Look Before You Bounce, A Miracle Story

I don’t remember the exact year, but I know it was the mid-to-late ‘90’s.

A friend of my husband’s had come from central Oregon to visit. He expressed a desire to see the ocean and I knew I wanted to take him to the Redwoods and to one of my favorite places: Stout Grove.

He invited our family to ride in his van and we quickly agreed as it had more room for all of us.

Upon opening the door to the van, I had a moment of panic. I never traveled without seat-belting my children and myself in securely. What met my eyes caused me to groan silently. The entire back of the van was made for sleeping and it looked quite comfy but, there were no seats in the back and no seat belts.

There would not have been room for all of us in our car. I knew suggesting two vehicles would be rude, so against my better judgement, I encouraged the kids and my husband to climb in, all the while I was sending up a desperate prayer for protection.

We had traveled about 20 miles out of Grants Pass, I in the front seat with the driver, when I could see up ahead two young males walking single file toward us on the same side of the highway.

The young man in front was bouncing a basketball and it looked like they were engaged in conversation. I would guess we were ¼ mile to a ½ mile from them, with the distance closing fast.

Within seconds we were within 10 to 15 feet of these young men, when all of the sudden the basketball shot out into traffic. The young man, with zero hesitation, darted after it.

Two weeks ago we received a letter here at Better Life, from a gentleman in northern California. This is what he wrote:

“Here is a story I can’t believe myself.

I bought 3 Farmall tractors up in Cave Junction, Oregon. (didn’t know it would cost me $400 in gas to get them back…) I was just clearing Selma down a slight incline. I was behind a car, behind a van…I saw a kid bouncing a basketball about a mile ahead.”

(This is where it got exciting for me as I read this handwritten letter. I knew this man had witnessed my story!)

He continued, “the ball bounced and went in front of the van and the kid went after it not even 5 feet in front of that van. I knew the boy had got hit and probably run over. All of a sudden I saw white smoke and then it turned gray and then black and about 10 to 12 feet high. It’s like time stood still. I watched the pavement as I passed and there was the boy, bouncing the ball going north; not a hair out of place! On the other side of the road.

“P.S. the van turned left at Selma Lake Road at the yellow blinking light…”

Back to my side of the story.

This kid was so close as he jumped in front of our van, that all I could see was from about his chin, up. In fact, I don’t remember even seeing his eyes.

Our friend slammed on his brakes, as all occupants of the van went flying forward. I braced for impact; there was none.

As I recall, there was oncoming traffic as well. I spun around to look for this young man and he was on the opposite side of the highway, still bouncing his ball as though nothing had happened!!

There is no doubt in my mind that an angel picked him up and put him down in an instant, out of harm’s way. There is no other explanation.

I have told this stories dozens of times. I have thought even more about the young man and what was his experience? Does he realize he almost died? Does he know he is a miracle?

I can’t’ help but think of a passage in Psalm 91.

“For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12 ESV

I wish someday to meet this young man; perhaps not until heaven, because there is no doubt in my mind that God had plans for him. I think he would be in his 40’s now, give or take a few years.

My kids had a couple of bumps and bruises to show from the experience but nothing drastic.

“…

Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.

I trust in you and I’m safe!”

That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,

shields you from deadly hazards.

His huge outstretched arms protect you—

under them you’re perfectly safe;

his arms fend off all harm.

“Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,

not flying arrows in the day,

Not disease that prowls through the darkness,

not disaster that erupts at high noon.

Even though others succumb all around,

drop like flies right and left,

no harm will even graze you.

You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,

watch the wicked turn into corpses.

Yes, because God’s your refuge,

the High God your very own home,

Evil can’t get close to you,

harm can’t get through the door.

“He ordered his angels

to guard you wherever you go.

If you stumble, they’ll catch you;

their job is to keep you from falling.

You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,

and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,

“I’ll get you out of any trouble.

I’ll give you the best of care

if you’ll only get to know and trust me.

“Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;

I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.

I’ll give you a long life,

give you a long drink of salvation!” (Psalm chapter 91 - The Message Bible)

We drove on that day to show our friend Lake Selma, Stout Grove and the California coast and I thanked God all day for His protection, not only for my family, but for that crazy kid who gave no thought of running out in 55 mile per hour traffic on a very busy highway.

by Jeanette Stark – Wednesday, August 2, 2023