said to tell you thanks for
flashing your lights. He was going too fast, so he slowed way down. He’d been
drinking - that would’ve been his third DWI. He’d be sitting in jail if not for
your warning.”
By the time the police
arrived, Jerrod sat on the side of the road holding his knees, rocking. When he
looked up, he saw Aaron talking to the Sheriff. His knees buckled as a river of
tears burst from his eyes. He pleaded in vain, “Please don’t tell me it’s
not true.”
The Officer pointed at a disheveled Aaron wasted on the curb. He’s the one who caused the fatal accident, and we believe alcohol was a factor.
Her last words were, “Tell Daddy I love
him.”
Aaron got off easy. He
served fifteen years in state prison charged with DWI, assault with a deadly
weapon, and involuntary manslaughter.
Jerrod’s nightmare
will never end. He longs to just once more hear her coming in the door! From
Heaven above her voice still echoes: “Dad, trust the law to do its job.
Please drive safely, so that everyone’s precious children get home safely.”
Father God, we pray for those addicted to
alcohol and find themselves behind the wheel while under its influence. We ask
for Your intervention, that You touch their hearts and give them the strength
to overcome this destructive habit. Amen
