In Chapter 11 (“The Silence is Broken”) of Wounded by God’s People, Anne Graham Lotz begins with a statement that summarizes the entire chapter: “Sometimes the most valuable lessons are caught, not taught.” Anne then describes a pivotal and memorable moment in her own life.
Anne was seventeen and about to graduate from high school. Her father, the Rev. Billy Graham, was the guest speaker at the graduation assembly. Anne drove separately to the program, using the VW Beetle that her mother had loaned her for the day. Hurriedly driving down the one-lane mountain road from her home, she collided with a neighbor driving up the road. Anne pleaded with the neighbor not to tell her dad and then proceeded on to the ceremony.
During the service, Rev. Graham looked straight at Anne and announced to the entire assembly that she had been a joy, never causing any problems. When Anne got home, her guilt got the best of her. She broke down and confessed. Rev. Graham responded that he knew all about the accident and simply was waiting for Anne to tell him herself.
Sooner or later, the author points out, all of us are in a wreck of some kind. The key is our response. Are we suffering in silence, just crying rather than crying out to the Lord? Or are we a witness to God’s saving grace in our lives? Anne concludes:
. . . it is vitally important not to run away from my Heavenly Father, deny my responsibility, or rationalize my behavior. It’s . . . critical to run to Him, to throw the arms of my faith around Him . . .”
Today’s question: How have you been an effective witness following your vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog” “What’s the matter?”
