Have You Ever Witnessed Something So Startling That You Had to Act Immediately?
It was the 1990s, and I was sitting in my living room with a woman in her fifties and her fourteen-year-old son. Her body was tense, her eyes filled with irritation—ready to battle. The boy, however, barely made a sound. His shoulders were slumped, his gaze fixed on the floor.
I turned to him gently.
“Dave, did your mother tell you why she brought you to me?”
“No,” he whispered.
Before another word could be exchanged, the sharp sound of a slap cut through the air. She had struck him with her fist—right in front of me.
He made no sound. He didn’t even flinch.
In that moment, I had no idea what I would do. If you had asked me before this, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you how I’d react in such a situation. But sometimes, we don’t find out who we truly are until something difficult presents a challenge.
I picked up my phone and began dialing.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“You’ll find out in a moment.”
A social worker answered.
“I have a client here who just violently struck her son in front of me. I am willing to testify. If she can do this so casually, she is comfortable being brutal.” I reported.
The call ended. The wheels of justice began to turn.
The Aftermath: A Choice Confirmed
Six months later, I received another call. This time, it was from Dave and his father. Sole custody had been granted to his dad, and his mother was placed on probation, receiving therapy. Their voices were filled with gratitude. They were safe.
I felt good about taking action. If you had asked me beforehand what I would do, I wouldn’t have been sure. But afterward, I knew—I had made the right decision. When I learned that it helped Dave to know someone in a position of authority cared, I felt even more secure in my choice.
What Would You Have Done?
Many people hesitate to get involved, fearing it’s not their place or that their intervention won’t matter. But sometimes, a single moment of courage changes everything.
Why This Matters to You:
- Have you ever been in a situation where you felt powerless to help someone?
- Do you struggle with knowing when to step in or when to stay silent?
- Do you wonder how one decision—one moment—could alter a life?
Your Takeaway:
You don’t need to be a psychic, a therapist, or an expert to do what’s right. You just need to listen to your intuition and trust that if something feels wrong, it probably is.
You don’t know if your action is the best one until… you see the difference it makes.
What’s One Time You Took a Stand?
I’d love to hear your stories. Have you ever intervened in a way that made a difference? Hit reply and let me know.
With heart,
Nancy