The Time I Feared for My Life

I have feared for my life, even though we are set up for comfort and safety. We live in a gated community, we have a car to navigate the crazy traffic, and even the church we attend is stationed between two police headquarters.

But natural disasters don’t care who I am or where I live or how safe I think I need to feel to stay. On April 25, I had no concept of how critical were the events unfolding before me , but from the erupting screams, I knew it wasn’t good. I confess that, in times of stress, I have an involuntary impulse to laugh. While the building violently shook, I LAUGHED as someone slipped on a puddle of water left by a fallen jug. It wasn’t comical, and I was concerned for their wellness, but I LAUGHED.

After damages were accessed, homes (including mine) condemned, and death toll tallied, I wasn’t laughing anymore. The sobering reality of thousands of people in my city beginning their eternities was more than I could comprehend. I was heartbroken for this country, motivated to work harder than ever to assist my husband in reaching it with the gospel. But that’s not what I was thinking when the second major earthquake came to wreak its particular havoc.

I found myself studying language in the one building I said I would NOT want to be in if another earthquake rocked the valley. At first, we did as we had during subsequent aftershocks. We sat stiffened, eyebrows raised, waiting for it to pass. It only got stronger. Gathering in the hall, we heard the prayers of terrified Hindus that we knew fell on deaf ears. I stood behind my husband, clutching his chest, undoubtedly leaving claw marks over the place that holds his now pounding heart. I buried my face in his back, holding my breath until the floor resigned to a sway.

I sighed in relief, thankful the Lord heard the prayers I couldn’t utter. This time, I knew, that if the death toll grew, it could have had my name on it. Because of Christ, I was ready, which could not be said for the those with whom I huddled.

Have you ever feared for your life in a scary situation such as this?
I would love to hear your experiences in the comment section below!