Miracle Stories

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Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Peace (03/15/04)







Fear filled Ann’s mind as she listened to the neurologist’s diagnosis, “There is no easy way for me to tell you this Ann, you have three benign tumors growing inside your spinal cord.” Dr. Andréa proceeded to tell her that one of the tumors was aggressively growing and should be removed as soon as possible to prevent total paralysis of her lower body. This was no ordinary surgery, there were only five other cases of such ever recorded in Medical Journal history. Ann was informed of the risks involved with such a serious and delicate surgery, being paralyzed or worse, death. There were no options as an alternative to surgery. It had taken two years before she had found the right doctors and medical facility to properly diagnose the permanent numbness and tingling in her feet. Ann was experiencing a million thoughts and emotions. In one thought she was happy to finally know what was causing her problem, it wasn’t all in her head. Just the same, she wished she never knew because the thought of something growing inside her spinal cord, the life line of the human body, was completely frightening.

Ann thought of the numbing, tingling sensation creeping throughout her body, slowly overtaking her existence. She also thought of being bound to a wheel chair, not being able to do the things in life that she loved: gardening, walking and decorating, or the simple things in life that she took for granted: feeding herself, bathing and using the bathroom. Her spirit agonized over the possibilities and in her thoughts she chose death over being a paraplegic. She knew her family would view that thought as a selfish one but the last thing she wanted was to be a burden to others. A mere soul trapped in a vessel with no means of expression. “How empty and frustrating a life that would be, surely this can not be God’s call for my life!”

After weeks of anguish, spiritual turmoil and desperation Ann decided to give it completely to God. She fell to her knees and poured out her heart. She asked for Jesus to please get her through and to give her peace of mind, knowing she would never make it without Him. “I need you to take my worries and fears, speak to me!” she desperately sobbed; “I need you to reveal yourself to me!” After she calmed, she waited on the Lord. A scripture popped into her mind, Joshua 1:9. Ann grabbed her bible and looked up the verse – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

At that moment something amazing happened! Ann felt as if a huge weight lifted off her spirit, she felt the peace and love of the Holy Spirit flood her being. She knew she was not alone, Jesus was walking with her and He would carry her through this. She promised she would trust in Him. Whatever His will was for her she would accept, no matter how difficult. Ann memorized that scripture and shared the experience with her loved ones.

Smiling, as they were preparing to wheel her into surgery, Ann told her family she loved them and not to worry. “I have His peace and I am not afraid.” God was indeed with her. Seven hours later, the surgeons appeared and announced the good news to her anxious family. “The surgery was a success, the tumor has been removed, there is no paralysis and so far no complications”. Laughter, smiles and joy were shared. The family was able to see Ann in post-op ICU. Ann’s daughter gently held her hand and Ann opened her eyes a little and gave a good squeeze. She had made it!

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