The Power of Christ

Several years ago I fell into an industry in which I never imagined myself. And like Michael Corleone in the Godfather, I may want out, but they keep pulling me back in. The pay is good, and I don't have the discipline or desire to change my lifestyle. It pays for the life I enjoy, so I stay.

At parties or when introduced to people I don't enjoy telling them what I do. I'll often pass it off as management, not caring to go into details. The truth is I work in insurance. To be more specific, it's workers' compensation insurance. Trust me, that never wins anyone over during an introduction. How did an aspiring actress, former television news producer end up where I am today? I opted for a private life and money. Not that I'm rolling in it now. I suppose to salve my conscience, I began working for a non profit organization 9 years ago. I believe in their mission and it helps me to feel better about my career.

Now, before you think differently, let me clarify something. I've never worked for any company that was out to get the poor injured worker. Luckily, there is a statute that governs the industry so it's pretty straight forward. So those attorney commercials telling you adjusters are out to get you - they are lies. I kid you not. Sure I know there are less than scrupulous employers. And I've heard of some less than stellar insurance companies. But on the life of my precious pug, I've never worked for any company that would pay you less than the law requires.

However, after years of working and supervising claims I have stories of how employees have tried to fraud the system like you wouldn't believe. I honestly believe most people are truly hurt at first, but then a vicious cycle kicks in and they are pulled in. And there are a very few who willingly go into it with the full intention of defrauding the system. I hate to be cynical, but after all my years I can tell within the first two weeks who are the folks who are going to be trouble.

Now what I'll say next will anger some, but in all my years and hundreds of claims I've yet to have the following formula fail. If an injured worker mentions Jesus you can bet there will be lies and deceit. I've spoken to dozens of adjusters; the majority who are themselves regular church-going and God fearing Christians. I've never had one adjuster disagree with me. It seems that shysters and frauds feel certain that if they mention they love Jesus you won't notice as they defraud the system. Year after year I wait for someone to tell me to "Have a blessed day in Christ's love" and then prove to be honest, but it hasn't happened yet.

Today my elderly friend asked me to take her to the bank. I had the pug in the car and it's a bit of a hot day. So I dropped her off in front of the bank, and drove to the parking lot to wait for her. When I saw her coming out, I started to back out of the spot to pick her up. I looked to my right and it was clear. I looked to the left and watched a man pull in and park and I just started backing up without checking the right again. I ran smack into a car.

I pulled up and grabbed my insurance information out of the glove compartment. The gentleman was out of his car surveying the damage. It was a small scratch on his car right above the tire. It was a forest green car, so the scratch was obvious. I apologized and told the gentleman I would give him my name, number and insurance information. He seemed reluctant to take it. I assured him I was at fault for the scratch and would cover the damage. I asked him to call me with the estimate. He quietly said, "I am a Christian, it is a small amount of damage."

I gulped. "Yes sir, it is. But it is my responsibility. If it's less than the deductible I will pay, and if not we'll turn it into my insurance. That's what it is there for."

He stated he was very busy, but would take care of it later and call me. I again apologized.

Later I called into work and was telling one of my adjusters. When I said he told me he was a Christian, she gulped. "Oh Lord," she said, "they are the worst ones." (She is a Sunday regular at church.)

For the first time in years I said, "No, he sounded honest. I really think he meant it. I don't think he'll take advantage of me."

She sighed and like a mother to a child said, "I hope you're right."

I hope I am to. Please let someone prove me right this time. Someone needs to help give Christians a good name.