May 29, 2016 6 min read

The month of May is coming to a close and we are almost halfway through the year! This time of year also marks the end of the school year. And for some, it’s now time to celebrate high school graduation. And by some, I mean my son. Ugh! I mean, yay! Hooray! Woo hoo!

Because I am somewhat of an emotional basket case right now and more importantly because she is an amazing writer, I’ve requested the assistance of my momma for today’s commentary. She recently shared a story with me and I told her that it was too amazing for only me to see it. We needed to publish it. So until Reader’s Digest calls her with the publication date, y’all are gonna get a little taste of it here today. This story is called, “Not by Chance.” Its based on a real experience – true story. I will chime in at the end to bring it all home.

Earlier in the year, Ann had been sick for several weeks, suffering with asthma. Her husband had recently been diagnosed with diabetes, lost his best friend less than six months ago, and was dealing with a lot of stress from assisting with the care of his ill mother.

They desperately needed a vacation and Jamaica was calling their name. Ann and her husband enjoyed the weather, the relaxed atmosphere at the hotel, and the friendliness of the Jamaicans. After relaxing by the pool one day, Ann decided to take a different path to her hotel room. Known to get lost easily – like even when driving to the grocery store – taking a different path was probably not the best decision. During the walk, Ann started talking to God. She begged for revelation wisdom and cried out to him for help about how to deal with everything going on her life.

As Ann continued on her path, one of the hotel employees stopped her and asked, “Excuse me ma’am, why do you look so sad?” Ann wondered, “How does he know I’m sad? I have sunglasses on.” One to never meet a stranger, Ann decided to rest on a nearby boulder and continue the conversation. The kind man continued with “No matter what you are going through, God knows what you need.” Carlos, was his name. He continued the conversation by stating very firmly that God does not want us to be sad. He said if you have the time, I would like to share my story with you. Before you read any further, you may think he was going to ask for money. No, not so. Carlos shared the following story.

“I lost my mother when I was 12. She told me that ‘I don’t want to leave you, but I must. God wants me to be with him. But whatever you do, keep your head up to the sky and know that God is watching over you.’ For the next several years, I was placed in several orphanages including one in Ghana and saw many things that a child is not supposed to see. I always tried to remain positive, no matter what I was experiencing, holding fast to the words of my dear mother.

“Many years ago, I got a job and worked hard. On payday, a group of five men robbed me. I was very frustrated. I was not a criminal; I worked hard, trying to stay on the path of righteousness, and I get robbed? I went back to work and the next payday, I was robbed again by the same five men! I was angry; I told them, ‘Why do you continue to rob me? Do you want my clothes? Do you want my shoes?’

“The leader of the group took out a gun and aimed it directly at me. I told him ‘I have nothing left to give; I have given you my all, why would you kill me?’ The man responded, ‘Just because I want to.’ My response to his anger was, ‘I forgive you.’ He pulled the trigger five different times and the gun failed to fire. (Did you read that? Read it again.)

“The next week my priest called me and asked if I would be attending church on Sunday. I told him yes I would be there. He adamantly stated, ‘You must be there; please make sure you attend church tomorrow.’ To my surprise, when I arrived in church, the priest ran to me and told me the story about the five new members we had in church. ‘After their experience robbing you twice, attempting to kill you and you forgiving them, they wanted what you had. Jesus. And they returned all the money they had stolen from you.’

“I thanked God for His grace and mercy and made a vow to share my story with anyone who seemed to be sad. So my sister Ann, no matter what you are going through, God knows your need. Lift up your head and think about the goodness of God.”‘

Ann knew right then, that it was not by chance that she met Carlos and indeed God had taken her down a different path.

Wow! Can you believe that story? Amazing. It was amazing that Ann ran into Carlos and heard his story. And Carlos’ story was so powerful. So why did we choose to share it with you? Ann was feeling down and sorry for herself. She was overwhelmed and frustrated. But then God introduces her to Carlos, someone who has every reason to be sad or frustrated about his life. Carlos chooses to be happy. Carlos chooses to serve God. And Carlos does those two things, no matter what. Graduates — as you begin the walk down your new, different path in life, we urge you to remember this story. Your life is the sum of your experiences and how you respond to them. Will your actions tell a “whoa is me story”? Or will your life reflect perseverance and hope? Be a Carlos and stand. Congratulations!

Gina Jones and Janet Jones are life-long residents of Fayette County and serve the community as encouragers, educators and advocates. Learn more about Gina at www.gmarieproductions.com.