It’s been three months since I answered the phone.
“Her vitals are fine.”
“Whose vitals are fine?” I asked the high school nurse as we have two girls that attend the Episcopal School of Jacksonville. “Winnie. Winnie’s vital are fine, but she cannot speak.”
This was not the phone call I expected on a normal Wednesday morning. You can’t prepare for such a moment. No mom can. I immediately bent to my knees, prayed for my very scared little girl, and asked God for wisdom to make quick decisions. Quick.
I met Winnie in the emergency room. Curry, my husband, rushed to school in time to ride in the ambulance with her. She was disillusioned, couldn’t count from twenty backwards, and kept calling Curry, mommy. No dad can prepare for such a moment – either.
Winnie was moved quickly to have an MRI scan when I realized I was alone.
No phone.
No Bible.
No handy-dandy devotional at my side.
No art project to help me memorize Scripture. No lesson to write.
Just me and Jesus.
Bare. Raw. Emotional. Heart-stricken.
What do you do in times like these? You certainly can’t plan for them. What Scripture will soften your heart and stop your angst?
That’s when I remembered.
Annie –Thy compassions, they fail not. Great is my faithfulness. I’ve got this. I’ve got you, and Curry, and Winnie. Nothing takes me by surprise. I am your Rock. You can lean on me. My peace surpasses all understanding. Trust in me.
In that surreal moment, I couldn’t tell you the specific verses, but I knew I was remembering the truth of God’s Word. And oddly, in the midst of the unknown, there was a peace. An overwhelming peace that all shall be well. All shall be well.
And it was.
The good news is this: Winnie is healthy as a horse. Her brain is great! Her blood is great! Her neurons are great! The neurologists believe she experienced what is called a complex confusional migraine:
“Complex confusional migraines are severe headaches that are similar to symptoms of stroke patients and can vary widely. Patients may experience a loss of consciousness, changes in vision, slurred speech, confusion, loss of sensation in the arms and legs, and/or numbness and tingling.”
There you have it.
But in those 48 hours, I made a diagnosis, too.
Complex Scriptur-i-tous.
Complex Scripuritous occurs in patients that are lacking in the nutritional value of God’s Word. When uncontrollable situations occur, patients may experience sudden panic mode when they find themselves alone without their phone or Bible to reference Scripture. They experience change on many different stress levels and feel the need to control the situation.
Hmmm. Something to ponder.
Do we take the wheel of control when we can’t make a prognosis? What do we do when we are suddenly hit by unexpected circumstances?
I believe the power of God’s Word gives me peace. But this takes work. It takes discipline to study God’s Word and memorize Scripture. James 1:19,21 says that we should take note and humbly accept God’s Word that has been PLANTED in us. Not only that, the Bible tells us that God’s Word has the power to save us.
Save us in emergency rooms when our doubts take over the reality of the situation.
Save us when we need the truth to set us free.
Save us from thinking the worst and not trusting in God’s best.
Memorizing Scripture is a challenge for me!
How about you?
Let’s make it our goal this week to study the Word. Plant the WORD deep into your root system so when you need it, it will be refreshing, healing, and comforting to your soul. I’ve attached free Scripture memory cards. (I used to design for Natural life years ago and pulled out some of my watercolor backgrounds.)
I hope you never receive a phone call like that one, but chances are, you will experience life that surprises you and takes you off guard.
Let’s get ready for the battle BEFORE it begins.
Galatians says to arm up with the belt of truth- the Word of God. Game on. I’m in.
Great is the Lord’s faithfulness.
Yes it is.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Don’t forget to download the verses!
ThouArtExalted Ministries
www.ThouArtExalted.com