I was at my desk on Tuesday, November 9, 2014 at around 12:30 pm when the news, via The Charlotte Observer, flashed across my twitter feed that Cam Newton was injured in a car accident. It just so happened that I was working Uptown and take the same road he was on to get to my workouts after work a few days a week.
I didn't know how bad the accident was until I started seeing pictures from sports writer Jonathan Jones. I must admit, I got a little teary eyed when I saw this pic:
My Capricorn pessimism had me thinking the worst. The word coming in said that Newton was struck by a driver, who either ran a redlight or a stop sign, causing Newton's Dodge truck to flip four times. It came to rest near the railing on the overpass of I277. From all accounts the other driver was okay and told one of the reporters that Newton was in the overturned truck.
Thank God that my pessimism wasn't part of God's plan. Reporter, Jonathan Jones was immediately at the scene, since the Charlotte Observer is only a block or so from the accident scene. His pictures showed just how severe the accident was, and soon more pics, from The Observer and WBTV News, followed showing the Panthers' quarterback being attended to by EMS.
Upon being discharged on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, Newton had this message for fans on Instagram and Facebook:
Todd Sumlin/AP via The Charlotte Observer
“I do not know where to begin because by the look of that picture soMEone is supposed to be dead or severely injured worse than what I am right now! While I am resting up the thought that keeps flashing in my mind is that GOD IS GOOD and someone has there protective hands on my life shielding me from any danger that may come my way!
I know one thing, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF “IF” you are holding a grudge against someone, “IF” you don’t tell the people that’s close and dear to you that “YOU LOVE THEM” every chance you get, “IF” your mad because something didn’t go your way today! L1FE IS TO SHORT FOR YOU NOT TO APPRECIATE IT TO THE FULLNESS; THROUGH THE GOOD AND THE BAD! I thank you to the people who have been keeping me in there prayers and well wishes for a speedy recovery!
I am appreciative for the many great things GOD has given me to be thankful for. It’s a old cliché statement but it says “GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS!” And as that crash constantly plays back in my mind every time I close my eyes, I can’t go another day without me THANKING GOD for the opportunities he has given me in my life and this accident puts ALOT of things in perspective of what’s important and what’s not! SHAMEonYOU if YOU go another second in life with holding a grudge or HATING on someone, taking life for granted, or just not appreciating the breath you just breathed; trust and believe there are plenty people with illnesses, people in the hospital, or even people that are 6ft under the earth that W1SH they had “another”opportunity to do so!
So if you read this I challenge you to L1VE life to the fullness everyday! 1OVE the people who are close to you (and don’t be afraid to tell them as well)! FORG1VE “whoever” for “whatever” they did! Trust when I tell you that L1FE is to short for you NOT to do those things! #THANKyouJESUSforALLOWINGmeTOseeANOTHERday
L1VE-1OVE-FORG1VE=HAPP1NESS”
If you've ever been in a car accident, you know how instantly your normal day can be flipped! If you've ever been faced with your own mortality, you know how instantly your normal life can be flipped. I've lost a dear friend in an accident and have been on the receiving end of drivers not paying attention on the roadway a few times. Once, I was literally knocked off the highway during morning rush hour by someone trying to catch an exit without realizing I was in the lane to their right. Another time I was hit on the driver's side by a man talking on his phone who ran a redlight...spinning me around and causing me a shoulder injury and dislocated rib...most recently I was rear ended by someone distraught over a breakup...I'm still dealing with those injuries.
That's life though. You never know how quickly it can change...or end. Do you waste it away doing nothing? Or do you live with purpose...giving love...impacting others...bettering the world around you?
Newton, and I'm sure the driver of the other vehicle as well, seems grateful for survival and not angry about inconvenience. Anger is never worth it. I've been angry before. Forgiveness and gratefulness are always worth it. When God gives you the opportunity to breathe...try to breathe life into those around you.
