Another bike crash, another lesson

“We have been in God’s thought from all eternity, and in His

creative love, His attention never leaves us.”

-- Michael Quoist

Last week, I wrote about my little fall while mountain biking for

a purpose with great people. It was a fund-raiser called “Go the

Distance,” and the proceeds purchase bicycles for Sudanese and

Ethiopian pastors.

The event organizer, Jose O’Neill, said that these pastors spend

hours, or even days, walking to preach in different churches. A

bicycle dramatically cuts down on travel time.

The event was sponsored by a reputable nonprofit organization

named Open Doors, begun 47 years ago. Open Doors works to strengthen

persecuted Christians around the world. I am amazed and humbled when

I hear of the suffering so many people endure because of their faith.

I was excited to help, and I also enjoyed riding with and seeing

some of you. It was a challenging adventure in many ways, and the

dust and dirt made me think of Africa. I enjoyed it, despite falling.

Every dollar raised was well pedaled for, and I know that it will be

well spent.

Many of you wanted to participate that day and couldn’t, but you

can still help by calling (888) 524-2535. Just tell them you would

like to help buy bikes for Sudanese and Ethiopian pastors.

A summer trip to deliver the bikes and train the pastors in

maintenance is already planned. I’m anxious to see pictures and hear

stories of how this simple act of biking and contributing makes a

change for people far away. I’ll keep you posted.

Ironically, while you were reading my column last Saturday, I

crashed again on my bike. It was a road bike this time, in a

different place and at a different speed. I fell on the same side of

my body, which magnified and multiplied cuts and bruises, adding a

hematoma.

This time I hit my head hard enough to crack my helmet. I was

mildly delirious and goofy for a while, and I laughed at some of it.

Apparently I forgot some things and repeated myself, which isn’t

good. Though, I can do that under normal circumstances.

Obviously, hitting your head is no laughing matter. I’m still

trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do with these two falls in

the past two weeks. When I wrote last week, I felt pretty beat up

inside and out. I still feel that way, maybe even a little more. But

I believe that God is watching over me and has a unique way of

weaving growth out of pain.

The doctors tell me, “Thank God you’re alive,” and I do. We all

agree that the helmet helped save my life. Now I understand why it’s

so important to wear helmets correctly, something that may not be

fashionable, but is clearly functional.

I love bicycle riding, but I’m taking a breather. You’ll see me

out there again sometime, with a new helmet. Some friends have

suggested that I consider training wheels.

When I see cyclists, I’ll try to remember to pray for those

pastors who sacrifice so much for their belief in God.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.