"Please note that off road racing can be dangerous or deadly. Use caution." And for the years that we were involved with off road racing, this was the warning SCORE always made clear. And for anyone who rides, or races off road, they know how dangerous it can be. We were very involved with the Trophy Trucks at the time-those 140mph desert trucks, driven by guys like Robbie Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Ragland, Ivan Stewart, Walker Evans, and Dave and Paul Simon. We had seen accidents, and even knew of two men being killed while racing, but like most headlines, if it isn't your family, it just doesn't quite hit home. We had seen an ESPN photographer hit while on the course in a reduced speed area, and thrown 150 feet into the windshield of a Forerunner. Only 100 feet away, we heard it-a sound I cannot describe. And how a death within the racing community affected everyone in it. But for us it hit home at the Baja 500 in 1995.
Dave Simon was racing with his co-driver Mike Harris. We were all at the trailer when the message came in from Dave-they had gone off the road at over 100mph when he missed a turn. They were alive-and would be alright, but for weeks both racers would wear marks of where their 5-point belts left bruises and saved their lives. And both would race again, two miracles. And we saw first hand how dangerous the sport we loved could be. And as we all raced back to the US of A from Ojos Negros, I remember the fear of the unknown-and as Dave's wife found comfort in the Lord, not knowing how her husband was, or would be. Scary times, even for those closest to Christ.
When Jimbo showed up at our door Saturday morning, and asked if we heard about Andrew, we knew it wasn't good. He and his friends were riding out at Cahuilla, and he went down hard. Was actually knocked out for awhile, and we got to ER just as they had put his shoulder back together. It was broken and had separated 6 inches. OUCH! You never know what to expect-pray for the best, plan for the worst, and I always ask God to comfort those involved, and He did. Andrew will be sore for awhile, and it will be awhile until he rides again. The bike can be fixed, but he will be faced with doctor bills-no insurance, no income-he will miss 5-6 weeks minimum of work, and is in intense pain for now. And a whole burden will be placed on our family, just like the Simons. But the same God who took them through, will take us through also. And as it brought Dave back to the Lord, He is working in Andrew's heart already. He could or should have been dead, but is alive! God's mercy first hand, and a sign of miracles for those who doubt. And the outpouring of love has been incredible. Dozens of phone calls, e-mails, and well wishes from all the lives we have touched. Friends all around the world, many we don't know, rallying in prayer, calling on God to heal. And He hears, and the process is working. It is quite a blessing to be part of such a family! Humbling to know that Jesus is with him, and always was. Even on the track. And how important it is to have love and support when in a tough situation. We are truly blessed. Maybe numbers do count.
Doug shared at our Bible study last week about the saddest funeral he ever attended. It was for his Dad, 57 years old. But that wasn't the sad part. He had lived in the same town for over 50 years, same job for 30 years-but only 5 people attended his funeral. And Doug shared not the loss of his Dad, but how his Dad had so few friends, so few only 5 people attended. Surely he had worked with hundreds, and someone has to know you after 50 years in the same town-yet only 5 showed up. Which sadly tells more about him while alive than we may care to know. For if no one shows up in death, no one showed up in life either.
Are you alone? Call your pastor. Let the church bless you as it should. Don't attend-we all know of someone who is a Christian. What a time to experience the love of Jesus Christ. But it takes you to make the call. Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart right now. He will only come in if you answer. And don't wait for a catastrophe to answer the call. He offers life right now-no matter your situation. And you can enjoy the benefits available immediately. For Christian funerals are times of celebration-we know where we are going-and the party goes on at the funeral. I have never seen a sad Christian funeral, no matter the cause of death. For in Christ we have defeated it. And will live forever.
I don't know if Doug's Dad was saved or not. But he touched very few lives. Let Jesus touch your life today. Make life count for you and those you meet. Trust God, and never be alone. For a similar warning can be "life can be dangerous or even deadly. Use caution." So live it to its fullest, with Jesus! And the celebration that follows will tell the world how He changed your life. A testimony, that even in death, testifies of a loving savior.
Share Christ while we are still alive. Live every day as it were your last-sharing the love of Jesus for all to remember. Please pray for the 5 who showed up. How many will be at your funeral? Depends on how you lived. Not how you died. With a little help from my friends.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com