June 19, 2021 Saturday Evening
We had a scary night last night. Steve's left lung collapsed because of scarring from Covid. The stress on his body from the collapsed lung caused his heart to stop and they were able to get it going immediately with CPR. Dr. Mendi called me and told me to get to the hospital, he wasn't sure if he was going to bounce back or not. Kristy took me and by the time I got there, he was pinked up, his oxygen levels were returning and his BP was around where it usually is. His heart rate is still fast. They put in a chest tube which allowed the lung to inflate and drain. Riley met us there and she was able to join us. We didn't stay long because he returned to stable pretty quickly and he was able to open his eyes and respond to my voice as I told him what had happened and reminded him to keep fighting and prayed over him. We went back home and rested for a bit before the pups had us up.
Dr. Mendi called again late morning to tell me that he needed to replace the chest tube with a larger one to support his lung better. I went back in at 1 for visiting hours. He was so sleepy. I started praise music and massaging his shoulders and head and he opened his eyes. He kept his eyes on me the entire time I was there as I talked to him and encouraged him. I know it must be frustrating and even maddening at times to sit still and not be able to communicate like you are used to doing. He needs a lot of prayer in this area as well as brain healing, atrial flutter stopping, kidney start-up, and lung healing. The list seems so long, but each time I see him, I see progress! More slivers of time when I can tell he is paying attention and receiving. More blinking, jaw moving, and even sounds like he is trying to talk while moving his jaw. He is unable to talk at all because of the trach. There are trachs that do allow for talking, he just isn't ready for it yet.
Have you ever noticed that you feel like you take two steps forward and then you go backwards? Then in the back and forth and tug of war, sometimes it feels like you haven't gained any ground. Be encouraged friends! Any time you engage with The Lord at your side, even when it seems like you have lost ground, you are still gaining ground because you are working it WITH Him. Even incremental steps forward are reasons to be joyful and celebrate!
When we get into the rut of focusing on stumbling blocks, or mountains, or steps back, we take our eyes off of Jesus who is calling us forward out of the boat, and into His care. The best way to our destination has never been a straight path for me! I'll tell you that there have been ups, downs, and even loop de loops and lots of stumped toes! In this fight of faith, which includes choosing to trust and believe that God and His word is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it is imperative to take every thought captive. When there are setbacks, do you throw the baby out with the bathwater? NO! Examine that thought, make sure it lines up with God's word, if it doesn't or you aren't sure, PRAY! Ask The Lord for guidance, dig into His word. I find myself searching for verses about_____. Fill in the blank and I have likely searched it. It is SO cool! Most of the time, I find the truth that is above what I am thinking and sometimes I don't. I'll tell you, that even when I don't find what I think I want, what I find is peace. In His word, it says in Jeremiah 29:11-14 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. 12Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. We all grab onto verse 11 about His plans and prospering us, but I think the more important part for me is 12-14! I love that He tells us that when we call on Him he listens, we seek Him, we find Him when we do so with all our hearts! In Proverbs 8:17 He tells us: I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. If you earnestly seek Him, you will absolutely find Him! Did you know He is closer than your breath? That you are never too far away from his grasp? It is never too late, you have never ever been too sinful or awful to be redeemed by Him when you seek Him.
I spoke with a sweet friend I hadn't connected with in a few years. She is at home, but still struggling with debilitating pain— like walking, standing, sitting, and, sleeping. Pain in joints, muscles, and bones which seem to have no answer or relief in the after affects of Covid, even months after infection. I know that The Lord hasn't forgotten or abandoned her. He is walking through this with her and her family. I know that the rain falls on believers and unbelievers alike. What I also know is that Our God is a good God and He loves us so much. I ask you to join me in boldly praying for my friend who is needing encouragement, healing, and the sweet presence of Jesus as he works in the unseen. I pray that she has sweet restorative rest tonight as she rests in her Abba Father's arms. I pray for healing from a touch of God or by hands of doctors. I pray for freedom from the shackles of Covid right now in Jesus name.
I am so thankful for brothers and sisters coming together and walking this walk, and fighting this fight of faith together. We are iron sharpening iron. I am thankful for Sobah who was Steve's nurse last night, Dr. Mendi who fought for his life, and Nurse Dillon today. Please keep them all in your prayers that they are encouraged in their spirits. I talked to Dr. Mendi today and he was telling me about his prayer group of doctors at the hospital. My spirit soared! I love that God has us surrounded by a great crowd of believers! We keep praying and fighting the fight of faith for Steve and for the many who have little support to carry them through. Love you all, enjoy your Father's day! So many great daddies to celebrate and lift up! Praise God!
Comments
- Jan MarieIt can be very hard to stay focused on Jesus when there are setbacks, but you are a wonderful example of how to do it. I love you, friend!6/20/21
- Tina SellentinI am praying dear Sister! Steve is in the Lords hands ! HE is taking care of him and bringing him thru this 🙏💞6/20/21
- Fine Heart8500 miles away, I had my brother's wife read your writing from a few days ago about having your "thoughts captive" along with several bible verses I know you and I have shared with each other many many times! "Read it again, read it again," he asked her. He is home from the hospital I believe in part because of the words of life you wrote. Thank you dear friend. You are the hands and feet of Jesus on earth. Praise Him!6/19/21
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