I was out shopping, by myself. Never mind that it was just grocery shopping, I was having fun. I could concentrate about what I was doing. I could think. Anyone who is used to shopping with kiddos understands! I purchased my groceries while talking to the ladies at check out who know me as a regular customer. I walked out smiling thinking of the banter that I had just exchanged with the ladies.
As I was putting the bags of groceries in the back of my van, from the corner of my eye I saw a man walking my direction. I instantly felt uneasy. As he approached me I hurriedly threw the rest of the bags of groceries into the van.
“Excuse, me Ma’am, but the check engine light just came on in my car…”
In one swoop motion, I slammed the door of my van, pushed the button on my key chain to lock the doors, and quickly began pushing the cart back toward the store and other people as I was parked on the end of the lot. As I did all of that I just shook my head, “no” at him and kept walking. In my mind I was seeing flashing red emergency lights. Why when there were all these people closer to the store would a man walk up to a woman that was alone and begin telling her about his check engine light?
As I returned my cart to the proper place in the parking lot, I watched him get in his very nice SUV and drive away. Insert Twilight Zone music here.
There’s one reason that he would walk up and tell you about his check engine light. You did the right thing and you need to thank God for giving you the flashing lights in your head to walk away!
That sounds very scary, Esther! It seems like your instincts about that man were accurate. He could have used a phone to call a service station about his car’s problem. I’m so grateful the Lord protected you while you were shopping alone.
I once had a man approach me in a store parking lot claiming that he needed money for gas. I offered to meet him at the gas station across the street and buy some gas for his car, but when he left to go get his vehicle he never returned….
If I am able to help a stranger in need I will, but I try not to give them cash because it could be used to purchase alcohol or drugs.
Do you ever carry anything like pepper spray in your purse? It’s really sad that we don’t even feel safe going to the grocery store these days, isn’t it?
How incredibly scary is that?! I’m so glad that you listened to your instincts!
In this situation it seemed pretty clear that whatever the man wanted, it was not legit. There were plenty of other people including men in the parking lot nearer to the store that he could have asked for help if he really needed it.
Oh my!!!! That is so scary!!!!!!! Praise the Lord you’re safe and good job listening to your gutt!
Wow, you certainly have impressive instincts. I get so flustered sometimes. I hope I would know what to do! I’m glad that you are safe.
OMGosh thats scary, thank God for intuition. Its so sad that we live in a world like this. Nowadays you cant even stop for a family with a child because it may be a setup.