Have Faith in God

It was back in 2015, I had travelled to Kansas City with Sharon, my cousin, going to another cousin’s daughter’s “Home Going” celebration. As, we travelled from Michigan, we talked and stopped a few times along the trip for breaks or pit stops. The journey did not seem to be long, but it was around 12 hours or so. We arrived the day before the celebration which was a Friday and was planning on returning on Monday. After greeting everyone and spending some time with our relatives, I ventured to our designated resting place. It was two houses from where everyone gathered, so within walking distances.

It was late and I was tired so I retreated to where I would be sleeping to rest until the next day. I noticed as I pulled my luggage to the house via cutting across the backyards, it was laborious. I thought it was just because I was tired and was experiencing some bladder discomfort. So, I showered and turned in for the night. During the night I had to get up several times dealing with this bladder issue, still paying no attention to it.

Sharon, who had travelled with me was staying in the same house woke me up to go get breakfast where family members were gathering before any of the day’s events. I felt sluggish but I persevered, showered, got dressed and walked over the two houses. I did not really eat much and drank water. I was not feeling well but ignored it. I participated in the various conversations until it was almost time to travel to the church for the service.  My travelling partner asked me if I was alright and I said, “I am ok,” as I did not want to bring any attention to what I thought was a minor issue. I knew why we were there, and I did not think what was happening to me was anything to bring attention to at this time. I was just grateful and thankful for having made the trip safely and being able to spend time with some favorite relatives.

It was time for church service so, we drove to the event and I sat at the end of one of the pews. This was just in case I had to excuse myself for those needed pit stops. I made it through the service although I felt tired. After the service was the repass which was a short distance from the church and near our housing area. Again, I was not hungry, and I was able to witness the celebrations of songs, dance and reflections concerning our departed cousin. As the night went on, I told Sharon, I needed to go back to the house and rest. Lucky, she was ready too, so we left.

The family was still gathering, and Sharon went to participate in the various conversations as I retreated to my bedroom. I tried to sleep but was having some difficulties but made it through the night. On Sunday, I participated in the continued family gathering activities, remembering our ancestors, past family reunions, etc. I felt better but wasn’t eating much, just drinking water or coffee. This continued until late in the evening when I left to pack for Monday’s trip back home and to rest. I don’t know when Sharon came in, but she later said we had a conversation about leaving in the morning.

She was up bright and early, stirring me to get it together so we could leave. Some of that morning is still a little hazy for me, but I remember trying to prepare for the trip. I remember falling and talking to her. Sharon tells me later I became nonresponsive during one of the two falls. I remember her loud voice but not what she was saying. Next thing there were these two guys talking to me and moving me around. Then I was being lifted being placed and strapped in and moving out the house. I could hear Sharon and then Angela, another cousin talking. I either woke up or became aware of being in an ambulance and hearing the EMS guys talk about my blood pressure being low, where they were taking me to my cousins and then I was out. Passed out, I don’t know for how long, my eyes open and  now I was in the hospital and several people were surrounding me.

One of the doctors was telling me to be still so he could put something in my neck. I later found out it was because they could not find a vein open enough to put an IV in my arm. He kept telling me to be still, and I remember saying “how long,” The next thing I remember is seeing Sharon and Angela asking about where my insurance information was in my purse. I was in and out of consciousness several times. At some point I saw Beverly, the mother of Angela and my departed cousin  by my side. I knew she was not doing well and here she was holding my hand. I remember saying how she should be at home, not here with me. We talked for a while before I passed out again.

The next thing I remember is the nurses moving me around to a room which became my placement for many of the emergency events that were to take place. I remember hearing conversations of if I was still ok and the numerous IV connections in my arms and neck. I do not remember all that went on until I saw Angela and Sharon again telling me they talked to my husband and the doctors. I would be in the hospital for a while and they were not sure what was going on with me at the time.

Now during this time, I remember talking to Jesus and thanking Him for holding my hand. My conversation with Jesus was unlike any thing I can compare it to, but I felt a peace. He told me I would be ok and make it back home, but I needed to be flushed out. I was not sure what that meant, but later found out that I had a blood infection, a sepsis that can kill in 12 hours. I had no idea how sick I was or the severely bad shape I was in during my time in Kansas City. I felt God’s presence all while I was there. As my family’s faces were filled with despair and the doctors were telling me about my kidneys and liver, I remember smiling and trying to comfort them. I told my husband not to worry and to stay at home, I was going to make it back ok.

At the time I could not remember the specific bible verse exactly but here are some that kept coming to my mind. Romans 8:31 says “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Deuteronomy 31:8 - It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (ESV), Joshua 1:5 ESV No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:6 ESV So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Throughout this storm, I kept my talks with Jesus, as my body began to respond to the various treatments. The nurses were always fantastic in their uplifting and positive engagements with me.  Finally, I moved off the intensive care floor to a regular room, then from there to my cousin’s house for a few days before coming home. Sharon had to get back, so she contacted her daughter in Chicago, who took a bus to Kansas City. Once here she and Sharon, her mother drove my car back to Michigan. I stayed to recover before taking a flight back home. In all I was gone over a week, but I made it. God’s hands were on me the entire time. His mercy and grace which endures forever granted me another stay. I know it was the prayers of my family, church home family and friends that kept me. James 5:16 speaks to the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

So, I am thankful and blessed to have a loving God and family who care about me. I am grateful for a loving husband who also trusted that God would pull me through and not panic. The nurses who took so much time with me and the doctors who allowed God to work through them. Saints this is my testimony, trust in God. Amen