I was in California this past weekend. I was most excited to see my family and friends as well as to remind myself of just how awesome LA is. However, I was also set to appear in court to handle an outstanding matter.
I first left Pasadena in the summer of 2006. I left a car in the hands of my house church and asked them to find someone down on their luck who could use it. They did, and I was thrilled. Until about a year later when it came to my attention that I was receiving parking tickets on the donated car. I spoke with the person who assured me that they would rectify the situation immediately. This past February I flew out to California and was mortified to find out that the recipient of this car had not in fact rectified the situation and had amassed nearly $5,000 worth of parking tickets in my name. Again, I spoke with this individual - this time in person - and again they promised me that they would do what was necessary to make things right. A few months went by - still nothing. So, I was forced to file a small claims court case, which was scheduled for yesterday in Pasadena.
As I guessed, although this person was served with court papers, they did not show up for the court date. I explained the situation to the judge and he found in my favor. Translation, “Yes, she owes you the money for the tickets. Have fun collecting!”
I have not paid for these tickets yet and I am going to try a few other avenues, but the matter remains largely unresolved.
This is not unlike when I came home to Ohio to discover that renters had done $15,000 worth of damage to my home. There was a judgment in my favor there as well, but I haven’t (and don’t presume I ever will) see a cent.
In all honesty, I am not complaining, just sharing. I am not really sure exactly what to feel. It would be easy to play the victim, I mean in reality I suppose I am, but I’d rather not settle for that. I am trying my best to push through the frustration and financial hardship and ask myself, “What evil must have been done to a person to bring them to a point where they act like this?” Certainly we all bear responsibility for our actions, but I do not count myself among those who feel people simply act evil impulsively. I think we act out evil because some sort of evil has been done to us.
So, while not merely excusing the actions of these folks, I am really trying to sympathize with their situation and ask for justice - not just for me, but for them.
Oh yeah, I had my car in the shop while I was away to the tune of $500 in repairs for stuff and then I wrecked it this afternoon when I decided to drive through a ditch and into a fence rather than up the rear end of the lady who slammed on her brakes at the last minute to make a left turn she didn’t signal for. Evil abounds! (Yes, I’m fine)
** I almost hesitate to use the word “evil” to describe this sort of stuff - there are far worse travesties and situations in the world that are far more deserving of the title, but hopefully you get my drift.
14 responses so far ↓
1 Sarah Christoph // Jun 18, 2008 at 12:27 am
WOW! I am sorry to hear all this…especially happening all at once. It is comforting and encouraging how you’re framing your thoughts around your circumstances. I have experienced something similar with an investment- and the amount was $12,000. I managed to get $2,500 by talking with the person, but didn’t have peace to fight for the rest. Also, it encourages me in light of a discussion I had tonight with Lisa concerning unpaid (never paid) child support. I am of the frame of mind that I shouldn’t fight for that either, meanwhile I am frantically trying to get to the place where I am financially independant of my parents- because they feel betrayed by my decision to not fight for support. Anyways, I think God is true to his word. I believe He sees everything, and even that is comforting- results or not. There is something so sweet about having true peace in Christ… “it’s beyond understanding”
I’d take peace over profit anyday.
2 Alex Rozko // Jun 18, 2008 at 9:02 am
How you remain sympathetic and positive is beyond me. Not to say that’s a bad quality at all. But the JR from high school would not be so passive.
I’m so sorry to hear about the bad luck recently, but like all trials you’ve endured, you’ll get through this moment and be stronger for it. Keep up the mental strength brotha.
Thank God you are physically ok as well. Let me know if the accident is more serious than the post leads on.
3 Ryan Conrad // Jun 18, 2008 at 9:12 am
Jr-
I’d say I’m sorry (and I am) but I know that you wouldn’t want simpathy and aren’t asking for it. But it still sucks some of the stuff that’s happened.
I really really liked how you described and defined “evil” even hesitating to use it at times. And I think if Christians can have the mindset of (what evil must have been done to this person in order for them to act this way) we’d all be in a better place (the Church that is)
I believe to that people don’t just act out in an evil way (well, in thinking about it further; not most people) Most people react like you said to evil that has been done to them, a sad thing in deed-
Really liked this post man, I really resonate with your perspective on life bro
Ryan C
4 JR Rozko // Jun 18, 2008 at 11:27 am
@Sarah - Thanks for the understanding - nice to know someone shares my pain.
@Alex - Thanks for the brotherly love. Though I really doubt you meant it this way, you’ve started me thinking about how my response is not actually passive, as in a non-response, but is in fact every bit as active, just a different sort of response. Perhaps more to come on that later.
@Ryan - Thanks for the encouragement.
5 Laura // Jun 18, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Dude, you’ve got to talk to a lawyer before you go and let someone use your car!
Also, I respectfully disagree with your “evil” belief. I believe that when we act out evil implsively, we’re being consistent with who we are–sinners. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we don’t all act evil all the time.
By the way, if you’d actually hit the lady and there was an uniterested witness to say that the lady was turning and didn’t signal and you were actually injured, I may have been able to do something for you. Since none of the above happened, I’m sorry about your car but glad that you’re okay.
6 JR Rozko // Jun 18, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Hey Laura, I appreciate the legal perspective on this stuff. While I am no advocate of making foolish decisions, I really count this as a cost of trying to follow Jesus. Being taken advantage of is something I am willing to embrace if it means remaining hopeful about the human condition and trusting people. If I spent all my time trying to cover my rear from all the stuff that might happen, I’m not sure there’s be much room left for living out a life of hope, faith, and trust in God.
I am not really sure that we are in any disagreement here. I wasn’t meaning to make the case that we only enact evil as a result of evil that has been done to us, but that indeed this is also the case. God’s grace and mercy, as you say, while certainly present and active in the world, is also infused in us as those created in the image of God - those intrinsically capable of great good, but on account of “the fall,” also great bad.
Thanks for your thoughts and sympathies.
7 Laura // Jun 18, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I’ve got to be careful about what I write. I wish that I could convey my tone of voice in comments. The legal commentary (on both the car lending and car wreck) was completely in jest. I think my occupation has totally warped my sense of humor. I totally agree that sometimes God calls us to do things that are risky and end up costing us.
I’ve also got this knack for nitpicking words and arguing about them. It’s a family trait. (To illustrate, my sister-in-law’s facebook profile lists one of her favorite books as “You Too Can Always Be RIght,” by the entire Shea family.) It serves me well at work, but not so well in relationships (just ask Jon). :) Having seen your response, I think our views aren’t really different.
8 JR Rozko // Jun 19, 2008 at 11:49 am
You will need to write a sequel to your family book now that I have entered your life entitled, “How You Too Can Always Be More Right Than the Other Guy Who is Always Right.” It was my idea, but I will donate the rights to you… or should I consult a lawyer first?
9 Carrie Babcock // Jun 20, 2008 at 9:09 am
After all the headaches and expenses that you had to recently deal with, why not go on a FREE vacation in October…
10 Sarah Christoph // Jun 21, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I take Houston daily and everytime I ride by that broken fence I think about the blog, and wonder how your latest car crisis is panning out. How is your car? And who is responsible to fix the fence? Just curious.
11 JR Rozko // Jun 21, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Car is beat up - hope to get it back Tuesday or so. Insurance will hopefully take care of the fence (which I learned will be torn down this fall anyway to make room for a wider road.
12 Laura // Jun 23, 2008 at 9:09 am
I will get started on the book right away. Who needs lawyers anyway?
13 Jenelle // Jul 7, 2008 at 1:05 am
Whoa. That is straight craziness. Sorry to hear you sort of got stripped on your generosity.
And sorry I only lamely managed a very quick hello when I ran into you on campus. That week was slightly and violently insane with too much all at once.
14 JR Rozko // Jul 7, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Hey Jenelle, thank for the sympathy and no worries at all for not having the chance to chat - I completely understand. I was just breezing through and didn’t get to spend as much time as I would have liked with hardly anyone. Still following your blog - hope is well in your world.
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