Going about my day last Thursday, I noticed I felt unsteady on my feet and had trouble with my balance. I thought I was just having an off day, but by early evening, I knew something was amiss. Jan and I decided I needed to go to an immediate care facility. They told me to go immediately to the emergency room at our local hospital.
After two nights in the ICU, multiple examinations by doctors, a series of CT exams, and an MRI, they discovered a small brain bleed in the back of my head. I was diagnosed with a TIA (mini-stroke).
How good it is to now be at home with all that is familiar. Sitting in my writing chair, I considered the words from Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Life and its circumstances can and will change over time, but the Lord remains the same. That assurance became the steady place in my recovery. Jesus and His unchanging nature are my place of confidence. As Paul said, whether we get attacked by any work of darkness, or if there are troubles, betrayal, or persecution, God’s power is expressed the greatest in our weakness. His grace is enough (II Corinthians 12:9-10). My brain bleed has become a portal to the power of God.
Praying for God’s healing and thanking Him that He has you in His hands.
Thank you Garris for this wonderful reminder. Though the storms of life surround us we can be assured knowing that He is steadfast and that he holds us secure under the shadow of His wings. I was reminded this week of the story of Jesus sleeping in the boat during the storm and how we to can know that peace through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
Praying for you…and Jan!
Praying for you, Man of God, may healing be swift, complete restoration to full function. Your instruction, counsel, and insight is valued and appreciated by many. and we give God the praise for your life.
So glad you are home, Garris. Second Corinthians 12:9 is such an important truth–that verse was given to me as I emerged from my water baptism in Lake Temescal, Oakland, California. As I prayed for you during the weekend, God greatly used your daughters final poem in her latest publication–“When We Become Trees.” It reminds me very much of you. I was reading it when we got the news of your hospitalization. You are a tower of strength to so many, and yet God’s strength was made manifest in your weakness. As your wife has said, “Sometimes our weakness becomes our greatest strength.” Im glad we have decades more to discuss this!
We will be praying for you and your family.
So sorry to hear this Garris!! Praying for you and Jan and sending love.
You are definitely in my prayers, Garris. we are at the age where there is a constant reliance on the Holy Spirit and His great healing power. May Christ walk with you and your entire family during this time…and may He keep your steps secure and your body clear from any future events.