640. Even in an Accident Where the Other Party Is 100% at Fault, Accepting as Our Fault Because of Our Presence

💌  640. Even in an Accident Where the Other Party Is 100% at Fault, Accepting as Our Fault Because of Our Presence

My husband, Julio, was on his way home after work, giving his boss a ride on the back of his motorcycle. Then, a heavily intoxicated person sped toward them and mercilessly crashed into the back of Julio’s motorcycle, causing an accident. As a result, both his boss and Julio fell to the ground.

The person who caused the accident was not wearing a helmet and was seriously injured. Although the accident was entirely his fault, he instead said, “Hey! Because of this accident, I cannot work anymore, so you have to pay me!” and demanded 5 million Won. When I sympathized with him, saying, “The accident happened because of our presence in the situation,” the hairdressers in my beauty parlor who learned about this became even more worked up.

“Wait, sister! Our group is the victims! In this situation, when even receiving compensation would not be enough, what is this man talking about?” they exclaimed in frustration. But it turned out that he was a day laborer who earned just enough to survive each day. I felt so sorry for him and his family that I gave him 1 million Won, with Semchigo as if helping a neighbor in need and contributing to their livelihood.

At that time, 1 million Won was a considerable amount of money. Since it was not our fault, it was not a settlement payment; I just gave it out of compassion. Since my childhood, I have always believed that everything happens because I am in that place and the other party ends up committing a sin. So, in this case, I thought that the man caused the accident because Julio was present in that place and I accepted it not as “the man’s fault” but as “my fault.”

“Yes, even though he had been drinking a lot, the accident would not have happened if Julio had not been there, right?” So instead of arguing about whose fault it was, I accepted it all as my fault and offered it up for the repentance of sinners. Even though we were the ones who should have received compensation, I happily helped him with the heart of practicing love, with Semchigo as if I were helping someone in need.

But after receiving the 1 million Won, he continued to come to the beauty parlor every few days. He kept insisting, “If it were not for you, I would not have had the accident. Now I am unable to earn even a penny because of you!” and was asking for money while throwing a tantrum. Each time, offering it up with Semchigo as if I had not done any clients’ hair work that day, I gave him all the money from the parlor safe without even counting it and I continued to help him by giving him more.

One day, a customer whose hair I had blow-dried in the morning came back to have her hair fixed again. (I usually offered a free touch-up after a blow-dry.) After that, only customers like that kept coming and I was not able to make any money. In that situation, he showed up again and demanded, “Give me money for my treatment.” I said, “I am sorry, I do not have any money today.”

Despite there being many customers seated, he shouted, “What? No money? Hey! If it were not for you all, would I have had this accident?” He even started yelling loudly! From a human perspective, it was absurd and his words were truly shameless, but instead, I just felt pity for him.

I thought, “How hard must life be for this poor man for him to act out like that?” and all I wanted was to help him in any way I could. So, I offered it up with Semchigo as if I were receiving God’s love, and I did not say a word to my husband about it. I continued to help him with love, even buying meat for him during the holidays.

My personal reflection note with Mama Julia🌹💗 

Link 👇🏻

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