She Scared the Devil Out of More People
Illustration★★★★The following scenario was presented by Dick Bothwell in an article published in the “St. Petersburg Times”: Scene: The Pearly Gates, years in the future. Norman Vincent Peale and Billy Graham are at the head of the admitting line. St.
Peter is checking their credentials when suddenly a beautiful woman marches up and gives the saint a familiar “Hi, Peter!” St. Peter gives her a beaming welcome and drops everything to make sure the young woman is properly settled into her heaven- ly home. Meanwhile, the two famous preachers are left cooling their heels for forty-five minutes.
Seeing this, the gentlemen become a bit irate. Billy Graham asks just why this woman should be given the red-carpet treatment, while he and Dr. Peale, who rendered great services on earth, are virtually ignored. St.
Peter patiently explains, “Down on earth,” he says, “Helen drove a little sports car. She cut in and out of traffic, drag-raced at intersections, tailgated and ran stoplights. Gentlemen, she scared the devil out of more people than the two of you put together!”
The point
St. Peter gives special welcome to Helen, a reckless driver, over two famous preachers; he explains her dangerous driving scared people more effectively than their preaching.