Will We Meet Again? | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Will We Meet Again? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
08/06/19
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Unusually loud respirations captured my attention upon our first meeting, followed by the shock of noticing her facial expression that seemed frozen in time. The middle-aged female rested in the hospital bed; filmy-blue eyes framed by long moist lashes, remained open, but were unseeing. Her mouth was posed as if singing, yet mute. Although the noisy breathing was that of one in a deep sleep, she was not sleeping, but in a coma. Mrs. C was a patient in the nursing home where I worked, and though I cannot recall why she was comatose, I do remember one fact about her; she was an atheist.

I was only 19 when my first job as a nurse’s aid exposed me to the more unpleasant parts of life — the loss of health, dignity, and that of death. Though young and inexperienced on the job, it deeply affected me that this poor woman, existing in a vegetative state and alone in the small room, did not believe in God. I’d heard that people in comas have been known to later report they understood everything that was going on, so I did what I could to share my faith. While attending to her personal needs, I’d talk about Jesus and the plan of salvation. As I finished combing her hair, or folding back the fresh bedding, I’d ask:

“Mrs. C, would you like to accept Jesus into your heart?” Upon completion of making sure she was comfortable, I’d pray aloud with her.

“Dear God, I don’t know if Mrs. C understands or even cares about what I’m sharing with her, but if she does, please help her into your kingdom.”

With a touch to her arm, I prompted Mrs. C to repeat these words:

“Jesus, I believe in You, and want to invite you to come into my heart. I know I have sinned, and not worthy of your forgiveness, but take me as I am. Amen.”

I realized that there would be no obvious response, but continued talking about God as I changed her sheets and cleansed her body. If she understood what I spoke of, there was never any type of indication or reaction, but I kept at it.

The Bible teaches to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

I did not know the extent of Mrs. C’s disbelief in God or how she treated believers, but that information was irrelevant. God requires us to be ready at anytime to share about Jesus, and the assurance for eternal life, and to do so respectfully. It broke my heart knowing that this lady was destined for hell, and I hoped that something got through to her as I told her about the Savior’s love, mercy and forgiveness.

A few weeks later, I passed her room, but something felt off; it was too quiet. Upon entering, I discovered that not only had her breathing ceased, Mrs. C’s spirit was gone from her body. Admittedly, I was shaken, for she was my introduction to death. I was not assigned her care that day, so didn’t have to complete the follow-up ministrations, however, I pondered where her soul ended up. Did she make the right decision and promote to Heaven?

We may never know how someone will respond when we share our faith, especially if they are comatose, but that’s between them and God. It’s my desire that once I graduate to my eternal reward, I’ll find Mrs. C worshipping at the feet of the most Holy God she once denied. What a precious reunion that would be.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for the hope that I have, that someday, I will be with you forever. Amen.

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