On Sunday night September 13th, 2015 I made a mistake. I allowed myself to be baited into a road rage incident that resulted in a heated verbal exchange between me and another motorist.
By the grace of God, cooler heads prevailed and I returned to my vehicle avoiding a physical confrontation. As I drove away I was relieved, that I avoided any physical harm to myself or others, but little did I know the internal damage had already been done.
Ironically, I was on my way to my church Small Group meeting when this incident occurred and my first inclination was to go home as I knew I had missed it on this test. I felt ashamed and unworthy to be in the company of my Christian brothers after what I had done.
As I continued to drive the Holy Spirit quickened in me and reminded me that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus and that isolation is the final step before the enemy moves in for destruction. Therefore, I decided to go to Small Group in spite of what had just happened.
At the time I was a newer member of the group, but from day one I was made to feel at home. I’d always been reluctant to join a Small Group because I didn’t want others in my business and it was very hard for me to trust the genuine goodness in others.
However, since joining this group of Christian men I have found the transparency and unconditional love to be invaluable assets to my life. I knew that I could go to Small Group and talk to other men of God openly about my anger issues without being judged and receive prayer upon request. I knew the guys would minister to me as needed in love, not condemnation.
As I arrived at Small Group I noticed that I had a very intense headache and was starting to experience chest pains as well as shortness of breath. I made it to the house where our leader, Phil, greeted me. He could sense I wasn’t feeling well so he offered me a seat and a glass of water.
As other members of the group arrived they could sense the same. Before Group started I excused myself a few times to go to the restroom as the headache intensified and nausea set in. When I returned from the restroom a second time I informed the Group that I was going home to get some rest.
The Group insisted that I let Mark who is an EMT/Firefighter, take my vitals. Based on his readings he advised the others that I shouldn’t drive. Immediately Kimani, who initially invited me to the group, offered to drive me to the closest ER or Urgent Care.
He helped me to the car and ensured that I was as comfortable as possible. As we drove he could tell my condition was getting worse, so he pulled over and called 911. He kept me calm and conscious until they arrived and then texted the Phil with an update. Within minutes Phil and Mark came to where we were and Mark informed the responding EMT’s of his findings and recommendations.
When I arrived at the Hospital I was alone and frightened that I may be experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or onset of an aneurysm. Soon Kimani and Robert showed up in my room. They talked to me and comforted me until my wife arrived.
Mark and Phil took my car home and informed my wife of the situation. Shortly thereafter Mark arrived at the hospital along with my wife as he had followed her to ensure she made it without incident. Upon their arrival Kimani and Robert gave them updates on my condition.
Before they left, the three brothers prayed for me and my family. They also informed me that Phil had taken our daughter back to his house and that he and his wife, Julie, would watch her as long as needed.
I’ve told these men Thank you, but I could never thank them enough for what they did for me last on that scary Sunday night. Their quick response and decisive actions saved my life. They’ll never admit it, but their actions were nothing short of heroic.
I know they didn’t do it for the recognition; they did it because it was the right thing to do. I’m sure they don’t want to take any credit because they were just displaying the love of GOD from their true character. However, I just wanted the world to know Small Group participation is not in vain. It is bearing fruit and I’m living proof that authentic manhood works.
Thank You Gentlemen,
God Bless!