If you've ever been robbed before, you know it isn't a fun thing to experience. Having something taken from you that you worked hard for is pretty heart breaking. I have had material goods stolen from me before but in way that I didn't notice until the job was already done. The way I and I think everyone prefers. Unfortunately, this past Thursday I experienced a different kind of robbery. A good(or bad I should say) ol' stick up.
Let me explain a little how things work here where I live in Argentina. The police are supposedly corrupt so calling the police isn't much of an option and even could be the ones that warn the thieves what time you usually get home. I say supposedly because I have never actually seen or heard any actually do this, but I hear from Argentines that this happens. And For all of you against guns out there, guns are pretty much illegal here. But do things work?? No!!! Of course the criminals have them anyway because as you know criminals don't obey laws. Therefore, the good people are without justice and without a way to defend themselves, in other words, hopeless. And for the criminals, there are no risks, especially in plain old petty theft. So why not... right? WRONG!
The delinquents around here ride around on motorcycles, usually two to a motorcycle so the one on the back can get off to rob quickly and the one driving is still in position for a quick getaway. The ones on the back that actually have the balls to get off and rob you have guns.(Well, the ones that robbed us anyway) I'm sure the guns help with the amount of balls they have. But anyway, Before this incident I was not aware of the motorcycles. I didn't pay much attention to them because in the three years I have lived here nothing had ever happened to me personally. Although I had heard more than a few occasions where it happened in the same exact way to people I know. In fact, probably about 75% of the people I know. So it's not a new thing. Why I didn't pay attention and be more prepared for the day was complete stupidity on my part. But then again, who wants to get accustomed to living like this? I sure don't.
Luckily, after all was said and done, only material goods had been taken from me. Nothing more than things bought with money. I am almost positive that since I am moving back to the states in about 3 months the majority of the things that were stolen were most likely going to be left behind anyway. Fortunately, I can move past being robbed because I was going to move past the things taken at sometime anyway. I mean, ALL the things we have will be garbage one day anyway.
What's hard to overcome is the bad feeling that it is always unsafe now. Every sound of a motorcycle makes my heart beat race. But as you know, I find my peace in Jesus's words.
Matthew 5:38-40
"You have heard that it was said, 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Through this whole experience I have completely come to understand these verses. We came to this earth with nothing. We will leave in the same way. I am not here to get a lot of "things" that don't even make me feel good at heart. Things that will do me no good when I die. I truly feel sorry for the four punks who feel that they need material goods for gain. Who lack receiving parenting, hope in a future, a good heart, and unconditional love. Things that can never be taken from me. Oh, How luck I am :)
Enjoy your families, enjoy the love you have in your life, and the things that can never be stolen from you!!
No comments:
Post a Comment