God is a good and faithful God. Even when we’re experiencing tough times, we continue to praise His name and glorify Him.
I was sitting at a red light last night when I was rear ended by a drunk driver. It appears I was propelled into the intersection where I was hit by a second vehicle. Thankfully, I have no recollection of the accident (#blessing). I came to with a man in my passenger seat instructing me to stay calm because I’d been in an accident (#blessing).
The first responders on the scene (#blessing) used the jaws of life to pry open my door and remove me from the vehicle. Ryan and Cody helped keep me calm as the took my vitals, loaded me on their rig, and transported me to Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, which is less than a mile from the crash site (#blessing).
I was brought into the ER, my head and neck stabilized as a needed precaution. Another first responder found my phone on the scene and brought it to me (#blessing). I was able to then notify people of what had happened.
My wife Lee arrived and coordinated with my ex-wife Alex who was already in the waiting area of the ER (#blessing). Lee and I are staying in a hotel in Tampa this week with our puppy Max. Not knowing how long the evening was going to be, Lee brought Max with her to the hospital and Alex took him home for the evening so Lee could focus on me (#blessing).
I was treated by the amazing team at FHWC (#blessing). Kate (my PA), Sharon from radiology, Aaron and Justin (my nurses), and everyone else with whom I interacted were exceptional.
My injuries are minor (#blessing). Small laceration to my forehead, burns and scrapes on my left side due to airbags, and a deep bruise to my right Achilles tendon. I also sustained a mild concussion.
Upon being discharged at 3AM with my foot in a splint and my scrapes bandaged, Lee drove me to our hotel where we both promptly fell asleep.
We spent most of today on the phone with our auto insurance company (#blessing), scheduling appointments with various doctors (#blessing), speaking to our attorney (#blessing), and keeping our family and friends abreast of the situation (#blessing x2).
The book of Job teaches us the story of a man who, “was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.” (Job 1:1 NLT) Yet he was made to suffer loss and personal anguish. And through it all, he remained faithful to God and did not curse His name. “So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning.”
(Job 42:12 NLT)
I am not a blameless man like Job, but I am the Lord’s servant. I could have easily died last night, or suffered devastating injury, or be in an ICU tied up to all kinds of machines working to keep me alive. Instead, I hobbled out of the ER with crutches and a dull headache (#blessing).
God was with me last night, as He is always. He placed His hedge of protection around me last night (#blessing), as He is want to do to those who worship Him. I am not deserving of His grace, yet He provides it anyway (#blessing). I praise His name for His is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and forever.
Gil Gonzalez 
I am so glad you are ok. This spoke to me. We all need to be reminded to find blessings in challenging times.
Thank you so much, Kris. I think it’s all too easy for most of us to forget to continue to praise God when times get tough, yet He is constant in our lives, and we should be constant in our worship of Him.
Wow. I am so glad that you’re okay and that no one was in the backseat.
Thank you, Denise. Yes, feeling very blessed I was the only person in the car. However, the items in my trunk will forever be lost. 😦
Looking at the car, I can’t help thinking that you should have died, or maimed. Or something horrible. Not that what happened isn’t, but this could have gone way, way worse. I am very grateful to God that He, in His wisdom, decided that you’re still needed here.
This accident resonates with me for another reason. I have driven while intoxicated more times than I can remember. I sincerely believe with all my heart that only the intercession of God prevented me from hurting anyone. Thursday will be my one year anniversary. Your accident, for what it’s worth, is a frightening reminder to me of the damage that can be caused by driving while drunk.
I pray that the driver that hit you will be OK, and that this become the wakeup call he or she needs to begin a path to recovery.
Bill, the only explanation I have for not being in an ICU or morgue today is the grace of God. I also like to think the drunk driver hitting me prevented him from hitting someone else.
Like you, I had a period in my life when I got behind the wheel of a car when I should not have. God’s grace got me through those moments, too, and I think we bot need to be vigilant advocates for ensuring those we know and love don’t make the same mistakes we once did.
Whoa! Surely angels surrounded your vehicle and protected you from death. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a car that mangled. I’m so thankful you’re alive, Gil.
Thank you, Cheryl. The only explanation is God, and the reason for this post it to give Him the glory. The whole outcome is simply miraculous.
Prayers for healing!
Thank you, Wendy.
Praying for speedy recovery !!
Thank you, Stacy.
Praising Papa God with you for His mercy and protection, brother. And lifting a perseverance prayer for your gutsy friend, barefootrev (I was deeply moved by your comment). Love to Lee.
Thank you for your prayers! I’m not sure why the site refers to me as barefootrev. That’s actually another friend of mine. But your prayers are greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much, Deb.
Gil, I ” liked ” this post not for the pics but for the message you bring to us! My parents were hit head on by a drunk driver, so I can relate to your family reaction when seeing the pics for the first time. Looking at the pics and knowing you were out of the hospital early the next morning, is a miracle! I will certainly be praying for your recovery and also for Lee. I often remind myself, ” God has this ” and I have no doubt His plans for you and Lee are firmly in place. God bless you both!
Thank you, brother Rick. I look back on this accident as God’s reminder that my calling is set, and He will not let the work of the enemy interfere with His plans. We live in a world beset by spiritual warfare, and I will take my lumps and limp forward in His name, for I know the victory is ours.
Gil, surely God was your co pilot that night. I’m so thankful to our most powerful God that He was its you. May the ultimate healer, our Lord and Savior continue healing your wounds. God bless you all.
Thank you so much, Donna. Indeed, He was looking out for me that evening, and I am happy to say His healing power has got me feeling better every day.
God held you in His hands while His angels made a fortress to keep you alive. Your journey is not over.
Thank you, Susan. Indeed this experience is a reminder that Lee and I are on the right path in terms of obeying His calling.
What an experience in trusting God. May you have a quick recovery. Have been praying for you when reading your experiences about getting prepared to go to the mission field. “For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” Ro 8:28
Thank you, Jane. This experience reinforces our calling to move into greater service of the Lord.
God bless and glad you are ok.
Gracias, hermano. It could have been so much worse, and I am feeling so very fortunate to be where I am today (i.e. not in a hospital). I hope all is well with you and your family.