As Erwin and I had just finished loading up the car to leave the Rivas home last Sunday, we noticed a woman and a man running toward us and waving us to stop the car. The both looked worn and dirty and were very out of breath as they approached our vehicle.
It was dark and cold, and the woman started rambling on and on about how they were walking home from a party and desperately needed a ride to their home, which was about 5 minutes from where we were. I sat quietly in the back, watching them closely and started to feel nervous the more she talked. The man that was with her hung back, and didn't say a word. Not one word.
Erwin sat there staring at her, realizing he needed to give her an answer about the ride to their home. I whispered loudly "No! I don't this this is a good idea." But Erwin jumped out of the car, and made room for her to sit in the back with me and Wa'a, and have the man sit up front with him.
My heart started to pound a little as they both got in. The car immediately filled with the smell of heavy alcohol and cigarette smoke, and I was anxious to have them next to my little son. My thoughts were scattered. "Why did Erwin let them in the car? We have a baby! We can't put him in danger!" Wa'a was all I could think about, as the woman slid in next to him. I said a quick prayer. "Please don't let them hurt my baby. Please don't let anything bad happen!"
I felt bad for being as judgmental and scared as I was with them. All I could think about was what would happen if the guy pulled a gun on us. Or if they demanded money or wanted to steal our car. The guy was so shifty and silent, that I felt like I couldn't help but assume the worst. With all the robberies and violence that happens in our current society, I was fearful their intentions were not pure.
The woman sitting in the back with me, admitted they were drunk and were too tired and cold to walk home from the party they had just left. But her smile was gentle and I felt she was kind.
She was so apologetic the entire time, and for some reason, I believed every word she said. She kept saying how grateful she was, and that she realizes we didn't have to help them-especially with a baby, and that she wouldn't know herself what to do if the roles were reversed. She told us bit about the party, where they lived and kept thanking us-after each apology.
We approached their apartment, and they quickly jumped out. The man still hadn't said one word. But the woman waved at us and they went on their drunken way.
As we started our drive home, Erwin admitted to being extremely nervous the entire time while with the couple. I looked at him and immediately questioned why he didn't listen to me when I said no, and what was he thinking letting them in the car. ( I wasn't mad, just curious and confused)
He then said to me: "Well, the spirit didn't tell me NOT to give them a ride. And I truly felt like I needed to serve my fellow brothers and sisters. I want to be the kind of family that listens to faith first more than fear, and if it's right, to serve how we can. And if something bad had happened to us, the Lord would have at least known it was done while doing the right thing."
I sat in silence, listening to his words that surprised me. Usually it's ME that isn't fearful of the poor, dirty, drunk, high, crazy people. After all, that was my job as a social worker! To deal with people like that all day, every day. And I loved it. Some were truly amazing people. I realized though, that in that moment, I was fearful as a mother. Which I don't think is a bad thing at all. It was the first time we were in a situation like that with our baby. I was protecting my own. And I felt like it was okay for me to be hesitant.
But I was grateful for Erwin as well. He would do anything to protect me and Wa'a and he fiercely would do so. And so because he is worthy to have the holy spirit be his guide, he felt it was right to let these people in our car with his family. He knew the Lord was with us. I'm thankful for his desire to serve and be that righteous example for our children.
I'm grateful the man and woman were kind and got home safely. I'm grateful for this bizarre experience that left me pondering, grateful and relieved.
But I'm particularly grateful for the gift of the hold ghost.
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