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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Police (10/12/06)
I was hurtling down the South East freeway to the Gold Coast, making the skyline of Brisbane a shrinking image in my rear-view mirror. Feeling pretty proud of my shiny red vehicle, I was enjoying the envious looks of fellow drivers as I whizzed past. But this feeling of satisfaction was cut short when I also noticed the shiny red lights of a police car behind me.

“Pull over!” I could see the officer mouthing. As I slowed down and pulled to the edge of the road, I thought of responding with the classic line from the movie ‘Dumb and Dumber’: “No – it’s a cardigan… but thanks for noticing.”

This was probably not an appropriate moment, so I held my tongue.

The police officer walked to the car window while I did my best to look innocent.

“Is there any reason why you were travelling 12 kilometres per hour over the speed limit?”

“Huh!” I snorted derisively. I waved my hand around the inside of the plush interior. “Isn’t it obvious?”

The police officer looked me over, checking for signs of mental instability. “So you justify your flagrant disregard of the law on the fact that you have a hot car which you wish to hoon around in?”

I nodded, also checking him out for signs of stupidity. “Okay,” I admitted. “I didn’t really intend to go over the speed limit – I was just keeping up with all the other traffic.” I gestured to the vehicles swarming past. “You know how when you drive carefully, everyone behind you gets impatient, and they beep their horns….” The officer stared at me without expression, his hands on his hips.

“Well, I guess they don’t do that to you when you’re in a police car,” I conceded. “But, everyone else is speeding! Compared to some of those rev-heads, I was driving quite sedately!”

“This isn’t about them. It’s about you. You were clocked on the radar doing 112 kilometres per hour in a marked 100 zone. And you have no pressing emergency which could mitigate your case?”

I thought hard. Apart from a full bladder and a need to relieve it, I couldn’t really say I had an emergency situation. All bravado aside, I was really sorry that I had gone over the speed limit – it wasn’t like me to do that. How could I make the man understand?

Rummaging through my bag, I withdrew my purse and opened it up to a laminated membership card. I displayed it through the window. “Look, I’m a member of the Good Driver Club. It says I drive safely and courteously at all times!”

It was the police officer’s turn to snort. “The Good Driver Club won’t save you if you’ve broken the law.” He flipped his notebook out of his chest pocket and jotted something down. “You do realize this infringement will cost you 4 demerit points and a sizeable fine.”

“But, but…!” I blubbered. “Would it make a difference if I said my Daddy is the Police Commissioner, and he will take care of any penalty incurred?”

The police officer raised his eyebrows in surprise. He leaned forward and reached for my purse again. Wordlessly, he studied my licence, including my name and address.

“Well, well! I’m sorry, Miss. It seems you are free to go. There will be no fines today… or even a record of this incident.” He passed me the purse.

I smiled in relief. “Thank you so much!”

“Don’t thank me - thank your Dad.”

With that, he waved me off, and I drove away a free woman.

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“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1, 2 (NIV)

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(I wish this was a true story, but only the Bible verse is true.)
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This article has been read 1284 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Donna Haug
10/20/06
I laughed at your title. ;) I'm not sure I agree with the idea that we 'get off' because of who we are in Christ. The price still had to be paid - only HE paid the ticket for us. Aside from that, I liked the light tone of your writing. The dialogue flowed nicely.
Marilyn Schnepp 
10/21/06
Loved the smooth style, the wit and the easy flow; but didn't agree with the viewpoint. We hate people who get by with stuff because of WHO they know. That's not how I like to think of it. But aside from that - Neat Job from title to final word!
Jesus Puppy 
10/22/06
A very good message wrapped up in this, showing a good view of the modern "So Called" Christian. If they are found in doing wrong, most often they will point out others doing the same, then try relying on past works done and when all else fails, expect God and others to forgive them anyway without cost.. An odd way of wrapping it up but a good message.

It read well, and was easy to follow. Good job.
Joanne Sher 
10/22/06
This was fun and clever, and definitely made me think about the "priveleges" of being in Christ in a whole new way! Your humor was wonderful (and I was GLAD to hear the story wasn't true - I can't imagine a cop would take very kindly to some of those comments!), and I'm SO glad you just used the verse, and didn't "explain" the connection - it was definitely quiet clear! I'm also not positive I agree with the premise, but it did NOT detract from how much I enjoyed this!
Suzanne R
10/27/06
I love you sense of humour, Susan, and also the setting for this story. Ditto re the comments about 'Are we really let off or is it that the penalty is paid?'. But apart from that, I really enjoyed this. Excellent writing!
Amy Michelle Wiley 
10/30/06
Well written article, and very fun! I see both points of view on the little debate going on--on one hand it's true that we still have to face the consequenses of our actions while we are here on earth, and that the penalty is paid rather than waved. But on the other hand, I totally get your point that we are completely free.
Val Clark
10/30/06
I loved the humour in this! The verse you quoted really put things into context. Well written. Believable characterisation. Realistic dialogue. yeggy