Eight years ago this morning, as I stood at our bathroom mirror applying makeup and preparing to go to work – I received a phone call from a nurse in an ER in Wheeling WV. She told me that she was standing there with my husband who had a broken neck. How is that for good morning news!!! As she broke the news the thoughts running through my head were:
- Broken neck.
- Christopher Reeves.
- Wheelchair.
- Paralysis.
Then, I asked the dreaded question, “Can he move his legs and arms?” She answered, “The miracle is, he can!” A sigh of relief and then, “Praise the Lord because if he could not I would tell you that he would want to die.” His voice came over the phone but I do not remember any of the conversation.
The first phone call I made was to my eldest son, my second-born, Mark. It went like this:
“Hi Mark.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Lowell had an accident last night.”
“Sheeeeeeesh – no way.”
“Yes, he did and his neck is broken.”
“Oh my God – no way. I had a dream last night that he had an accident but it wasn’t a traffic accident – in the dream he was hurt. It woke me up. God spoke to me and said, Get out of bed and pray for him.”
Now, it was my turn. “No way.”
“Yes, really. I got out of bed and on my knees and began to pray. I didn’t know what to pray so I asked God to surround him with angels and I prayed in the Spirit. After about 30 minutes, a peace came and God told me I could go back to sleep.”
I then proceeded to tell him that his stepdad had fallen out of his big rig’s cab in the middle of the night and laid in the parking lot for an unknown length of time. He did manage to get back up into his rig and he felt blood on his scalp. He knew he was hurt and called for other drivers over his CB. The rest, as they say, is history!
On this eighth anniversary of that accident we called Mark and thanked him for being obedient to the prompting of Holy Spirit that night years ago – there is no question in my heart and mind that it was Mark’s obedient prayers that saved my husband’s life – only God can give charge to angels but He wants us to pray the need. Mark did. God did.
Amen.
How quickly a life can change in a matter or minutes, as thoughts of the unknown run through our minds. However, I am reminded of Joseph and others who set the examples of how quickly circumstances and enduring times can end and begin new chapters in our lives of fulfilling our purose and glorifying God. There is always Hope for the life or the situation that seems so Hopeless. Reality Check. The unexpected to us, is never a surprise to our Father. In fact, he has stamped, approved and allowed it to take place. For our good, and His Glory. When the call of left field comes, I put forth my best effort for my response to be: “How do you want me to respond to this, God?” or “What do you want me to say God. I don’t know, but you do?” I remember Lowell’s story well. And all the prayers for Susan and Lowell during this long process of healing and endurance. I praise God for Lowell’s sense of humor and acceptance of where God had him for the time. Although it was most painful and uncomfortable. Not to mention the challenges that Susan went through as well. They remained faithful and grateful, bit the bullet and pressed on one day at a time. And we all rejoiced greatly when his halo was removed. Now, I’m not saying that Lowell is totally un-angelic today, for I do not think that one can wear a halo that long and come out of it totally unchanged. Angelic??? I don’t know. But, more humble and grateful to God for his precious everyday gifts. Absolutely!
Arna
Wow, Susan, that is AMAZING GRACE in its fullest!!! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible story of faith, obedience, and miracles. So much to be thankful for always!
Speechless with goosebumps.
Oh Susi, this was written in my prayer journal, and my devotion, 8 yrs ago. I so remember that day, and look how our precious Lord, turned it all around. What a battle that was going on in Heaven for you both. The prayers were going up, and Our Precious Lord, heard our prayers. Thank you Father Abba, for this mightly miracle that You did ♥♥♥
I never heard the part about your son’s prayers! Incredible ….Hand of God