Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Monday, August 8, 2011

Killed with Kindness

google image

Have you heard this expression, "Killed with Kindness"?  How about the scripture that says,"A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger?" Prov. 15:1.

I am sure you have the stories of how you felt God was right there, instructing you on a matter
and you had the choice to listen and obey or ignore.

Such was the case on the way to the Salon last week.   Road rage has become such a norm in our society
that I enter the highways with extreme caution and prayer.  You never know when that person
beside you might "go off," nor do you know what life has dealt them.

I began to change lanes. I did all I usually do to safely move my vehicle from one lane to another, except one move.
I put on my blinkers....making everyone aware I was making my move.
I looked in my rear view mirror....clear.
I looked in my side mirror....clear.

I DID NOT, HOWEVER, LOOK OVER MY SHOULDER!

As I moved into the lane, my side mirror caught the color of a very small sports vehicle on the driver's side of my car.
I was in a large SUV, so the height of the two vehicles are worlds apart.  The top of the little
Mazda came to the top of my wheel frame.

It was too late to pull back...I got sick at my stomach.  
I had cleared the car by only inches.

As I silently told the Lord, "Oh, thank you so much for not allowing me to hit that car!"  I heard 
His gentle voice repeat back Proverbs 15:1.  I begin to repent in my mind words
of apology to the car I had just missed.

To my horror, the small sports vehicle zoomed around me to my side with his window down "SCREAMING"

I started to shake as I rolled down my window to answer back.

There in the sports coop was a large, 30-plus man with multiple studs protruding from his nose.
He looked mean!
He was yelling!!!  I will not repeat the threats.

I calmly...may I say that means God was at the wheel by this time...started to talk.

"I  so, so humbly apologize!  It is all my fault!  I didn't see you!!"

His reaction - He is totally stunned. He stops his yelling.

"Ma'am, you have killed me with your kindness"

I thought he was being sarcastic and all I could envision was him following me into the parking lot to let me have it.

I continued with asking for forgiveness.  "I looked in both mirrors! I didn't see you! I am soooooooooooo glad I didn't hit you."

He becomes complete butter.  He replies back, "I am sorry I went off on you.  Please have a great day!"

I finish with, "thank-you, I am so sorry, it was not my intent!"
This is the condition I was in when entering the salon...shaking, tears running down my eyes, and a grateful heart for a God who took care of me.


His Word...the Word that began our universe.  The Word that put the stars in the sky.  The Word that brought about all of creation.  His Word - when acted upon works miracles!
'
I had just finished Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer.  I will never know what would have happened if I had not heeded His voice.


Here is a picture of my new hairdo.  I am no Meg Ryan...but it works for now.  Who knows I might see what that zebra grey hair looks like if I allow it to take over my head. For this fall I am going to enjoy this new hairdo.
Reality picture...and no this is not a good pic, but we were at the circus.


Time for the revelation....and yes, that eye shadow picked up the flash and glows...oh my!  I tried.
A change...now more to come.  I have found some great new pieces of clothing for pennies...so I'm getting excited at coming out of my cocoon.

32 Joining in with more words:

Mary said...

Darlin woman you are gorgeous I tell you!!! Just gorgeous! The hair cut and color look fab!!

But more than that my friend, what a gorgeous heart and spirit you have!!

xxoo

Debbie said...

Oh Janette, I LOVE the hair! It looka sooo good on you....Shouldn't be too hard at all to style it either. Some of my "do's" in the past I could never repeat by myself, haha!!

As for the road rage thing. How I loved that story. To turn a screaming, scary man to a sweet talking marshmellow is a definite God thing. I have scared myself a few times too when I have failed to look over my shoulder only to find a car I didn't see in my mirrors....oh that blind spot, huh? Praise God you were OK.

Have a good day, and thanks for sharing your pic! Just darling...

HUGS

camp and cottage living said...

Janette
I love it! It has just enough disarrayed casualness to it to make it fun! And easy to take care of.
You were so....blessed that your road rage experience turned out so well. The Lord was surely with you!

Nancy said...

I love your new do.....it just accentuates your beautiful smile.....You're looking good........

Only God could have turned that man's heart around so fast. I am so glad you were obedient and allowed God to take over the situation.....

I hope you have a great day....

Karen said...

The best outcome in all sorts of way for the "road rage incident". Thankful for no accident & your heart shined through for HIM. The new-do is so becoming and I bet easy too. Have a great week~

Farm Girl said...

I think you look beautiful. I like your hair too. When it had been hot like that once summer, everyday for months and months I was driving and the same thing happened, only I responded badly. I was so ashamed. Still gives me shivers I did not act more Christlike. I sat in my car and cried too.
I am so happy to read what you did and the guys reaction. That is amazing. So glad you shared.
Also your hair cut. :)
Have a lovely week.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing about the road rage driver. It is a good reminder to all of us.

Your hair looks great and easy to style!

Wishing you a blessed week, Janette.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Your story is the perfect start to this week. It's the classid example of what happens when 'a soft answer turns away wrath'. How thankful I am for all the things God saves us FROM, and I am so proud of you for your humility and honesty. It blew the guy away!

The hair is PRECIOUS! I love it! You look like a movie star. :)

xo

Crickit said...

Sorry about your road rage scare! Isn't it just so amazing to see what can happen when we "kill someone with kindness"? So, glad it all worked out for good.

Your new haircut and style is darling! Great choice! :)

Canadagirl said...

Ohhh I know what you mean by coming out of a cocoon! I went shopping last week to reward myself for getting 1/3rd of the way to my weight goal. I am hoping to get my 4ds to take a picture of me to share. I am glad that we can encourage each other in spiffing up and looking pretty for ourselves and our hubby's. [o= Keep it up! You are looking great. (((HUGS)))

I look forward to seeing the changes happen. You deserve it sweetie. Shine, shine, shine!

Blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary

Theresa said...

Your hair looks great!
You are awesome for apologizing to that driver. I think I may have just stared straight ahead in fear!

Unknown said...

Oh I love it Janette! You look so cute. Really, really great.
Wow-that was some story about almost hitting that car, I have been there before-it is really scary-we saw two cars almost run each other off the road the other day when we were taking Bran to the hospital-one guy turned in front of the other and that guy chased him down and was trying to run him off the road. I told Mike slow down or stop, I was afraid if they had guns they would start shooting-I didn't want to be near that. The one guy finally took off. Scary.
You look just beautiful-watch out Meg! Hugs :)
Love ya

no spring chicken said...

I cried. That will give you a glimpse into my hormonal state... but I did shed a tear. God is SO good. Can you imagine what it will be like when we live where everyone hears His voice?

Thank you for reminding us of the difference between Christ in us directing our speech, and our flesh directing us! I'm sending up a prayer right now for that man. I want to water what you planted!

And as for the hair? I thought I WAS looking at Meg Ryan! It's adorable, and looks very natural... Great choice!!

Blessings, Debbie

Rebecca said...

I'm still shaking from reading your "road rage" experience! I've had a similar thing or two like that happen to me and I well remember how I trembled for quite awhile afterwards...

So fun to "see" the current you! I'll look forward to seeing the new outfits!

Catherine said...

Dear Janette, I always tell my kids to believe in miracles. There are miracles each and every day. So many times when we are in the car I know an angel came between me and an accident. This is inspiring and beautiful. BTW: I homeschooled my kids too. It was a wonderful experience for all. Blessings to you and I hope the pie comes out good. Your friend, Catherine xo

Susannah said...

Gorgeous... you're simply gorgeous. You certainly do not look 50. Well done. Wow, it's an effort to look good at our age isn't it? (Sigh.)

Bless you for your kindness on the road! We all need to show grace when others make mistakes. A very timely reminder!!!

(((Hugs)))

Make me a Mary said...

I love this! Love never, EVER fails. You showed that driver the agape of God in the midst of His screaming, and He couldn't react any other way. A miracle, when you think about it. BTW, I live in the Ft. Worth area, and I was born in Denton! So I know you know what 109° feels like lately!

Ginny Marie said...

My husband always tells me to just wave and smile at a driver who is being a jerk! I have yet to try it. :) I'm so glad you didn't have an accident...God was definitely watching over you!

And you look adorable!!!!

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Oh, Janette. Sometimes God really gives us confirmation, doesn't He? What an impressive story. And I love your hair. It is beautiful! A good cut makes all the difference in how you feel.

Maryann said...

Love this story, I know that whole incident had to be a little tramatic, but look what God was able to do (I'd been shaking in my shoes)
The new do looks fabulous!

Christine said...

Excuse me Meg, but where is Janette?


Janette, killing with kindness is the ONLY way. Glad to hear that the big guy had a heart.

Trisha said...

Praise the Lord that soft answer turned away wrath, Janette!

And you look "mahvelous, dahling, simply mahvelous!" :)

Debbie said...

I haven't read the salon post yet. I'm behind but heading there next.
I think you look fabulous! I love that style and color on you. (Since I haven't read, as I said, I don't know which is new.)

BTW, My brow highlighter has done the same thing in pictures.

Now, about the road rage? I love the story and am thanking God that neither you nor the other guy got hurt! My husband and I were just talking about this subject and the haste with which folks jump to the conclusion that a simple error is somehow intentional. It happened to me the other day. I was called some words I won't repeat.

I only had time to mouth "I'm sorry" before she sped off.

You had a wonderful testimony in this story, Janette.

A multi-dimensional life said...

You look adorable Janette! I'm so glad you love your new haircut and so glad you showed us your beautiful photo! I Love it!!!

Thanks also (as always) for your words of wisdom. I had a very similar situation with truck driver recently! It made my knees shake and knock together. I could hardly keep my foot on the pedal!
It was good to see this gesturing hulk soften. I wonder how many road raged drivers have a fish on their bumper?! :)
God definitely was at work in that man's heart! I'm thankful God also protected you from harm!

Sally said...

Wow,what a day! I'm trying to picture the two of you driving and talking although I know much can be communicated in brief snippets. I get misty when I see God's words come to life. Thankful for safety all around and a good end to scary situation.

Shanda said...

LOVE the hair...I've been thinking you looked like Lucile Ball all this time! You are much prettier!
I love your post. What a witness to that young man and what an impact it made on his life that he pulled over. And I am sure he is still thinking about it.

Vee said...

You are a lovely woman with a sweet and lovely spirit. I'm so glad that you didn't hit the car either and your willingness to admit your fault changed the entire situation around. Must remember that.

Marsha Young said...

Your humility in speaking with the angry driver is inspiring.

god bless you - Marsha

(I just canNOT get eye shadow right on me. Good for you. :)

Anonymous said...

I like your new hair style. You look great! :)

Your experience with the ragged motorist was an interesting one. I'm glad that your story had a positive ending.

Sharon said...

May I just start with saying, "OH MY!" You look fantastic! It's a lovely cut, and it so flatters you. You go, girl!!

And I loved your story about the near-accident. I think it's rather shocking that this guy actually backed down. That had God's hand written all over it. We just never know when God's voice will reach out through us. Good for you for listening, and obeying it.

GOD BLESS!

Petra said...

That is a great Prov. 15:1 example! And your hair is beautiful! Kill 'em with kindness has always been my motto, mostly in a Bugs Bunny kind of way, although I am learning to be more obedient to God's kind way and to rely more on His grace than my own reactions.

His Song to Sing said...

Great story, Janette! And I loved seeing your lovely face. Your countenance matches your lovely spirit I've come to admire from reading your blog.

And, yes, I was familiar with the phrase "killed with kindness.". My dear deceased Uncle Junebug would tell my husband, "You are such a fine man! You take such good care of Lori. You just kill her with kindness," which was and still is the truth. Of course, you would have to hear Uncle Junebug say it in his deep southern drawl to fully appreciate it.

I'm visiting your town in September. Any chance of a brief "meet up?"

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