Over ten years ago, we moved to one of the largest cities in the U.S., Houston. Immediately, we noticed the friendliness and politeness with the people we encountered. That all went away as soon as we drove around the city. The southern hospitality ends at the asphalt.
Road warrior is no joke here. When I drive on the massive highways, and freeways I’m suddenly praying the Hail Mary. But that’s not all. There are days and times when I’m behind the wheel where I become a different person, and it’s not pretty. It brings out the worst in me. I may have worship music blaring in my car and I’m feeling great and then I’m cut off, or honked at, or nearly killed by an aggressive driver, and I’m angry. Then I’m not thinking about Jesus. I want that person to be stopped.
Justice must be served, by me. I’m cussing, and I want bad things for that bad driver who almost took my life. Then I’m brought back to reality and reminded that I’m supposed to be salt and light, wherever I go. Not very salty. I was using salty language, but not letting the Lord handle it.
We are to die to ourselves daily as followers of Jesus. When I’m on the road with a bad attitude, I’m living for myself. It’s my pride. By my selfish actions I’m saying, “Since You’re not going to take care of this Lord, I will.” I’m a wretch. There’s my confession. Good for the soul, right?
Here’s the good news, I am forgiven. Hallelujah!
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9, NKJV
This wretched sinner is under the grace of God. He is so patient with me as He teaches me, guides, and shows me how to do better and truly die to myself. I can’t help but think of what Paul wrote in Romans.
For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15, NASB
God’s working on me. I am reminded that I can just as easily be a jerk too. I say this little mantra to myself as I’m driving.
Let Jesus take care of the jerks, don’t be one.
I’m a sinner in need of a Savior, daily. And He saves me, from my selfishness. My God loves me too much to let me stay as I am. From glory to glory, less and less of me, and please Lord, more and more of You.
No one but Jesus has lived a perfect life. I’m not looking for perfection, it will never happen in me. God does not expect me to be perfect. He’s very aware what I’m capable of. That’s why we have amazing Jesus. He made the way to the Father, not me.
Oh Lord, forgive me for my many sins, especially pride. Thank you for sending Jesus to save me from my sins and make the way to You. He is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Thank you for your grace, mercy and forgiveness. Help me to extend that to others by Your Holy Spirit. And help me Lord, as I drive, to be salt and light and not give in to temptation. Amen!
Love you all,
Meghan
Photo credit: Meghan E. White
Meghan E White 
Good Word Meghan! 🙂 Thankful for the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work in our lives.
I remember in Phoenix a road rage incident where two cars were speeding criss-crossing all lanes of traffic. They added gunfire to the mix and an innocent civilian driver was killed. No joke out there.
God bless you sister!
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That road rage incident in Phoenix sounds like Houston. People have lost their minds. I see street racing on the freeways. Absolutely nuts!
Thanks for taking the time to read my post and for your encouraging, kind words! God bless!!
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This was very relatable Meghan. Even though roads in Perth, Australia are not that crazy, there are other things that annoy and when that happens, We are not supposed to respond like those who annoy us. But I must say I find myself falling into a similar pattern when someone crosses me and then I have to remind myself that God does not want that. A good word and I pray you stay safe on the roads there.
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I appreciate your insight and experience! Thank you so much!
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This is so relatable, Meghan! I don’t experience it so much in our small town, but the moment we get to a bigger town, it is so easy to become angry by the crazy drivers. And some of them may feel that way about me! 🤪 I love your honesty. I think we probably all need to evaluate our attitudes on the road, and praying before each trip would undoubtedly be wise.
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Yes, lots and lots of prayer! Oh Lord, help me. I’m a bit jealous of the small town life. Thanks, Colleen!
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Because we too live in Houston, I understand exactly what you are talking about. But I’d extend that non-Southern warmth to our neighborhood.
Just the other day, I mentioned that I have not had a real friend here in Texas for years. Our neighbors, although not really hostile, only give you a smile and wave if they see you. The two single men at the back of our cul-de-sac will stop and talk to Arnie if he’s out in the front yard, but they don’t even get out of their cars to do so. I’ve given up trying to approach anyone around us.
My last friend left the area a few years back. So now I truly feel I know what it’s like to be a new missionary on a foreign field without anyone to talk to except online or in letters.
And the road rage here is unbelievable. I’ve only ever seen it this bad in Atlanta.
The only thing that keeps me going is my Lord. He helps me bare the loneliness and the irate people on the roads, but I have to be prayed-up, as they put it. Otherwise, I’ll fall into the devil’s trap of reacting in like manner.
Praise God he knows our frame and weaknesses. Praise God He’s always there to forgive.
Thanks for this post, Meghan. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one. God bless you… and keep you safe.
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I’m so sorry, Sharon. It seems that people in general are a little less friendly and stay inside more. Making friends is difficult, and it has gotten tougher as I age. I am grateful for the good friends I do have, though most of my closest friends live far away. My church family helps fill in that void. And I agree with you on completely relying on the Lord. He is the constant, no matter what.
I know you understand the Houston craziness. It does require being prayed-up!
I love you my friend and I’m praying for you!
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Thank you, Meghan. Having your prayers means the world to me. I wish I had a church family, but since I don’t drive, and Arnie won’t go to church, I can only view my old church service online each Sunday. It’s a blessing, but there, too, it’s not live the same as seeing and talking to people face to face. I am glad you can get together with your church family.
Always, you are in my prayers as well, my dear friend.
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Hi Meghan! It’s important to reassure you that when you feel anger over injustice this is quite natural, and not sinful. As Rage Against The Machine once rapped, “Your anger is a gift”. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to process all the stressful situations in your life, and try to react to abusive behaviour in a loving way whenever possible. And keep praying to God to bless you with a peaceful and stress-free life. I know how hard it is, I live in a busy part of London and getting on trains is a nightmare as people can be very aggressive. But when people are aggressive they are always longing for love.
I wrote this article yesterday which is in some ways similar to yours, and you might find it encouraging. Do follow my blog if you’d like to, the mutual encouragement would be a blessing! Although I have many followers, very few of them interact with me. Steven x
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Thanks, Steven! I appreciate your encouragement. It’s not easy. It’s not the anger that’s the problem, that’s just our humanness. It’s what we do with the anger, our response. Stay strong friend. God bless and keep you.
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Thank you and peace and lots of love.
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Great post Meghan! This Is so relatable and something that everybody has to deal with in life! We are all a work in progress and yes, let Jesus deal with the jerks! Hopefully they are only one because they don’t know Him yet! Keep up the great writing! You do a great job!
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Thank you, Tim!
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It is amazing how city driving unleashes the beast in me. What would it take in engineering design to make automobiles less aggressive? They have made so many advances in safety and mileage and reliability, the music and sound systems are remarkable now—allowing soothing sounds to surround. But nothing tames the beast.
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Wouldn’t that be nice if the cars themselves couldn’t be aggressive! Good idea. Until then, I’m praying for all of us out there as we deal with crazy drivers. Thanks for your comment. God bless!
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