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‘The Day They Should Have Been Putting You In The Ground’ — Driver That Hit Log Truck Speaks
December 20, 2017
“It weighs heavy on your mind when you’re still walking and talking on the day they should have been putting you in the ground.”
Those were the words Tuesday afternoon of James Nevels of Jay, a man that many believe is still alive due to Divine intervention and a Christmas miracle.
Before daybreak last Friday, Nevels was in his Ford F-150 as he rear-ended the logs on the back of the 18-wheeler on Highway 29 just south of Barrineau Park Road. The pictures published by NorthEscambia.com were simply heart-stopping, showing multiple logs that completely penetrated the cab of the pickup, missing Nevels by mere inches. The truck was heavily damaged in the crash. The photos and story reached tens of thousands of people, many in agreement that this was that Christmas miracle.
Now, James Nevels tells his story on NorthEscambia.com, in his own words:
“Today, about 2pm my family would be having an impromptu family reunion at the Baptist Church in Jay. Some of y’all might would even have taken a little vacation time to show up. More than likely, bro Chip and bro George would’ve been the ones leading the service. I’m sure down front there would be a good pic of me, probably with my wife and son, because even though I was there I wouldn’t been able to be seen. Maybe they would play a slide show to celebrate all of my adventures, friendships, family relationship’s, marriage, and my short time as a father. Hopefully a friend or two and family would speak for few words for me. At the end 6 of my closest friends would tote me out and load me up for the short drive out to Pine Level Church Rd for the second half of the service… After that everyone would return to the church for some great food and fellowship, only to be reminded why they are there everytime my 22 month old ask if daddy was at work, or if daddy was hunting. Oblivious as to why everyone was gathered together…
“In the months to come, my wife would have to bring herself to deal with the mess of my hunting gear and what to do with it all. Along with my work clothes and other things that wouldn’t be needed any more. My supervisor at work would have to contact her about all of my personal items I left at the office. If she wanted to pick them up or have someone bring them to her. At some point, my buddy Matt would have to call her, to see what she wanted to do with my camper trailer and side by side at the hunting camp.
“In the years come, my son, would have to get to know his father from pictures, short videos, items I left for him, and a social media page that a few friends would leave messages on every year when my birthday would come around. Every Christmas season my wife would struggle putting up decorations, and if it weren’t for my son, she probably wouldn’t do it. Even the simplest things would be a constant daily reminder….
“Praise God, today that’s not the case. I came feet away Friday morning from leaving my wife and child alone in this world. A lack of discipline on my part, almost changed the lives of everyone I love forever. That’s an extremely sobering thought, that has also left me with a tremendous amount of guilt. Idk why the good Lord blessed me and spared my life. Without any good reason, he had mercy on me. Had I known the post I made the other day would be shared over 400 times, I would have elaborated on that quite a bit more. That once again God protected me when I didn’t deserve it. That God made sure I was able to go home to my family, after I feel like I was ultimately taking them for granted…. I promise to do my very best to never let that happen again and never forget how blessed I am….”
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click enlarge.
Comments
29 Responses to “‘The Day They Should Have Been Putting You In The Ground’ — Driver That Hit Log Truck Speaks”
Thank You GOD for your goodness and mercy.
Blessed blessed!!!
God was watching over you that morning, but think about this, the devil was trying to kill you, so be careful, your family is under attack to try to weaken your faith.
he comes to kill, steal and destroy and he likes to pick those who praise God.
I had tears I couldn’t stop as I read this….. what a sobering message …..
James and “Matchbox” : What a true testament and inspiration on me and others who hit real lows this time of year. Today was my low but your wonderful life and story tugged on my heart in so many ways. Just rejoice daily! I too was in a truck accident that a log truck jackknifed and when our pickup truck finally stopped my face was looking inches from a huge log that miraculously stopped/buried in the dashboard on an ol’ 65 Ford. Oddly I had no idea when I smiled through tears everyone started laughing then hugging me! My braces were full of bark splinters! Praise the Lord I could laugh and smile. God is Good, Folks! Enjoy Life cause it’s way too short in the long run. Merry Christmas to everyone!
God bless you James, and all the Nevels Family!
But. God !!!!!
God is Good!!! You are Blessed James Nevels.
Mr. Nevels, I think we all suffer from that lack of discipline you mentioned sometimes when driving.
Without a doubt we should all take heed and try to remember the lessons seen through your incident.
James, you are truly blessed. The Lord has plans for your life – pay attention to Him and he will reveal them as time passes. The Lord bless and keep both you and your family!
Thank you so much for this sweet testimony,giving God ALL The Glory,He so richly deserves……….you have encouraged people who read this…..stay true to His Word….Merry Christmas and give that sweet lil baby boy and his mother a kiss from this Nana!!!!
GOD WAS CERTAINLY WITH YOU LAST FRIDAY MORNING…SO ENJOYED YOUR NARRATIVE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH..AND CAN’T WAIT UNTIL AL HWY 112 IS OPEN AGAIN…IT IS VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING ON FL HWY 196 WITH ALL THE HEAVY TRAFFIC!!
I do not know this blessed young man but I know that God has a plan for his life. What an outstanding testimony! From looking at the pictures, it’s obvious that there is no explanation for your survival except for God’s grace. May He continue to bless you, your wife and child during this Christmas and during the rest of your life. God is good–all the time! I know He has spared me more than once and I give Him all the praise and glory.
Thanks for giving God the credit and for sharing your story. So very glad for you.
James, I am so glad that God has spared you and your family. He is definitely in charge and obviously has plans for you. Never squander what God has given and always be thankful for those you love and surround yourself with. I know Matt is thankful to have his hunting buddy alive and well. We must never take life for granted and yours is a testimony as to how precious and wonderful the gift of life and family are.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Never stop believing that God speared your life for a reason
..Wow…What a great story…and God deserves the Praise for keeping this man alive., and protecting his family and friends from so much sadness and heartbreak at this season of the year..the time that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ..But by the same token , remember what he said about “momentary lack of discipline “…Folks..learn from his lesson..when out on the road , anywhere , you have to be 100 % unturned to your surroundings and every other driver out there…Thanking God for saving him , and giving him what will probably be his greatest Christmas gift ever..his life…
Powerful Affirmation. Thank YOU. Will be sent to oue family, especially younger ones,
Very moving story. You ventured into a touchy area that many, including myself, don’t like to think about- even though, we know that we all will have to go there someday. Thank you for sharing your realistic insight and heartfelt experience.
Truly a miracle! Thankful that your life was spared by God in the midst of this eye-opening experience!
God has a plan for this young man. Praising God for saving this young man’s life. To raise his son and to be there for his wife. What a testimony.
I do not know you but I am so thankful you are ok and able to celebrate Christmas this year with your wife and son thay you adore. I loved your testimony this morning and it made me smile. God Bless you and keep us all posted on the great plan God has in store for you! Merry Christmas Sweetheart!
VERY WELL SAID, James Nevels. Always remember…James 4:15
12There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? 13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 FOR THAT YE OUGHT TO SAY, IF THE LORD WILLING, WE SHALL LIVE, AND DO THIS OR THAT. 16But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
That said, let us this Christmas, Do good to our neighbor, if the Lord blesses us with another day.
God was with you. Thank him everyday for his mercy. We are no promised for our last breath hope you and your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Thank you for sharing your story! And you are Blessed beyond measure, hold on to that, love your family, life, and first and foremost love GOD!
Beautifully said. Thank you for sharing your miracle. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Amen !
You may have actually brought someone you don’t even know to confess his sins today and be saved by the grace of God!!!
Or someone decided not to end their life because of the struggles you describe of all the people that love you….God is GREAT…and God bless you and thank you for this message.
Thanks
What a touching story, I drive up that way every morning on my way to work, God has saved My life many of times on the way up. Glad your ok. Be safe. Always remember . God is great. Amen