Rules?  What Rules?? My reason for breaking the rules? Simple, I'm in a hurry and there's no time to find a buddy.  I'm going on my first assignment for Neighbors Who Care, a ministry to victims of crime and I'm running late.  Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered. By days end, I would do the same. Easing the old, white station wagon into traffic I reason, “No one will know.  It’s a good rule for the others, but I can do this one on my own.”  My assignment isn't all that difficult - pick up a single mom and take her to replace clothing stolen from her house.  Piece of cake. We're meeting near her apartment complex in the notorious Five-Points neighborhood of downtown Denver. The community has a reputation for violence and crime, but  I’m doing this for the Lord. What can possibly go wrong? One block shy of our rendezvous my chariot slows to a stubborn crawl causing traffic to back up behind me. “God,You and I both know that this isn’t the place for a breakdown. Please, TOUCH MY CAR!!” He doesn't. Ahead is a Safeway grocery.  If I can just get there . . . I limp along leading a parade of disgruntled motorists, then turn into the parking lot just as my car dies.  Now what do I do?  A kindly store employee offers aid.  "You steer, I'll push."  Both hands firmly in place he gives a hardy push. Nothing happens. My fair skin stands out in stark contrast to the sea of ebony faces about me.  I sigh.  Maybe we can push it together.  But, before I can move another man appears out of nowhere.  Silently he adds his muscle to the task at hand.  While they push, I steer the car into a parking space.  How nice of them to help me. “Thank you,” I say to the first man, then turn to thank the second, but he has vanished.  I wondered if I’d entertained an angel unaware. Mind racing, I lock the door of my car and head for the store.  What should I do now? I’ll call Rob (my husband). He‘ll come for me. No answer. I‘ll call Mom. My generally cool, calm, collected mother, scolds, “Ronda Jean, you’ve got no sense at all!  What are you doing down there by yourself?” Good question! The third maybe fourth time I try, Rob answers. “I’ll get a tow truck, honey, and bring you another car.” Satisfied that help is on the way, I call my assignment for the day.  Though she needs my assistance, she's just going have to understand that I can't be her neighbor-who-cares today. "My car broke down," I hasten to explain, " I’m over here at the Safeway store . . .” Mid-sentence she interrupts, “Oh, you’re close by. I’ll be right there!” I wait near the entrance of the store wondering how I will recognize her when she comes.  Soon a noticeably rather large pregnant woman waddles my way.  “My name is Kay*.  Thank you for coming.”  She keeps rubbing the small of her back. I smile.  She smiles.  Then without preamble announces, “I think I might be in labor!" Labor??  I briefly considered controlled breathing - Phooo phooo whwee whwee.  How did I get myself in this mess?  A broken car, and an expectant mother in labor.  I know the answer to my question.  We settle into the front seat of my car.  I am, without question, truly repentant.  The Buddy Rule, Lord? What a novel concept!  I calm with the realization that it can't possibly get any worse. Then Mom shows up. I smile at her as I slip out of the car.  She doesn't smile back.  “Get … in… this… car…. NOW!”  I look from Angry Mother to Expectant Mother watching comfortably from her seat.  “I can’t, Mom.  I explain.“  See that poor lady over there?  She has little kids.  Someone stole their clothes. I ’m going to take her to get some more.  She’s counting on me.  (SILENCE). Rob’s bringing another car.  (MORE SILENCE)   I really need to stay.” It just seems the better part of wisdom not to mention labor.  She levels me with one of her “We’re not done talking about this yet” looks, then leaves.  Rob arrives moments later with another car.  I stifle the urge to beg, “Take me with you! I wanna go home!”  I feel abandoned as he waves goodbye from the retreating tow truck.  My good intentions (and disobedience) have gotten me into this mess, now I'm going to have to see it through. Help, me Lord, I humbly pray.  And, He does.  Expectant mother’s pains ease.  Several clothing banks later we’ve garnered adequate clothing for her family.  God has helped me in spite of my foolishness.   I never saw expectant mother again, and my days of volunteering with Neighbors Who Care came to an end a few months later. I learned some important lessons that day: First - never break the rules when going on assignment.  Whether taking a single mother to replace stolen clothing, a victim to counseling, or a father to file a police report always take a fellow ministry partner with you.  The rule is safety first, no matter how invincible you think you are. Second - God is quick to listen to the penitent cry, but He doesn’t always rescue in the way we think He should.  His ways are above our ways, His thoughts far wiser than ours.  Sometimes He has life lessons He knows we must learn. And, last, but not least- never, ever, under any circumstance do you summon the woman who went through the “Valley of the Shadow of Death to bring you into this world,” to come to your rescue. Especially when you’re stuck in Five Points. All by yourself. Against the rules. Don’t expect that she will understand.  It just ain’t a gonna happen. Copyright © 2000rjknuth * not her real name Confess Your Faults