Salome Taka
On the 23rd of December 2015, I was at a work event (my last for the year) and excited I would be heading home in just a few hours time when, around 8:15 pm, I received a call from home with news that my parents were involved in a car accident while driving to my Grandma’s home to spend Christmas. Clutching firmly onto a railing next to me, I spoke to a feeble voice - my very injured mother. Hearing her this way and being told my dad was driving the vehicle, I knew I would be going home without hope of seeing my dad alive; and worried about the extent of my mom’s injury.
Because I was in the midst of a very important event, I immediately prayed for presence of mind to be able to close the event as required and for comfort for my heart.
I asked god to give me strength and to stand by me to be able to accept what was yet to come. And He has done just that these past few weeks.
Heading to my apartment post the event to replacing my packed formal festive wear to hospital duty clothes, I have very little memory of the many thoughts that went on in my head that night. I remember, however, abundance of tears pleading God for the life of my parents.
For the past 40 years my parents have been involved at a Theological college and will retire in the next two months.
This accident happened at a time when they are at a critical juncture in their professional lives contemplating ‘what next for God and where?’ Throughout the duration of my flight home, my conversation with God revolved around reminding Him the passion my parents have to serve Him. That it was too early for them to be strapped with life threatening injuries or to even lose their lives! What would then happen to the 1000s of dreams they have working for God’s Glory?
Without a theory of explanation humanly possible on the survival scale, my parents ‘got away’ from a major car crash sharing a combined injury list of 5 fractured ribs, a lost tooth, a slashed lip, a chipped knee bone and a slit knee. Considering the car now has value only at the scrap dealer, it is a miracle to be even alive!
This is my family’s story. This is our testimony. This is God putting a hedge around my parents and protecting them so that together as a family we will continue to praise Him and give Him Glory! This is our commitment as a family to many more years of service towards God even post ‘retirement’ wherever He places us!
Grateful to Jesus. And all Glory to God from whom every Blessing flows!
Salome Taka is a Public Relations Professional based in Hyderabad. A follower of Jesus and Football and an incurable optimist.
