Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … Nearly 14 years ago, Merari Morales faced a terrifying moment that could have ended in tragedy. Instead, it became a powerful testimony of faith, forgiveness, and radical generosity.

Morales had just dropped off her kindergarten-aged son at school in California when she stepped into a crosswalk, only to be struck by a speeding car. The impact threw her beneath the vehicle, leaving her trapped under its wheels. But in that harrowing moment, she recalls, “I felt the presence of God.” As she lay under the car, her first instinct was not fear for herself but a prayer for her children’s safety.

In what can only be described as a miracle, Morales emerged from the accident with no major injuries, just minor scrapes. The young driver, overwhelmed with shock, believed he had killed her. As the authorities arrived, they handcuffed him, preparing to arrest him. Bystanders urged Morales to press charges or seek financial compensation, but she refused. “Nothing happened to me,” she insisted, advocating for his release.

Her act of forgiveness left the driver stunned. Instead of holding resentment, she and her husband took the opportunity to introduce him to their faith, inviting him to their church. With tears in his eyes, he told Morales, “No one has ever treated me with such kindness.” He covered all medical expenses and pledged his support should she ever need help in the future.

Doctors were equally shocked. Her scans showed no fractures, no internal injuries, no lasting damage. Morales walked away from the accident unscathed, believing that God’s mercy had protected her.

Reflecting on that day, Morales shares a simple but profound lesson: “If we love God, we have to learn to forgive. If Jesus forgives us, we have to forgive others.” For her, the accident was not about survival. It was an opportunity to live out her faith in a way that left an everlasting impact on another person’s life.

More than a decade later, Morales remains healthy and grateful, holding onto the belief that forgiveness is a gift we give not only to others but to ourselves. Through her story, she reminds us that true generosity is found in offering grace when the world expects retribution. In every moment, even life’s most unexpected ones, as an opportunity to reflect the love of God. Watch Merari’s story below.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.