Absolutely! Earlier this month I wrote about five years ago when the Lord instantaneously healed the torn ligament in my ankle—one week before I was due to schedule surgery with my orthopedist. Tonight I want to tell you my Aunt Linda’s story.
Brain Aneurism
Aunt Linda is a Mary Kay sales director with team members throughout Florida and Georgia. A few years ago, she headed over to Panama City to help one of her friends and team members with some training sessions. Linda stopped to have lunch, and as she was sitting there, she began to feel strange. In her words, she felt like she needed to get up and run out of the restaurant, but before she could make it to the door, her legs collapsed and she fell to the ground.
Linda knew that something was terribly wrong, and she immediately started speaking over herself: “I plead the covering of the blood of Jesus from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.” Paramedics were eating lunch at the same restaurant, and they immediately drove her to the hospital for observation.
As I was coming in from work that evening I had a call from Aunt Dinah, Linda’s sister. Linda had been diagnosed with a brain aneurism, and the prognosis was scary. They wanted to clip the bleed to prevent any further damage, and they were waiting to do surgery at her request until her sisters and husband could get to the hospital to see her.
We arrived sometime in the wee hours of the morning. The surgeon showed us all the MRI that clearly revealed the aneurism. We were told she was not stable to move; she would have to have the surgery in Panama City. There was a significant chance that the blood vessel would still rupture, and if it did, the prognosis was death or severe permanent disability.
Before going into surgery, Linda asked that we all hold hands around her bedside and pray with her. We also prayed for and over her doctors and anointed her with oil. Because the surgery was scheduled to last for such a long time and we’d traveled through much of the night to get there, we all left to try to get some sleep at a nearby hotel.
Rupture
Several hours later the hospital called. Things had gone from bad to worse. During the operation, Aunt Linda’s aneurism had ruptured, and she had blood on a large area of her brain. The doctor was unsure whether she’d ever regain consciousness, and if she did, what the permanent damage would be.
In the midst of this, I continued to feel the total calm of God’s presence. I knew without a doubt that he was with her and working on her behalf. We were told it would probably be the next day before she woke up, if she ever did. Imagine the hospital staff’s surprise when a short time later, she began to stir. Our family gathered around her bedside again to hold her hand, talk to her and encourage her.
We were so thrilled that she was actually awake, that we began teasing her husband that we were going to take him out to get a steak to celebrate. As we stood debating about how best to get to the restaurant, Aunt Linda motioned for a pen and paper. (She was still intubated and couldn’t speak.) She wrote, “Left at the Starbucks.” Not only was Linda following the conversation, she was able to give us directions!
Miracle Lady
Aunt Linda was released to return to our home city a week later. As she left the hospital, everyone there referred to her as the “Miracle Lady.” She left without any permanent damage or loss of function. What a miracle!
In the year that followed her aneurism, she continued to take anti-seizure medication, prescribed as a standard precaution following this type of brain surgery. Her hair grew in to cover the scar where they’d removed her skull to get to the affected area. There were never any further complications from the aneurism.
Today, she continues to be healthy and happy. She continually proclaims the Lord’s favor over her and his healing power.
Words to Live By
Miracles absolutely still happen today! Next time, we’ll talk about the times when it seems that they don’t. Until then, remember:
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8
“Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds—his name is the Lord—and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” Psalm 68:4–6
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2–4
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Need a Miracle?
Ever feel forgotten? Or like there’s no good end in sight? Maybe you look at others around you and see them getting the things that they’ve prayed for while you continue to wait. Maybe it’s just that you seem to be struggling worse than everyone else around you, and you wonder when it’s going to be “your turn.” At times like that, you’ve got to practice focusing on the positive and remembering the things that God has done for you.
We’ve talked a bit about focusing on the positive. If you’ve missed those posts, the idea is that you have to be intentional about the things that you let yourself dwell on. By continually bringing your mind back to anything good that is going on in your life—even if it’s as basic as the fact that you were able to get out of bed of your own will this morning—you will slowly begin to overcome the obsession on the things that aren’t going as well in your life.
Another aspect of this is purposeful remembering. Put simply, when you’re in a bind, remember the things that God has already brought you through and accomplished in your life. When you’re tempted to believe that God has forgotten you, focus on these memories and know that he’s still there with you; his promise is never to fail you or abandon you (Deut. 31:6).
Sometimes it’s easier to believe God to come through for the little things, but quite another thing to trust him for something big. I can relate! Often I have to remind myself of some of the incredible things he’s done in my life. One of the biggest of these is the time that he miraculously healed my ankle. Here’s the story:
Oh, No, Not Again!
Nearly six years ago, I was in the midst of the divorce process and at the lowest point of my life. My son and I were living in an apartment complex while waiting for the construction to be completed on the condo we’d be moving into.
As part of my stress management, I was out for a walk around the apartment complex when suddenly, my ankle gave way with an audible “pop,” and I tumbled into the grass next to the road. Waves of pain washed over me, and I found myself unable to even get back to my feet. Thankfully, a neighbor saw me, stopped his car, helped me to my feet, and drove me back to my apartment.
I managed to hop through the door, grab some ice, and collapse on the sofa, crying all the while. Elevating the foot did nothing to help. My right ankle had been injured multiple times since childhood, and it was prone to weakness. This was not the first time it had collapsed under me, but it was definitely the worst. X-rays confirmed that nothing was broken, so I got into a pattern of icing, elevating, and leaving it in a brace for support.
Six weeks later an RN friend came to visit. She took one look at my purple, swollen ankle and declared that something was not right. She cajoled me into calling an orthopedist.
A couple weeks and an MRI later, my worst fears were confirmed: The ligament that wraps around the outside of the ankle to keep it from flopping to the side was torn almost 50% through. I had two options: Continue to use a walking cast any time I was on uneven ground (possibly for the rest of my life) and possibly have to have surgery later, or go ahead and have the surgery now. If I chose the surgery, I was told that I would be flat on my back and completely out of work for two weeks. The next four weeks would involve crutches. I would not be able to drive any of those six weeks. Following that, I would be in physical therapy for six months.
By this time, our condominium was completed and we’d moved in. We live on the second story, so our lives now involved daily stairs. Additionally, as a single parent with a 5-year-old, there was no one else to drive us around. There were the financial considerations of missing work and the physical issues of taking care of my son and the mission trip to Russia that I was scheduled to take in four months.
On the heels of this news came the final blow. My son Austin was running around the living room, tripped, and gashed his head on the coffee table. It was the last straw. On the way to pick up medical supplies I needed for him, I had a complete fit with the Lord. There’s no pretty way to say it. I had a full-out temper tantrum. I was so angry. How could he let this happen? He knew I was a single parent. He knew all of the challenges I was already up against! He knew that I had to be able to drive and care for Austin. Was he trying to take me to the breaking point? On and on I went, until I finally ran out of energy. Once I did, I apologized to God for all of my ranting and asked for his forgiveness. As bad as I felt for the outbreak, I felt relief to finally acknowledge those feelings and let him deal with them.
A Miracle Happens
Early one morning, probably a week after the meltdown, I was up working on a Bible study. As I sat there, I recounted in my mind all of the scriptural examples I could recall of times when God either miraculously healed someone or even raised them from the dead.
A bleary-eyed Austin shuffled in because he’d woken up afraid, and I went to lay down with him in his bunk bed. As I laid there, I continued to pray and remind myself and God of all of those miracles. “If it’s your will to heal me, I know that you can,” I prayed, “but if it’s your will for me to have the surgery then I accept it.” In that instant I heard in my spirit, “Take up your mat and walk.” Immediately, the pain disappeared. The difference was so radical that for a moment, I thought I had fallen asleep and was dreaming.
Wide awake, I gingerly made circles in the air with my foot. No pain. I got up and stood on the ankle. Still no pain and no weakness. When I walked out to the kitchen so I could look at it in the light, the bruising and swelling were gone. It was healed, and I was dumbfounded!
A week later, I made the return visit to the orthopedist to satisfy a skeptical friend who wasn’t sure whether to believe what had happened. As soon as his nurse saw me without the walking cast, in sandals, and without bruising or a limp, her eyes widened and she said, “Let me get the doctor.” The doctor confirmed what I already knew: There was absolutely nothing wrong with the ankle. He released me with a shake of his head and a grin.
To this day, my right ankle continues to be strong. I’ve had no additional issues. And as an added bonus, the severe seasonal allergies that had plagued me since childhood vanished with the ankle injury. Imagine!
What This Means to Me Now
We are all tempted at times to get discouraged and believe that our lives are always going to be difficult, something we’re waiting for is never going to happen, and even if God had the power to fix something in our lives, he wouldn’t bother with someone as insignificant as we.
During those times, I think back on this miracle. I remind myself that God is willing and able to do what’s best for me in his way and in his timing. In this particular instance, I think I had to be willing to get to the place where I was absolutely okay with whatever happened to my ankle and to trust that he had my best in mind no matter the outcome.
His Ways Are Higher than Ours
In the next couple of posts I’m going to share a bit more about healing miracles and times when those miracles don’t take place. One is the miraculous story of my aunt’s healing from a brain aneurism. The other is the tragic loss of three people who were dear to me due to cancer. God loved them all—still does. They are all Christians, and yes, those who’ve died and are his continue to live on in eternity. As a minister at one of those friend’s funerals said today, “Death, when you’re a Christian, is the ultimate healing.”
We’re not always going to understand the reasons that some things happen on this earth. During those times, we need to remember two things:
1. God’s ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)
2. “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” Psalm 62:11-12a
God has the power to act in your life. Trust him to do it in the way, and in the timing that’s best for you. But know that miracles still happen. I can vouch for that!
We’ve talked a bit about focusing on the positive. If you’ve missed those posts, the idea is that you have to be intentional about the things that you let yourself dwell on. By continually bringing your mind back to anything good that is going on in your life—even if it’s as basic as the fact that you were able to get out of bed of your own will this morning—you will slowly begin to overcome the obsession on the things that aren’t going as well in your life.
Another aspect of this is purposeful remembering. Put simply, when you’re in a bind, remember the things that God has already brought you through and accomplished in your life. When you’re tempted to believe that God has forgotten you, focus on these memories and know that he’s still there with you; his promise is never to fail you or abandon you (Deut. 31:6).
Sometimes it’s easier to believe God to come through for the little things, but quite another thing to trust him for something big. I can relate! Often I have to remind myself of some of the incredible things he’s done in my life. One of the biggest of these is the time that he miraculously healed my ankle. Here’s the story:
Oh, No, Not Again!
Nearly six years ago, I was in the midst of the divorce process and at the lowest point of my life. My son and I were living in an apartment complex while waiting for the construction to be completed on the condo we’d be moving into.
As part of my stress management, I was out for a walk around the apartment complex when suddenly, my ankle gave way with an audible “pop,” and I tumbled into the grass next to the road. Waves of pain washed over me, and I found myself unable to even get back to my feet. Thankfully, a neighbor saw me, stopped his car, helped me to my feet, and drove me back to my apartment.
I managed to hop through the door, grab some ice, and collapse on the sofa, crying all the while. Elevating the foot did nothing to help. My right ankle had been injured multiple times since childhood, and it was prone to weakness. This was not the first time it had collapsed under me, but it was definitely the worst. X-rays confirmed that nothing was broken, so I got into a pattern of icing, elevating, and leaving it in a brace for support.
Six weeks later an RN friend came to visit. She took one look at my purple, swollen ankle and declared that something was not right. She cajoled me into calling an orthopedist.
A couple weeks and an MRI later, my worst fears were confirmed: The ligament that wraps around the outside of the ankle to keep it from flopping to the side was torn almost 50% through. I had two options: Continue to use a walking cast any time I was on uneven ground (possibly for the rest of my life) and possibly have to have surgery later, or go ahead and have the surgery now. If I chose the surgery, I was told that I would be flat on my back and completely out of work for two weeks. The next four weeks would involve crutches. I would not be able to drive any of those six weeks. Following that, I would be in physical therapy for six months.
By this time, our condominium was completed and we’d moved in. We live on the second story, so our lives now involved daily stairs. Additionally, as a single parent with a 5-year-old, there was no one else to drive us around. There were the financial considerations of missing work and the physical issues of taking care of my son and the mission trip to Russia that I was scheduled to take in four months.
On the heels of this news came the final blow. My son Austin was running around the living room, tripped, and gashed his head on the coffee table. It was the last straw. On the way to pick up medical supplies I needed for him, I had a complete fit with the Lord. There’s no pretty way to say it. I had a full-out temper tantrum. I was so angry. How could he let this happen? He knew I was a single parent. He knew all of the challenges I was already up against! He knew that I had to be able to drive and care for Austin. Was he trying to take me to the breaking point? On and on I went, until I finally ran out of energy. Once I did, I apologized to God for all of my ranting and asked for his forgiveness. As bad as I felt for the outbreak, I felt relief to finally acknowledge those feelings and let him deal with them.
A Miracle Happens
Early one morning, probably a week after the meltdown, I was up working on a Bible study. As I sat there, I recounted in my mind all of the scriptural examples I could recall of times when God either miraculously healed someone or even raised them from the dead.
A bleary-eyed Austin shuffled in because he’d woken up afraid, and I went to lay down with him in his bunk bed. As I laid there, I continued to pray and remind myself and God of all of those miracles. “If it’s your will to heal me, I know that you can,” I prayed, “but if it’s your will for me to have the surgery then I accept it.” In that instant I heard in my spirit, “Take up your mat and walk.” Immediately, the pain disappeared. The difference was so radical that for a moment, I thought I had fallen asleep and was dreaming.
Wide awake, I gingerly made circles in the air with my foot. No pain. I got up and stood on the ankle. Still no pain and no weakness. When I walked out to the kitchen so I could look at it in the light, the bruising and swelling were gone. It was healed, and I was dumbfounded!
A week later, I made the return visit to the orthopedist to satisfy a skeptical friend who wasn’t sure whether to believe what had happened. As soon as his nurse saw me without the walking cast, in sandals, and without bruising or a limp, her eyes widened and she said, “Let me get the doctor.” The doctor confirmed what I already knew: There was absolutely nothing wrong with the ankle. He released me with a shake of his head and a grin.
To this day, my right ankle continues to be strong. I’ve had no additional issues. And as an added bonus, the severe seasonal allergies that had plagued me since childhood vanished with the ankle injury. Imagine!
What This Means to Me Now
We are all tempted at times to get discouraged and believe that our lives are always going to be difficult, something we’re waiting for is never going to happen, and even if God had the power to fix something in our lives, he wouldn’t bother with someone as insignificant as we.
During those times, I think back on this miracle. I remind myself that God is willing and able to do what’s best for me in his way and in his timing. In this particular instance, I think I had to be willing to get to the place where I was absolutely okay with whatever happened to my ankle and to trust that he had my best in mind no matter the outcome.
His Ways Are Higher than Ours
In the next couple of posts I’m going to share a bit more about healing miracles and times when those miracles don’t take place. One is the miraculous story of my aunt’s healing from a brain aneurism. The other is the tragic loss of three people who were dear to me due to cancer. God loved them all—still does. They are all Christians, and yes, those who’ve died and are his continue to live on in eternity. As a minister at one of those friend’s funerals said today, “Death, when you’re a Christian, is the ultimate healing.”
We’re not always going to understand the reasons that some things happen on this earth. During those times, we need to remember two things:
1. God’s ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)
2. “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” Psalm 62:11-12a
God has the power to act in your life. Trust him to do it in the way, and in the timing that’s best for you. But know that miracles still happen. I can vouch for that!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Spare Change
I just returned Monday night from a family vacation to California. While exploring downtown San Francisco, we passed a homeless man with a hand-written sign that read: “Will accept insults for spare change.”
That sign broke my heart, and at the same time, I could relate to what he was saying. How often have I been willing to accept someone’s insults for “spare change”? Oh, not the coin type, but lots of other “spares”: Spare love. Spare time. Spare affection. Spare respect.
I don’t know whether men suffer from the same affliction, but I know we women are so prone to put up with anything just to get the spare bits that some of the people we allow into our lives are willing to offer us.
After reading that sign, I dug around in my camera bag to find some money. I don’t think the man realized that I was behind him. He had been walking toward my family but had turned to pick up a cigarette butt from the sidewalk. As he straightened up, I handed him a $5 bill. His face was wary, but I smiled and said, “Be blessed.” He immediately responded with a smile.
Noticing my Florida sweatshirt, he said, “Are you from Florida?”
“Yes. My son and I live there. We really like it.”
He replied, “I lived in Tampa for a few years. It was nice. I went there with some people I knew from Maine and worked in their restaurant.”
We chatted briefly until my family reached the doors of the hotel we were looking for.
“Well, this is our stop,” I said.
“Nice place.”
I agreed and responded, “Have a good day.”
“You too.”
He continued on his way, and I said a silent prayer for him as he went. I don’t know what it was that brought him to that place of “Will accept insults for spare change.” But I do know the only One who can change that for him or for any of us.
As I close my eyes even now, I can still picture that sign. And you know, we often approach God in the same way…as beggars for spare change, not as those who are adopted sons and daughters God (Ephesians 1:5).
How often do we find ourselves in need and turn to every other diversion and source before we go to God for help. Then if and when we do approach him, it’s with the belief that he’s more likely to punish us or to judge us than to take care of the need. I know…I’ve been there. But nothing could be further from the truth.
What do you need?
Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Spoken by Jesus) John 14:27, NIV
Wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5, NIV
Mercy: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, NIV
Love: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
Hope: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Joy: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13, NIV
Whatever it is that you need, I guarantee you that God has it for you. It will be in his timing and in his way. But his way is always in your best interest. How do I know this? Not only have I personally experienced it on countless occasions, Jesus also promises that this is true:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Spoken by Jesus) Matthew 7:7–11, NIV, emphasis added
You don’t have to spend your life as a beggar. Nor do you need to be willing to accept insults (in any form) in exchange for someone else’s spares. Instead, approach your Father in heaven who loves you and wants to bless you. Know that he is just waiting to lavish his love on you.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1, NIV)
That sign broke my heart, and at the same time, I could relate to what he was saying. How often have I been willing to accept someone’s insults for “spare change”? Oh, not the coin type, but lots of other “spares”: Spare love. Spare time. Spare affection. Spare respect.
I don’t know whether men suffer from the same affliction, but I know we women are so prone to put up with anything just to get the spare bits that some of the people we allow into our lives are willing to offer us.
After reading that sign, I dug around in my camera bag to find some money. I don’t think the man realized that I was behind him. He had been walking toward my family but had turned to pick up a cigarette butt from the sidewalk. As he straightened up, I handed him a $5 bill. His face was wary, but I smiled and said, “Be blessed.” He immediately responded with a smile.
Noticing my Florida sweatshirt, he said, “Are you from Florida?”
“Yes. My son and I live there. We really like it.”
He replied, “I lived in Tampa for a few years. It was nice. I went there with some people I knew from Maine and worked in their restaurant.”
We chatted briefly until my family reached the doors of the hotel we were looking for.
“Well, this is our stop,” I said.
“Nice place.”
I agreed and responded, “Have a good day.”
“You too.”
He continued on his way, and I said a silent prayer for him as he went. I don’t know what it was that brought him to that place of “Will accept insults for spare change.” But I do know the only One who can change that for him or for any of us.
As I close my eyes even now, I can still picture that sign. And you know, we often approach God in the same way…as beggars for spare change, not as those who are adopted sons and daughters God (Ephesians 1:5).
How often do we find ourselves in need and turn to every other diversion and source before we go to God for help. Then if and when we do approach him, it’s with the belief that he’s more likely to punish us or to judge us than to take care of the need. I know…I’ve been there. But nothing could be further from the truth.
What do you need?
Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Spoken by Jesus) John 14:27, NIV
Wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5, NIV
Mercy: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, NIV
Love: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
Hope: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Joy: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13, NIV
Whatever it is that you need, I guarantee you that God has it for you. It will be in his timing and in his way. But his way is always in your best interest. How do I know this? Not only have I personally experienced it on countless occasions, Jesus also promises that this is true:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Spoken by Jesus) Matthew 7:7–11, NIV, emphasis added
You don’t have to spend your life as a beggar. Nor do you need to be willing to accept insults (in any form) in exchange for someone else’s spares. Instead, approach your Father in heaven who loves you and wants to bless you. Know that he is just waiting to lavish his love on you.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1, NIV)
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