“Traveling Mercies” by Reva Lachica Moore
(I wrote this some years back and decided to post again
because of the icy roads out last night. (Cliff Wallace, do you remember this?)
On a Thursday around midnight (some years ago), I suddenly woke up worried about the weather. Earlier that day I had watched the Weather Channel and saw the ice storm that was going to hit South-Central U.S. I had become quite concerned since my son Cliff and a friend were driving to San Antonio that weekend and with the wintery mix, the interstate could be hazardous. I checked the route from Baton Rouge to San Antonio and felt a little better. Just maybe they will miss the sleet and the rain.
I asked my son the following morning if he had checked the weather, and if the interstate will be safe. He assured me that everything will be OK.
On Friday night I kept waking up every hour, still thinking about the impending ice storm. Every time I woke up, I prayed for my son and his friend’s safety, and then I would go back to sleep.
After church on Sabbath before my son left, he assured me everything will be fine. They left at noontime and four hours later, he called to let me know the interstate was dry and I need not worry. I felt relieved. It is normal for a parent to worry about things and since my son travels a lot, I spend plenty of time praying for his safety.
Back in May of that year I was watching the Weather Channel when it gave out several tornado warnings after a large tornado was spotted near the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. The meteorologist asked people in the area to find a safe place. I got quite alarmed. My son was giving a Car Show Event in Wichita. I wondered if he knew of the impending danger.
I normally do not call my son unless it is an emergency, and this was an emergency. As I dialed, I kept praying for his safety and for him to answer his phone. There was no answer. I dialed again. This time he answered.
“Do you know there is a tornado headed your way in the next few minutes?”
“Yes, Mom. The siren has been going off. We are in the middle of it and people are getting out of here! I am trying to find a place to hide. Pray for us!”
I prayed and waited. A few minutes later, the meteorologist announced. “A massive tornado had just touched down in Wichita, Kansas!” I continued praying.
Then the phone rang. My son called back to say he was safe, but that it was a very scary experience for him. I thanked God for protecting my son and the people there.
The forces of nature can truly create havoc in a matter of seconds. We have seen devastations caused by tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires. Even just a wet road can cause danger.
When in the midst of danger, I claim God’s promise of protection in Psalms 23:4…”Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” And so…as my son and his friend were driving to San Antonio, I did not worry any longer after he said the interstate was clear and dry.
However, at 9:12 p.m., my son sent this e-mail: “Driving so slow. Roads are iced over the bridge. So many wrecks. Car losses traction on every overpass. I’m scared. Please pray for us!”
Instantly, the anxiety that I had in the past two days came back. I prayed and asked family and friends to pray. I continued praying until I had peace. I e-mailed him back assuring him that God will send His angels to surround them and that Jesus will drive for them. I asked my son to e-mail me after he reached the hotel.
He sent these e-mails, a few minutes apart:
“I didn’t think about this before we left today. We should have left earlier. I’ll never do this again. We have 30 more miles to go. Every mile I feel a little better. I’ve seen probably about 20 wrecks in the past 60 miles.”
“Thirteen more miles to go. Some of the wrecks are really bad. Three were completely flipped over. Very scary. I can’t believe I didn’t think of this today. We should have left at 9am.”
“We’re going to Chili’s to eat first. It’s right next to the hotel. I see the sign now. I’ve never been so happy to see a Chili’s sign.”
“We made it!!!! Thank God!”
Psalms 91: 11… “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”