I have said that when we go on that journey of rediscovering ourselves and make the commitment to change our lives around, at some point, you will get help from someone you had no idea would or could help. Even when you start, you might not know this person even exists so when they come into your life, don’t question God’s plan for you because it will be perfect.
That is why I wanted to share this story from April of 2000. I was a cameraman at Channel 2 and at this point in my career, it was tough. I was divorced and had an eighteen month old angel and did not make a lot of money, but I had a dream and a vision of what I wanted to do. I was barely making it and then one day, my car breaks down. My lifeline. I was living in a very cheap one bedroom apartment in Lakewood and was trying to survive. My car said, “Hey, I am not feeling well and it will cost us only $1,500 for me to feel better.”
$1,500? Good lord, that seemed to me about a million dollars at the time. I hit my knees and asked God for direction, any direction. I then recalled a conversation with someone who had just gotten a loan with the help of a guy named Doug Gold at Wilson Bank. Their credit was worse than mine and I figured what the heck.
I set up an appointment with Doug and knew it would last about five minutes after he pulled my credit and I was back to square one. I actually took a cab to the bank on that day. My car was at the mechanic who said I could keep it there and when I got the money, he would fix it. So, Doug pulls my credit and looks at me. Looks back at my credit and then at me. “Tell me about being a cameraman, I bet that is a fun job.” For forty-five minutes, we talked about that job and how I got into the news business and more.
“I like the fact that you’ve kept going in this job you loved. You just didn’t quit. I am going to approve your loan because I see you just need a break.” He took a chance on a guy with bad credit but promise. How many people do that? I just needed one and his name was Doug Gold. I got a $4K loan and got my car fixed. That allowed me to get some freelance jobs and I was on my way.
I walked out of the bank and down the street and called another cab because I was still embarrassed but was praising God the whole time.
I asked Doug years later why he did that, why he took a chance on me when no one else would. He said, “If I was in that same position as you, I’d pray someone would help me as well.”
You never know, you really never know who is going to help in that time of need. Thank you, Doug.
