A family was speeding down the highway – and you won’t believe what happened next.
A police officer did pull them over – but once he learned their reason for speeding, he was moved to compassion.
And when you hear how this officer responded – your heart will be incredibly touched.
There are times in life when all of us need an extra dose of grace – and for one family, they received it at just the right time.
Ashlye V. Wilkerson was driving her elderly father, who was battling Stage 4 colon cancer, back from chemotherapy treatment.
The drive was a long one – a 4-hour trip from South Carolina to North Carolina.
As they headed home, Ashlye suddenly noticed flashing lights behind her – and realized she had been speeding.
She promptly pulled over and waited for the officer to approach her car. But once the officer got to her car, her father – still weak and weary from a brutal chemo session – was moved to speak up and defend his daughter.
Ashlye spoke about the touching moment which has since gone viral.
WSOC-TV reported:
“He cleared his voice and said ‘this is my baby girl,’” she said. “She’s driving me back home from treatment where I had chemo at Duke University.”
Trooper Jaret Doty initiated the stop in the Salisbury area and said the admission immediately resonated with him.
“At that time I knew there is no way I’m writing this lady a ticket,” Doty said. “I had to sit in (my car) for a while just to compose myself to figure out what to say when I went back.”
Many police officers would have still written the ticket – and would’ve been well within the law to do so.
But praise God – this officer chose grace over the law.
In fact, as it turned out, Officer Doty had experienced his own health problems – and even had part of his colon removed.
Seeing Ashlye’s father in pain, Officer Doty was compelled to pray.
Ashlye wrote about the incident on social media in a heartwarming tribute to her father:
“He asked if he could pray with you. You welcomed the prayers with gratitude and informed him that you’re a deacon of your church.
You proudly shared your love for Christ and your belief that God’s will would be done.
When you all were done, there was a small silver cross that he placed in your hand for you to keep with you as a symbol of your faith.”
What a beautiful and heartwarming moment!
Ashlye’s father didn’t curse God for having cancer – he simply talked about his love for God and boldly called for His will to be done.
And the officer had enough compassion in his heart to take time away from his day – and not only NOT give the family a ticket, but also pray with them and even give the father a silver cross as a gift.
With so much bad in this world – it’s moments like these that reminds us all there are still God-fearing people in this world.
Ashlye’s father has since gone on to be with the Lord – but her testimony in sharing this story has already touched countless people and will surely continue to do so.
With as much grace as God has given us, it is only right that we extend that same grace to others.
Cheers to Officer Doty for seizing the moment and making the final days of Ashlye’s father meaningful to his entire family.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
(h/t Christian Life Daily)