God loves drunk drivers.

That’s a hard pill to swallow. But it’s one I can finally choke down. That took years! Almost a lifetime…

My first job was at a grill and bar and I saw a lot of drunk people. I made a lot of people mad because I would cut them off after three drinks (that’s what my handbook said to do) and I would alert my manager if they acted drunk before three drinks. Even when I was working as hostess I would sometimes throw my foot out and “accidentally” trip them on their way out the door. I just didn’t like them.

My parents never drank. I remember them saying,”Just don’t touch the stuff and you won’t have to worry about it.” Whether it was on purpose or by accident, they instilled a disdain for drinking in me. That disdain easily and quite naturally crossed the border to judgment. It wasn’t until I got a little older, that I realized you could have a drink and not get drunk. Mom and Dad just wanted me to stay away from it. As a parent, I totally get that! After I married [an alcoholic] and had my own babies, I honestly wanted mine to stay away from it too!

If you had asked me on January 30, 2004, I would have said in my loudest Southern accent, “ALL DRUNK DRIVERS SHOULD BURN IN HELL!” Man I really don’t miss those bitter days! But that was before I went on a walk to Emmaus and long before my children were old enough to make the decision to drink or not. Two of mine have “touched the stuff” (under age) and I was quick to forgive them when they did. They’re my kids. Forgiveness comes easy because I love them.

Let’s not forget God loves His children too! Even the ones who drive drunk. The ones who devastate families. The ones in prison who might not be sorry. He knows their hearts just as He knows mine and yours. The one who devastated our family that fateful night is up for parole, again. I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I won’t give my peace away to anyone! My judgmental days are over and I know that is ONLY because we have a faithful loving father who never gave up on me, a sinner.

I’ve forgiven the man who killed my sister. I forgave my first husband long before he passed away. No, they never asked me to. I don’t really care about that. I’m just not carrying that burden anymore! We are called to love our enemies and pray for them. This isn’t for our enemies sake. It’s to free US, not THEM. When you dwell on how someone has wronged you, it can put you in a dark place. I used to be the mayor of that place. Jesus is the light! Lift your face to Him and feel the warmth of forgiveness and love! It’s the most liberating feeling in the world!

Leave all that anger and judgement at the cross where it’s nailed! Jesus didn’t just die for some, He died for ALL. He loves us ALL! He even loves thieves, rapists and killers. God loves drunk drivers. And friend, God loves me and YOU!

Matthew 5:44