On December 5th a short time after arriving at work , I was told that I would be laid off due to a budget issue and that my current position would end in about 4 weeks. I was offered a part time position , less pay, out of my comfort zone and with this job I would be able to stay a district employee. Can I say that the day prior to going into work , I was up ,had me a little praise and worship, I sanggggg , clapped and danced like David! I was feeling good and ready for the day, little did I know that I would get that news. I went from Office Clerk to bus attendant. When offered the job I said “ You want me on a bus?” Not thinking that I was better than anyone , but the simple fact was that I can answer a phone , type an email, fax papers, help a customer at the window and heat my lunch in the microwave all at the same time LOL….I was being PUSHED out of my comfort zone. The first day that I was on the bus I was ok, and then a few days later , LIFE set in. As the day went by I was becoming accustomed to the bus , the driver , students and a new routine the words BREAKER...BREAKER 1..9.. came to mind as the other drivers were dispatching their needs and wants over the radio.
One morning before our bus departed the depot, I cried. I was so mad with myself because I wanted to know how I ended up where I was ….AGAIN…...and why?! My coworkers would always tell me that I am always so chipper and positive. Honestly, at times I don’t think they had any idea how I had to PUSH myself , they didn't know what the car ride to work was like, the argument that I had the night before with my children, the many times I sat in the car about 1 minute and 10 seconds prior to me having to log into my phone for the day and last but not least the many conversations I had with God where my defiance was on 100% because I knew I was hearing from God ……...BUT!!, because I was so caught up with the fact that I experienced sooooooo much in my life…..I…...Patrice……..excluded myself from ever thinking that I could be used by God. Besides, I was already used by people, places and things.
Not…..Anxiety, Depression, PTSD havin’ Patrice
Not ….Victim of Domestic Violence Patrice
Not…...Divorced Patrice
Not me...Not me…
BREAKER, BREAKER 1..9
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear that , may be the show Smokey and the Bandit. Although, I am not that old and was born in the same year that the show launched. I remember watching it and there was something cool about saying breaker…….breaker ….1….9….But what happens as you get older and you transmit to God and he doesn’t answer? …….B-r-e-a-k-e-r……..B-r-e-a-k-e-r…….1……9….… It wasn’t that HE didn’t answer, it was that you were on the wrong channel. In today’s text I am going to take you on a journey with me as I encountered a life change, unexpectedly, without knowing why, this is what I learned although I was on a school bus and not in a truck.
A truck driver like most people who operate heavy machinery , wears a Hi Visibility Yellow Safety Jacket or Vest. (a bus attendant is required to wear this daily) Spiritually the color yellow stood for wisdom and intellect throughout the ages and represents happiness, clarity, and sunlight. Ephesians 5:13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light
Breaker...breaker….1….9…..Is a radio slang term used by truck drivers telling other CB users that you’d like to start a transmission on Channel 19. CB stands for Citizens Band.
Citizenship (Philippians 3:20-21)
But our citizenship is in heaven , and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
The correct channel for truck drivers to communicate with dispatch is Channel 19; unless otherwise told. According to the Bible , the number 19 is used as a symbol of faith. It means that people who have faith in divine forces will have better lives, full of love, peace, and usually denotes God’s perfect order in regard to his judgement in the Bible. In ancient times, it was known as the “Number of Surrender” . When you surrender you give up your own will , thoughts, ideas , deeds and you get in position to receive what God has in store for you. If you have ever noticed on the rear door of tractor trailers or large trucks, there is a sign that reads “ Caution ,makes wide turns” . In some pregnancies , the child may be breech, which most times hinders the birthing process. You may ask what a wide turn has to do with giving birth; let me explain. In the labor process , to assist with NATURALLY turning a breech baby (WIDE TURN) you adopt a knee-to-chest position. Kneeling on the floor, with your bottom in the air, and your head and shoulders on the floor.
(TOTAL SURRENDER)
TRANSMISSION; 10-4; AFFIRMATIVE; COMEBACK; MOVING ON; POWER UP; GROUND PRESSURE...
These are some radio lingo terms used by truck drivers while on the road daily. Although, you nor I are truck drivers. There are times on this journey , just as truck drivers travel through different roads and towns we have a breakdown. During your breakdown you will have to radio to dispatch for HELP. In order for you to activate the call you have to PUSH the button on the side of the radio, once activated you can begin to communicate your needs, wants and commands. However, if you feel that you have PUSHED, and communicated and heard no reply from dispatch, you have to check and make sure that you are on the correct channel.
Transmission - the most important part of any vehicle. It is a series of components that actually receive power from the engine and TRANSMIT it to the wheels of the vehicle. As important as a transmission is to a vehicle , a heart is to a vessel of God. The heart is a muscular organ which pumps blood through the blood vessels of the circulatory system. In the Bible , the heart refers to the ruling center of the whole person, the spring of all desires. In order for the heart to work , blood has to be transmitted through it. Just like a transmission needs transmission fluid, a vessel needs the blood of Jesus. Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.
10-4 - Means OK, message received . Ezra 10:4 Arise; for this matter belongs to you; we also will be with you: be of good courage , and do it. Affirmative- YES. CB radio lingo the number 42 means yes or OK. I am 42 years old , maybe it is time I say Yes or Ok and stop trying to fix myself, could be that I was meant to be broken, gracefully . (Psalm 51:17) KJV The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Come Back - If you couldn’t hear the last transmission or want the other driver to talk, you can ask for a come back . Hosea 12:6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.
Moving On - Head down a road (Romans 8:18) KJV For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.(2020 year of the reveal) John 16:14 He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw, upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, TRANSMIT) it to you.
Power Up - Accelerate ,drive faster ( you can’t do this without transmission fluid) (Exodus 9:16) NKJV But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.
Ground Pressure - (Relates to your Trials and Tribulations) The truck weight according to the weigh station scale. They are testing the ground pressure. (James 1:2 ) Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
It was in those times where I was hurt and needed the most HELP where I was most available to HELP others. The slogan says” The mind is a terrible thing to waste” but what happens when you are in your own mind It’s just as LETHAL. Lethal means to suffocate , cause death.
LETHAL
Leave - Everything - To - Him - And - Live
LIVE
Live - Intentionally -Victoriously - Eternally
(what these acronyms mean to me)
Rest Stop (on the road to Jerusalem) - A truck drivers home away from home where they rest, shower, and recharge themselves for the long haul. HAUL- God lifting you up Ezekiel 32:4 I'll fling you up onto the land; I'll haul you into the field, I'll make every carrion-eating bird come to dine on you, and I'll make all the scavenging animals gorge themselves on you. This is where they can relax and destress from all the things that they may have experienced while on the road. It can be dangerous to travel long distances without rest when you are at rest you can take time to listen to God. Revelation 21:4 (NIV) ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Lastly brings you back to the number 19 your number of surrender. Matthew 26:39 “ come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest
Although, we are not truckers, it is my hope that these command codes draw you closer to switching to Channel 19, leaving you with this prayer.
Zephaniah 3:9 “In the end I will turn things around for the people. I’ll give them a language undistorted, unpolluted , Words to address God in worship and, united , to serve me with their shoulders to the wheel.
Thank you for reading about my journey and I hope that this blesses someone!
~ Patrice