"Daddy, please... Daddy please save me...Daddy please... please..."
Uttering those words, crying, panicking, confuse, really don't know if what I'm doing was making sense.
It was Monday morning, I rode the elevator and about to get off at the 29th floor. The door suddenly stopped opening. I tried pressing all the button but nothing's happening. "Daddyyyy". I was trying to be calm at first but after some minutes, tears just fell! I cried and I tried the elevator phone but I think it's not working.
I then pressed the elevator alarm button repeatedly. Hoping that someone would hear me. Sobbing, I don't know what else to do.
I reached out to my phone but it's running out of battery and wala akong load at wala na ding points! I kept on crying and making noise.
Like a ray of sunshine in total darkness, our company guard noticed and he asked me to push the close button since the elevator door is a little open. He helped me in closing the door. I stopped crying (did I?haha). I just know that I was too happy to see a human being! I was hopeful. Yes, Dad! But just when I thought it's over..
hindi pa pala...
Once the elevator door closed, I suddenly went down to the 28th floor! The same thing happened, the door was not fully opening. I cried hard again. I don't know if anyone could hear me here. It's around 4:35-40 AM. Is there any guards here? Is there anyone at all?
"Daddy, please... Daddy please save me...Daddy please... please...Daddy..Daddy..Daddy..."
I was just uttering "Daddy" in the midst of the noise as I continually and desperately push the alarm button. I was crying louder.
Why?
I was scared (obviously) but not for my life. I trust that I could get out of the cab safely. I trust that help would certainly come. It's only a matter of "when". That's what I'm scared about , when? At what time? It all boils down to this prayer...
"Daddy, I don't want to be late please... Don't let me be late please.. Daddy please".
Yes,to be so honest, yun po yung iniiyak ko. Ayaw ko talaga ma late. :"( I cringe at the thought of it. Very crucial po ang time in my line of service. :(
And yes, I was eventually saved! Two men came and the door opened. I rushed out and I was still crying while saying..."Thank you po.. huhu (yes, ang ingay ko umiyak huhu) san po hagdan pa 29th floor?"
Like a lost little girl in the mall...
I hastily ran and climbed up the stairs. The door's locked!!! I knock and knock louder, louder and the door opened for me. I was still crying! What time is it? What time is it?! I then logged in! It's 4:47! 4:47 (I'll be late by 4:56) !!!!! I'm not late!!!! I'M NOT LATE!!!! And I cried again. I can't believe I'm not late. Sagip ulit ako ni LORD!!!!
My heart was so full when the teachers came to my station and comfort me. (Thank you Teachers!!!)
As I reflect on what happened, I was really regretful how I reacted.
I am called to have a quiet spirit di ba? What was all that panicking and losing hope thing?
I remember my college friend's words when we were so worried about our Thesis years ago..
"Para kayong walang Diyos".
Where was my faith at that time? Why was I so scared and worried? Did I just forget that He is in control? That He's with me? FOR REAL? Anyare sa mga verses na minememorize at minemeditate ko? Psalm 23 pa man din! I was so shy to Dad!!!
I realized how desperation can just suddenly test faith.
Obviously, I think I didn't pass. Overwhelming ang fear talaga at that time. Yung faith parang as small as my silent whisper of "Daddy..." in between my sobs of fear.
Yes, I was unfaithful but HE REMAINED FAITHFUL. SO FAITHFUL.
The One who said that a faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain is FAITHFUL.
I realized na mas lalo pa kailangan mag build ng faith muscles. Mas lalo pa dapat mag store ng Word Nya. Mas lalo pa dapat mag hold on!!
I repent and accepted His forgiveness.
I learned and I learned a lot. Including the practical things kapag na stuck sa elevator or kapag nasa overwhelming situation:
. remember that God is with you. He is real. His love and power even!!!
. find the elevator phone
. press the elevator alarm button repeatedly
. really fight for presence of mind
. cry out to Him
. witness His deliverance
. Trust that He is a good God!!
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. -Psalm 118:5
I was taught that I shouldn't let fear to take hold of me. I should get back up again because fear paralyzes. He doesn't want that for me. He doesn't want that for us.
I rode the same cab and riding it again.
Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash
