Praise Journal

In February 1985, I was rear-ended on a county FM road at sunrise.

I was stopped behind a truck waiting for oncoming traffic to clear so it could turn left when the driver behind me—blinded by the sun—didn’t realize traffic had stopped. Seeing he wasn’t slowing down, I turned my steering wheel just before impact to avoid hitting the truck, and the collision sent my car into a ditch. Amazingly, the only damage to my old car was a bent metal fender, and it was still drivable. I, however, was not so lucky, and the driver who hit me was uninsured.

Working in retail, I had no medical insurance and lived paycheck to paycheck, so I refused treatment at the scene. A couple of hours later, the pain became unbearable, and I drove my bruised self to the emergency room with severe whiplash. I spent three months in traction and was unable to work for six months.

In March 2026, I was rear-ended again. This time, my SUV sustained severe rear damage and was no longer drivable. Yet, I walked away without a single injury. My car summoned the police, fire department, and an ambulance, all of whom were amazed that I was completely fine—even in the days that followed.

How could this be?

That evening, I wrote in my praise journal:

• I’m okay!

• Other driver has insurance

• Didn’t hit the car in front of me

• Police, firefighters, and paramedics were kind and helpful

• No one else was in car with me

• Officers stayed with me until the tow truck arrived

• No tow charge, covered by insurance

• Conveniently close to home, body shop, and car rental office

• Multiple friends checked on me

• Neighbor home to help me

• Don’t have to worry about missing work the next morning

So what’s the difference between these two accidents?

In 1985, I didn’t know the Lord yet, not until a couple of years later. At that time, I was struggling financially, living a self-centered life, and blaming others for my circumstances.

In 2026, as a Christ follower, I experienced favor and was covered by God’s protection.

Psalm 34:7 (NIV) says, The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 91:11 (NLT) reminds us, For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

And Hebrews 1:14(NLT) tells us that angels are spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

Recently, my pastor asked a question that stuck with me:

What does God want you to do with your story?

I’m not sure why I had to experience another accident, but I do know this: I chose to bless with my words rather than curse, unlike the old me in 1985. It gave me the opportunity to be a light in an unfortunate situation. Throughout the ordeal, I experienced God’s favor. What was meant for harm, God used for good (Genesis 50:20).

This experience also reminded me of something important: the power of gratitude.

Not long ago, I found my 2008–2009 praise journal. It was just a small pocket notebook, but as I read through the detailed entries, I thought, Wow—why did I ever stop? God was clearly on the move then, but the truth is, He is always moving. I had simply stopped paying attention. That discovery prompted me to begin a new praise journal in January.

What does God want me to do with my story? Encourage you to start a praise journal as well. Write down moments when you see God blessing you and showing favor in your life. It doesn’t have to be detailed, just the date and a short note such as “protection during tornado warning” or “all green lights when running late.”

Jesus taught that those who are faithful with little will be faithful with much (Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:23). Gratitude helps us recognize His hand in every part of our lives, and when we do, He entrusts us with even more.

Your story of God’s faithfulness may begin as a simple journal entry, but the moment of gratitude may become tomorrow’s testimony.