THE UNLIKELY TAXI DRIVER
I don’t know his name, not that I’d be able to pronounce it even if I did. Since I don’t believe in coincidences, I’m still trying to figure out the exact purpose of our chance meeting. I’m certain there’s going to be more wisdom with time until I get the picture in my mind like God’s big screen with the big “E” of the mind’s eye chart smack in the middle of it.
It became obvious that all of our “go to” modes of transportation home from the airport had suddenly evaporated. We even tried some of the friends we didn’t consider to be in the “go to” group – you can’t fault me for trying… but alas we were left finding a ride home from the airport to our own devices.
I could never figure out why the line of cabs at the airport is so long, I’ve never even seen anyone using one… except for me back in the eighties, but that’s an ugly story… no wonder I avoid cabs like the plague…
We followed the “Ground Transportation” signs down the escalators and out the automatic doors, across the massive structure covered sidewalk to the outside traffic lanes and spotted the double lines of cabs close to an eighth of a mile long. I scanned the group of taxi drivers loitering along the side of the curbs.
It didn’t look much like America, plenty of turbans being sported with pride. We were directed to the front of the line and the car closest to the curb. The foreign guy loaded our suitcases awkwardly, but quickly with a friendly smile as my wife, youngest daughter, and myself shoehorned ourselves into the “Not Actual Size” backseat.
The slight driver got in, cranked up the pathetic A/C in the tiny car that didn’t have a prayer of putting a dent in the Arizona heat, and jerked slowly but surely away from the curb… I usually pray for the plane rides… can’t believe I didn’t pray over the cab ride…
“Whe-tooow?” The taxi driver asked as I tried to get my bearings to communicate.
“Uhhh – Scottsdale.”
“Uhhh – I take sevunteeeen?” I recognized the first part of the question…
“No – Take forty fourth street, it’s faster.”
“Fawtee – faw street?”
“Yeah, the exit is right up there on your left – get in the left lane.”
“O-keh – you show mee,” he smiled at me in the rearview.
I’m interested in the lives of others and while I try to avoid life and it’s often sad realities, I wanted to know our taxi driver’s story. “Where you from?” I asked.
“SO – mo – lia,” the slight built man nodded with a smile, glancing between the road and me via the mirror as the unsteady accelerating and braking continued.
“Oh man! Somalia? That’s a pretty violent place, huh?”
“Oh yes,” he nodded in polite agreement.
Turns out he was one of the Somalian refugees that went through Kenya on their way to the U.S. I asked about his family that was still there. He chatted with my wife and I about our girls, he wanted to know the ages of them and what they did with genuine interest. He wanted to know my age to compare with his own… and when he spoke of his kids that he rarely saw due to working long hours it was with love and passion. His family was his life.
As we talked and he drove like one of the worst drivers I’d ever witnessed while I gave directions, I noticed what had escaped me while he was loading our suitcases in record time. He had the faded right leg of his baggy jeans neatly folded and tucked under his left leg so as not to interfere with his leg he was working the accelerator and brake with.
He never asked for sympathy, he tried to hide the fact that his right leg was missing… What that cab driver has seen I can only imagine.
I asked our gentle taxi driver a loaded question, “You like Somalia or America?” He smiled kindly, “Hea – of couwse…” I let him pull the bags out of the trunk while I dug deep in my pockets for his fare and tip.
Some handshakes while studying another man’s eyes have a lasting impact… The unlikely taxi driver and I… we’re not so different really. He and I have more in common than other folks that I can speak perfect English with… The thin one-legged man from Somalia and I speak the same language…
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 5:10 pm
The language of love of family speaks louder than other words. What a gentle man loving his new country and working hard to support his family. Something in common with us all for sure.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 10:19 pm
I like the way you worded that, Hazel. “The language of love of family speaks louder than other words.” That sums it up quite well and is the common ground that should begin to unite us… May our Father open the eyes of the lost world… They can’t see how similar we all are… Thanks, Hazel.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 12:37 pm
I’m glad you explained it Hazel. I was about to ask the question of: “Uhhhh…what language do you and he speak lol?”
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 2:02 pm
I’m still a little slow at picking up this “language of love.” But I’m beginning to get it! As long as the person doing the “speaking” goes really slow! Thanks for bringing some humor, Mike.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 5:46 pm
The cab driver probably went home and told his family about the nice man and his family he met that day. Not everyone is friendly to people who cannot speak English good. In fact one of the things I hear often where we live now is, if they are going to live in our country they need to learn our language. I know what it is like to live in a country where you have to practice their language on them. The one thing about the Papua New Guineans was how patience they were when we butchered their language. They loved to correct us…and would laugh when we made a mistake. Love the post…love it that you were so patience with the man…you taught your daughter a lesson that day…everyone has value.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 10:24 pm
“Everyone has value.” You know, I never thought about it in that deep of a level, Betty, but that screams volumes. If the soul that our Father created is important to Him and He loves them, shouldn’t we? Thanks for driving that point straight to the heart, Betty. Your value of wisdom is immeasurable. Thanks much, sister. I’m always amazed how God speaks through others like you and Hazel to bring the perspective into nearly perfect focus… What a blessing. Thanks, sister.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 5:49 pm
Sometimes I can’t help but wonder at the things we see – the stories we pass by every day – and you document them effortlessly.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 10:28 pm
You’re to good to me, brother. Funny, the stories seem to look for me… even when I fight to not see them… and yet there they are. And the gaze into to another creation of our Father’s eyes leaves no room for anything but to record them and the heart I see within… almost haunts me, Rick…
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 10:39 pm
Ours is the challenge to get out of the way while still seeing what there is to see; to be able to tell the stories the way that you do? That *is* a gift, my friend. 🙂
Sunday, August 18, 2013 @ 8:38 am
“Ours is the challenge to get out of the way while still seeing what there is to see.” That is a profoundly wise statement, Rick. I’m gonna have to quote you on that one. Another post is-uh-brewin’. Thanks for sharing one of your many gifts with me, brother.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 7:16 pm
Hi Floyd,
People are interesting. Everyone has a story to tell and every story has the presence of love. Broken love, distant love, deep family love, some kind of love. Isn’t it wonder how God instilled into us love? He is love and He gave us love.
Thanks for sharing this story, you are a wonderful writer. 🙂
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 10:32 pm
Oh yeah. You nailed that right down to the earth. We absolutely are designed with love from our Father… and yet people look past the miracle and think it merely instinct to love… No. It’s not coincidence, it’s the hand of our Father reaching to His loved ones… Broken indeed… Thanks for sharing the wisdom that comes from the same Hand… Bless you… and thanks for sharing.
Sunday, August 18, 2013 @ 2:10 am
And that language would be open-faced engagement with fellow travelers on this road of life. Keep birthing opportunities for enjoyment of conversation and for affirmation with that other. Remember that there will be a profound fact or two unknown to you before you assign the quick assessment.
Honour all men…(1 Peter 2: 17a)
Sunday, August 18, 2013 @ 8:44 am
I love that verse. I think it’s been used a time or two in movies because it sounds so powerful and wise. I’m not too quick to assign assessments these days, Doug. I’ve learned the hard way that I’m usually wrong when I do. Great advice and reminder, brother. Thanks.
Sunday, August 18, 2013 @ 8:36 am
I understand these words totally “I’m still trying to figure out the exact purpose of our chance meeting. I’m certain there’s going to be more wisdom with time.” I feel the same about Angela, a chance meeting I wrote about this morning on my blog. One thing I know for sure, I’m meant to pray for her, and I expect you are for your new Somalian friend. Our prayers can make huge differences in their lives, as I’m sure you already know, and I’m just preaching to the choir. 🙂 I recently read an incredible book “The Insanity of God” by Nik Ripken. It’s about an ordinary couple from rural Kentucky who thought they were going on just your ordinary missionary pilgrimage, but discovered it would be anything but. They spent over six years doing relief work in Somalia, then worked in other countries. It is another very sobering book and has incredible “chance” meetings. Reading in the book what other Christian’s around the world have to suffer through, makes me wonder how long it will be before God plunges the US Christians into trials by fire. It’s bound to happen, else the insipid form of Christianity which is so prevalent here will continue on and on. Our Father loves us too much to allow it to continue.
Sunday, August 18, 2013 @ 9:04 am
Not to sound redundant, but you and I being on the same page spiritually is not a coincidence. And I did need the reminder to pray instead of just ponder, Betty Jo. Your words over flowing with wisdom from our Father. You’re right, He won’t be mocked and His love will recapture our hearts by whatever means necessary… kinda sobering knowing the historical precedence from Biblical history… Thanks for sharing your heart and message, Betty Jo. God bless you, sister.
Sunday, August 18, 2013 @ 3:12 pm
Floyd,
What a respectful look into a man’s hard work for his family. Thanks. My mom has been teaching herself Somali and has some dear Somali female friends that she spends several days with every week.
Re your comment on my post “What Your Body May be Trying to Tell You,” so true, Floyd. “He is our strength, He is the answer.”
I’m so sorry you had one of those days yesterday… May today and this weekend be better, bud.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 1:32 pm
I give your mom a ton of credit. I’m still struggling with this language! Some of those tough days are really the days of enlightenment and a tad more wisdom… May all of our eyes see in our days what it is our Father puts before us. Thanks, Jennifer.
Sunday, August 18, 2013 @ 7:45 pm
I’m glad you asked for his story. I always feel so ashamed of myself for complaining when I meet people like him. I loved how you allowed us to hear his accent. Thanks for stopping by Psychowith6, Floyd.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 1:40 pm
Sometimes I feel like Jonah running from the things that I don’t want to see or face, yet each time I find the hand of our Father leading and opening up my eyes and heart. Thanks, Melanie. Your kids and their pushups were impressive, but especially for your daughter! She doesn’t see herself any less than her brothers. I like that. Good job, mom!
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 2:45 pm
Floyd, the credit is due to my husband. He doesn’t think anyone should be doing girl push-ups. 🙂 Thanks so much for the compliment. I’ll pass it on to him.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 5:03 pm
Please do pass on the compliment to all your family. And your husband is a man after my own heart. I coached girls lacrosse for years and had the girls in the gym before school all through the season and in the summer as well. Being an athlete for life has nothing to do with gender. Your daughter is proof of that.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 4:58 am
Good Monday morning to you, my Friend. I’m a tad late reading this, but I’m so glad I have. Your story reminds me of the message I heard yesterday, delivered by my 22-year-old nephew, in a little Baptist church in a small, nearby village.
Tim spoke on the greatest Commandments, according to Jesus: Loving the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength…AND…Loving our neighbour as ourself. You loved your Somalian neighbour simply by taking an interest in HIS life and even by doing something so simple as helping direct him on the best route to get you and your family home. You took a genuine interest in him. You looked into his eyes–the windows of his soul. Tim said that even when Jesus did miraculous healings in others, He would tell them to “Now go…and sin no more.” Jesus cared for the SOULS of others, ALWAYS. That is the crux of all love–to care for the SOULS of others we encounter every day. This Somalian man obviously has a beautiful soul. I’m sure he did tell his family about the man he met in his cab that day. It’s become increasingly hard to find “strangers” who are interested in other “strangers”, but it is always good and it is always right to take that little bit of time to peer into someone else’s heart and soul. And to off a kind word to the weary.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 1:45 pm
That is awesome that you got to hear your twenty two year old nephew preach! To be compassionate takes a heart and one that hurts for others. Christ even wept for the His friends when He already knew He was going to heal their brother. We hurt when others hurt.
That’s the way it’s supposed to be, but it can be taxing. And yes, peering into the windows of another human’s soul is a gift to be cherished. Especially when that person isn’t trying to hide anything. “A kind word to the weary.” Well said, Jillie. And thank you for always sharing your compassionate heart and wisdom here. It is never taken for granted, sister.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 6:17 am
Great story, Floyd. If we really look closely, most all of us speak the same language.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 1:46 pm
I’m with you there, Dan. We’re more alike than we like to believe sometimes, but our Father created us with the same traits. It is the poison of this fallen world that corrupts. Thanks for the reminder, Dan.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 12:38 pm
I LOVE the way you explained the story. It was so descriptive it was like I was there. You have a real gift with imagery and words my friend. Great story!
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 1:51 pm
As much as I didn’t want to be there or taking a cab, I knew immediately it was exactly where I was supposed to be. Thanks for the kind words and the contagious encouragement, Mike.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 12:42 pm
Sounds like there’s another good post waiting for us from a cab in the 80s. 🙂
You’re speaking the language of love here, Floyd. This is a great example of a godly encounter. You’re a light. My eyes are tearing up for how much the taxi driver has seen, and how good we have it here and take for granted.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 1:58 pm
I think I’ll pass on the reminiscing of that cab ride in the eighties. Maybe I could ride a time machine back in time and change it?
Amen, Lisa. I was feeling the same thing to hear his story and was moved by his sensitivity after all that he’s been through. Like you, he reminded me of all I take for granted. Our Father has a way of opening our eyes… one way or the other. I appreciate your heart, sister. It helps keep mine from becoming to hard.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 2:24 pm
God bless you for sharing this. Not sure what all you’re to learn from this or what that man took away from meeting you…but God knows.
I could go on about “work ethic”…this man is inspiring! No need to say more.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 4:56 pm
“But God knows.” Great point and reminder, TC. I often get too carried away pondering things instead of trusting and letting go. He was definitely inspiring and kind hearted. Thanks, TC. If you feel the need to rant, by all means have a field day! I like it when you do! I hear you. I’m with you.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 2:41 pm
Amazing how we find out over and over our commonalities. Experiences, cultures, and history may be completely different, but we are connected in fundamental ways, not least of which is being made in His image. Love the story, Floyd. Thank you.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 5:00 pm
You put that so eloquently, Jason, especially this; “Not least of which is being made in His image.” How different the world would be if even the church had more of this basic mentality. How can you not respect a person that cares for his family the best way he can, even in the face of a seemingly life altering handicap? What a gift it is to be able to show respect and admiration to a person… Thanks, Jason.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 3:27 pm
Wow Floyd, quite the ride this was from the airport! Somalia is Kenya’s neighbor on the east. lots of things going on there and i know for this man and his family, america is a safe haven, regardless of any difficulties here. You can work hard and make an honest living as long as there’s peace. Great story and powerful lesson here.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 5:08 pm
Funny, when he told me he went through Kenya before being sent here, the first thing that popped into my head is you and your husband. It was a rough ride, but worth every jolt along the way. As I talked about our taxi driver afterward my daughter who was with us said, “You’re going to write a blog about him aren’t you.” I smiled and said, “Of couwse.” Thanks, Ngina.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 4:51 pm
Thanks for sharing this post at Tell Me a Story. You are always welcome at my story site.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 5:10 pm
Thanks, Hazel. You always make me feel like part of the family. Guess that’s why I keep hanging around! I’m honored to share at your site, sister.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 8:32 pm
Floyd, I wrote a longwinded post and forgot the whole thing…….and it’s late, so I must rush. But please know that this is a heartwarming post, and I love how you pay attention to souls, just as Jesus did.It reminds me of an airport shuttle driver I met last summer who was a Muslim. I was the last one on the van, and felt afraid, but he soon set me at ease talking about life and about God. When he dropped me off at the retreat center, while he didn’t have to, he hoisted my heavy suitcase up a steep hill. He stopped to talk about life, His family, and about God again. I was no longer frightened whatever talked to HIm about the God I know. He said he felt a peace in this place and I encouraged him to come back. I don’t know what happened to him, but I do know that we must reach out to others and break down barriers. I love how you speak to the humanity of every individual, Floyd. HOpe I”m making sense–I’m sooo sleepy, and don’t have time to proof. -]
Blessings
Lynn
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:11 am
It all makes perfect sense, sister. Each soul is made with the same love from our Father as all of us and treating each of them as such is doing unto them as unto our Savior. Funny, as hard as I try to avoid these moments in life God has a way of walking me through each one and a get a blessing every time… You think I’d learn by now… That’s a great story and as you showed him respect he returned the favor in action… Many lessons to be taken in. Thanks so much, Lynn.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 9:28 pm
This is a great example Floyd of how you could have easily judged this man because not only was he from another country, he spoke with an accent I’m sure and he drove crazy. However, you held your judgement. So honorable..Only God is the Judge.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:13 am
Amen, Lincoln. “Only God is the Judge.” That pretty much sums up what our perspective should be. Each person walking this planet has a story and the man from Somalia has a story worthy of telling… Thanks for adding your wisdom, brother. Much appreciated.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 10:07 pm
I can only pray to have the eyes to see the souls that you seem to see so often. I think I look within too much for my writing but God has given you a gift to see within others. Beautiful documentation of your experience. I would love to know more of the man’s story, too.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:19 am
We’re all called in different ways. I appreciate how you examine your motives and heart, Jennifer. It helps all of us look closer at ourselves and our perspectives.
The man from Somalia had the kindest eyes that showed the depth of his gentle soul. He laughed at me in good fun when he found how little traveling I’d done. “You neeed tooo travl’ mow!” he said… You know, he’s right… Thanks for the kind words and heart, Jennifer. Keep doing your deal, sister.
Monday, August 19, 2013 @ 10:49 pm
Well you’ve done it again, Floyd. You’ve managed to find something deep and meaningful in a “chance” encounter or “happen-stance” observation. I don’t know how you do it but I’m glad you do.
Frankly, I’ve always struggled with thinking God has an interest in the minutia of our everyday lives. But somehow, through your gifted writing, I get the sense that maybe, just maybe, He has more of a hand in the bits and pieces of our daily lives than I give Him credit for. He has some tidbit of wisdom or insight to bless us with if only we take the opportunity to peel back the layers of the “chances” and “happen-stances” and see what He has in store for us in the layers beneath.
Out of a “chance” encounter with a taxi-driver from Somalia, one of over 6-billion+ people in this world, you manage to find the common ground because you chose to engage the host of your 1/2 hour sequester. He’s a family man just like you and me. As an introvert by nature, I would have sounded more like a disinterested voice from a GPS navigation system telling him to take the next exit as I stared out the window of his cab than a warm-blooded fellow wayfarer on this planet we call home. So many of us might only have seen a taxi-driver and been a bit peeved at his broken English but you introduced us to the man … the human. Good job. You humble me.
Thanks, Floyd. Great post.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:25 am
Oh man, David. You humble me, brother. Your gift with words and encouragement are truly a gift from God. You nailed it too. With over six billion people on the planet, there is still no such thing as a coincidence… You convinced me, David. To gaze into the eyes of another of our Father’s creations and see the heart and compassion there really is a gift I’ve probably overlooked much, much too often in my time… but I’m trying to pay attention… Finally… Thanks, David, and I mean a ton.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 4:57 am
Dear Floyd
The fact that this man didn’t allow his disability to provide for his family, speaks of a persevering spirit, I am glad you two met for I know how you admire the integrity of such a man! Perhaps if you see him again you should give him a few driving lessons! Haha.
Blessings XX
Mia
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:29 am
I truly do admire the integrity of that man. No stopping, no excuses, just actions in love and example to his children. I’m not sure I would be able to drive any better than that man with my left leg. I have a feeling I might see the taxi driver from Somalia again one day… Very well stated, Mia. Thanks!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 6:15 am
I bet you he could tell you some stories that would amaze…
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:37 am
Amaze and break a heart too, I’ll bet. To go through what he’s gone through and have that kind of demeanor has got to be part of a gift from God. May he and all the lost wake up to that truth. With you there, Loren. Thanks.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 6:34 am
Floyd, you asked him the question, “You like Somalia or America?” and he properly answered “Hea – of couwse…” I’ve also been asked many times if I like America better or Ukraine. How can I answer? I can’t give an honest answer, thus I must answer both! I love America because it is my home country and the land of opportunity but I also love Ukraine because it is where called has called me to live and the people here are wonderful.
Undoubtedly, your taxi driver would rather be in Somalia, it is his homeland, but he’s glad to be in America for the peace and opportunity it affords him.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:45 am
Funny how God can change a heart, isn’t it? The love of the land He’s called you to is what makes you the catalyst that God has called you to be. That’s a great story, Caleb. Thanks for sharing that perspective. Never thought of it.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 9:47 am
I really enjoy getting to know someone else s story/life journey. It’s amazing what we can learn when we ask good questions and then listen. Great post as usual.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:48 am
“Ask good questions and then listen.” There is some profound wisdom and advice, Dan. You have a way of doing that! I know you enjoy getting to know others… it’s been a blessing to me, brother! Thanks, Dan.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:56 am
Thank you:) It’s been great getting to know you.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 12:15 pm
Likewise, Dan. Maybe we can hook up again over Labor day when I’ll be back in your neck of the woods.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 12:48 pm
Yes, let’s try and make it work.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 2:07 pm
I’ll email a few days before. Thanks, Dan.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 6:31 pm
HOW AMAZING!! An official driver for a company and no leg? That is insane, considering the legality of life. ALSO, I’m happy he met you and yours, spent time with you, and, I’m sure, God seed was planted into him.
I’ve gone through so many similar things re: taxis at the airport over the years… in other countries, too. One really funny one was in Morocco and several of us ladies were in a very small taxi car, and trying to describe where we needed to go when he only spoke Arabic and French and we only spoke English and a very tiny bit of French. It was a hoot to get him around and about where we needed to be.
My dad was a taxi driver in Washington, and he was beaten by someone and carried beating protection in the taxi after that. My ex-husband was a taxi driver in California and he was threatened more than once.
Being a good driver and a good rider is a good blessing that goes forward. I truly worried about both of my family in those horrific circumstances.
NOW, I’ll shut up and go away and stop yammering. You got me again, Brother.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:22 am
Wow. You have insight into a world that I hadn’t considered. I enjoy your yammering! Seems when you do that I always end up learning something! It’s good to hear from you, Joanne. Hope you’re feeling better. God bless, sister. Thanks!
Saturday, August 24, 2013 @ 7:55 pm
Wow Floyd! I love these type of Divine appointments. God knows just HOW to link spirits. Just the fact that you bothered to take interest and interact with him, may have made his day – especially because he knew it to be genuine. While you may never see him again in this life, you now have the privilege of praying over him so that you may see in the next. (You could make a running list for all those you meet like this. Date, Name or description, brief story …and there you have it – an on-purpose prayer list like no other.) Thanks for sharing and reminding us all that we ARE connected. No man is an island.
Sunday, August 25, 2013 @ 9:01 am
That’s a great idea to make a list! Especially knowing my memory is an island! You have a way of seeing this life in a special way, Nancy. Your heart goes to the right path automatically. We are all connected. Thanks for the reminder and the connection, sister.