Encouragement

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Re-birth
© 2011

by

Stephen A. Peterson


First Lieutenant Beth Brown and her friend First Lieutenant Debra Jenks were on assignment in Afghanistan as nurses. While on their way to another Medical Aid Station Hospital (MASH), their convoy was attacked by Talban fighters. Before their eyes two vehicles burst into flames killing all personnel in them. To avoid being struck by explosives or small arms fire, the driver of their vehicle pressed the accelerator to the floor. As they sped to the nearest friendly facility they seemed to get through the fire fight unharmed. When they reached safety, Lieutenant Brown felt a burning sensation around the left side of her chest. It was discovered that Lieutenant Brown had a bullet in her chest approximately one inch from her heart.

Lieutenant Brown was rushed into emergency surgery lasting a little more than fourteen hours. Following her surgery, Lieutenant Jenks visited Lieutenant Brown. Lieutenant Jenks told Lieutenant Brown: “Beth, for much of my adult life I’ve been an atheist. Since I left not going to church, roughly sixteen years ago, I’ve told my friends that God doesn’t exist. You know that but you’re still my friend.”

“Deb, you’re still God’s child and He still loves you. I believe I’m here to support you on your rebirth.”

“Beth, can I tell you something?”

“Sure.”

“When I was a kid, I was a Girl Scout. Our leader was serious about her belief about God. She was the person who gave me a lot of support after my dad died. After dad died, I hated God for killing him and taking him from me and my family. He was the best dad ever! Ms. Conlan, our leader, taught a song that asked God to protect us when we sleep, when we’re awake or go through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Did you know that the driver had bullets in his leg and shoulder? You got a bullet that almost killed you. Our vehicle had right at thirty-three bullets in it. Out of all that I wasn’t touched even though I sat up front. While we were attacked, I prayed we be saved from harm or death and sang that song even though I was so scared. I haven’t prayed since dad died nor did I sing that song.”

“It looks as though God protected you, Deb.”

“Why did HE do that, if He did, when I’ve shown nothing but hate and contempt?

Lieutenant Brown said nothing. Lieutenant Jenks stood silent saying nothing as well as tears came to her eyes. Breaking the silence, she said: “Beth, I don’t know what to do or what to think. Would you go with me to chapel when you are able to? I want to tell Him ‘thanks’ for keeping me safe and not taking you from me. You’re going to have to help me. I’m scare to go before God.”
“Deb, you don’t have to go to a chapel, you can do that here and now. We can do that right now if you are okay with it.”

Both women held hands and prayed aloud as the sun shone through the medical tent.

From that point on, Lieutenant Brown came to realize that prayers for her family and friends with little or no faith works even when there did not seem to be anything happening. She learned that God works in His own way and time touching individuals in unusual ways.

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