Arika Stovall and her boyfriend, Hunter, survived a crash that should
have killed them. It was “only by the grace of God” that both Arika and
Hunter were able to stand on their own two feet—next to the hunk of
metal that use to be a truck—and smile.
It’s a miracle how little damage was done to the both of them after
their truck slammed into a pole going 85 miles per hour. Arika describes
that the accident, “should have chopped their bodies in half.”
According to a post on Arika’s Facebook wall, she and Hunter had three
seconds from when they started sliding off the road to impact. She
wrote:
Three seconds. That's how long we had from the moment we drifted off the
road until the truck hit the pilar at 85mph. In three seconds Hunter
had to handle a situation that would either kill us immediately or save
our lives. He keeps beating himself up for my pain but he saved my life.
He keeps saying 'I should have protected you and I didn't do that' but
he did exactly what he needed to do to make sure my life didn't end. The
whole baseball player part helped him out...if he can hit a 95mph
fastball he can do anything ��. He took care of me. And when we were
both lying in our beds in the ER he found a way to come protect my heart
and give me a hug. Lord knows I needed that just as much as my safety.
I'm overwhelmed at how little damage was done to Hunter and I in a wreck
that should have chopped our bodies in half. I'm in awe of the presence
of God in this entire situation. Every part of this experience we went
through points directly to Him. The way God helped Hunter to respond
exactly the way he did behind the wheel, spinning the truck exactly
where it should have to be able to smash into the pilar directly in the
middle of me and Hunter so we were both untouched...that doesn't just
happen. God doesn't throw protection around like that for no reason. He
does it because he's not finished with us.
I have problems with my heartbeat. When I get anxious or worried it
flutters pretty bad...pulling me into panic attacks. The moment we hit
and I realized I was conscious I realized that is what was happening to
me. While out of breath and trying to move my legs i was
screaming..panicked...yelling for Hunter to just say something. I needed
to know he was okay. Looking to the drivers seat all I saw was his head
through the windshield, a face full of blood, and a body that wasn't
moving. I looked straight out the truck and there was a man..bright
with a big white beard. No other cars in sight...just this man. He was
my guardian angel. He saw me and immediately told me that an ambulance
was coming. I jumped out of the car, ran over to Hunters side and just
looked at this man. From that moment until Hunter was cut & lifted
out of the truck I believe with my whole heart that looking at this man
helped me to literally believe in that moment that Hunter was next to me
on the road. I dont know if it was a hallucination or me unconsciously
dreaming or a glimpse of heaven...but all I knew in that moment was that
Hunter was safe with me. This man..looking at him for a short
moment..helped me not witness Hunter being peeled out of the truck. I
believe if I saw that I would have had a heart attack. Right when Hunter
was actually out and next to me, I asked this man when the ambulance
was coming. He told me in just a second. He walked away, I blinked and a
flashlight was in my face. The paramedics were there helping me and
Hunter and the anxiety and worry if he was okay disappeared because we
were in good hands.
Here is the miracle part: no broken bones, concussions that lasted not
even 24 hours, no internal damage, and just a few stitches in my knee
and hunters face. Only that after an accident that paramedics wonder how
we didn't die instantly and a truck that looks like it's been through a
tree grinder. We're both already released from the hospital not even 48
hours after entering. All of our belongings in perfect condition
besides a few things here and there..and the only thing left behind at
the crash scene is Hunters bible open, with a page marked with scripture
telling us to not be afraid; Jesus is with us.
I am amazed. Absolutely taken away by the presence of God. So blessed
for him sending me an angel. So thankful for Hunter and his second
chance at life...for his healing and health. We are so fortunate for
families who traveled hundreds and hundreds of miles to be with us. And
so thankful for all the thoughts and prayers that were sent our way. The
power of prayer is real, and it healed me and Hunter. We are in a lot
of pain because of the injuries, so any more prayers are appreciated
while we recover.
But tonight I'm praying for all of you. If there's anything you read out
of this novel I'm typing up here it's this: I want everyone to to know
the love and the power of God. He has a purpose...and it's so clear that
NOTHING...not even a car accident like this one will cause his plans
for you to change. We are put on this beautiful earth for a reason and
the reason is to help people know Him. We are made to show and share His
love. And if it takes a car wreck like this for me to get to do that
then I would do it all over again. I'm praying that everyone who reads
this can get a glimpse of Gods faithfulness. He is GOOD. And working.
And the plans he has for YOU and your life aren't going anywhere. Good
or bad, what you want or what you don't want...it's God's doing. It's
his plans unfolding. It's his kingdom coming. Embrace the struggles and
the joys of this life! Without a doubt it's a miracle we're alive, but
more than that it's simply Gods plan for us. We're so grateful for this
wreck and all it will do in our lives. We are blessed to be okay. And so
in love with the amazing God we serve.
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