Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD (07/23/20)
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TITLE: Stepping Out. | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gloria Pierre Dean
07/29/20 -
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The story begins as Serena lay in her bed in the antenatal unit. She had been in early labour for about three days. At nine and a half months pregnant, she was still working as a visiting nurse and driving many miles a day. If she stopped, she would lose her job.
Her supervisor refused to reduce her hours. “Pregnancy is not an illness,” she had said to her “Put your best foot forward and do the job you are paid to do”.
It was hard. Her ankles were swollen, often she could not feel her feet and her blood pressure was elevated.
“The seatbelt is too short!” she told Ted frequently, seeking to explain the discomfort of the seatbelt on her pregnant abdomen.
While out working one day, she felt strange, so she drove to the antenatal unit to see her midwife Holly.
“I just do not feel well,” she confessed.
Holly got her into a room immediately, did her vital signs and went pale. Negatives included swollen ankles and elevated blood pressure. Her clinical picture was not good.
“Miss Serena, you have to have this baby. Call your husband so he can be with you. We are admitting you” said Dr Isaac, the obstetrician.
“Is the baby okay?” Selena asked.
“Oh yes, but he needs to be delivered. “ he added.
Once in the bed, she lay in a gown, praying and trying to relax.
Labour was induced and it was slowly progressing. Hours later, Dr Isaac came into the room and spoke to her kindly. She signed the consent and her son was delivered by cesarean section. Ted stayed at her side throughout.
“Joy. Joy. We have a healthy son!” he smiled widely. “Well done Serena!”
Now it was recovery time;
“You need to mobilise. Move frequently. Try to turn from side to side” said the midwife on duty. “Be sure to ask for help though.”
As she waited and prayed, these words from the Bible came to her,
“If we endure we shall also reign with Him.” 2 Timothy 2:12
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
Serena made a silent determination.
‘I will ‘put my best foot forward’, get out of bed and walk!” and she did. The first time, it took her about half an hour. She felt a lot of pain.
However, whenever she was awake, she got out of ‘that bed’ and walked around her room. Her son lay peacefully asleep in his cot. He was the most beautiful child! She thought. Whenever he needed feeding, the midwife would come in and help.
On day two, Serena felt stronger mentally.
“With God’s help, I will do this,” she said to herself.
The rule was that if a new mother could walk the length of the corridor she would be discharged. Serena wanted to go home with her son.
Slowly, she left her bed and got her son out of his crib and held him.
Everyone on the unit was surprised by her quick progress. On reflection, she knew that she had put her best foot forward. Her recovery from surgery and labour reminded her of the many trials one may encounter in life.
“What is the best way to emerge from trials?” she mused.
“He who endures to the end will be saved” Matthew 24:13.
Success is achieved one step at a time. Persistence. Never give up. Keep your eyes on the prize. Put your best foot forward.
Years later Serena would reflect on the experience. She knew that she had been helped by God.
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FYI - The names have been changed but the story is based on a real-life event.
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