I have never been a huge racing fan but living most of my life near Michigan International Speedway has shown me that many people are. The residents of our small country towns surrounding the track area must learn different routes to navigate daily life or plan to spend considerable time caught up in race traffic. Heavy drinking and partying are well-known behaviors of many of the fans who begin arriving up to three days ahead of the event. There is another tradition, that took place for many years, behind the scenes of NASCAR.

Unnoticed by most, Stevie Waltrip, wife of racing legend Darrell Waltrip, would write out a Bible verse on the smooth side of a strip of tape. She would give it to her husband just before the race began. One day she caught the attention of another famous driver, Dale Earnhardt. Earnheardt then asked Stevie to include him as well and she did not hesitate. Even after her husband retired from the sport she continued the tradition for Dale. On February 18, 2001, Earnhardt ran head-on into the wall and died on impact.

Stevie admitted taking extra time that day seeking the perfect message. She wrote out Proverb 18:10: “The name of ADONAI [the Lord] is a strong tower, a righteous person runs to it and is raised high (above danger).” Stevie was convinced God had given her that scripture so that she, and all who cared about him, “might be comforted by the condition of his soul.” His son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., decided to honor his dad’s memory by asking Stevie to continue the tradition with him. And so she did throughout his career as well.

Your work today may not be as risky as a race car driver but you live in the same world with the same destroyer. You need the same protector. Grab a piece of tape, or a sticky note, or add a reminder in your phone–take an encouraging Word with you. Let the road less traveled become your new route to navigate daily life.