Day 4/Tuesday- Reactions continue. But nothing like the past weekend. Bill is checking in on me frequently. I don’t remember a lot of today. I planned to go teach my abuse recovery group and spend a few hours at the office but I am so lightheaded, I figure I better not. I text a senior member of my group who is amazed with my near-death story and cries. She goes to group anyway and holds prayer for me with the rest of the group.
I am sitting on my porch spacing out again (a frequent occurrence as I contemplate now) when I decide it is time. It is time to post a bit of my story and inform people. I still also need healing prayers. These reactions have been a daily battle for a couple of weeks now.
I post this, along with my colored picture of Heaven’s Gates:
On Saturday, Satan tried to take me out for good.
But God stepped in.
On Saturday, Satan showed me that he can and still may try to make my body die. He continues to work at it.
But he doesn’t own my soul.
Read the rest of my NDE story here.
The support comes quickly. The prayers flow and I feel them. So many thankful that I am still here, even people posting how I have impacted their lives. What?
Dear satan, you chose the wrong gal to pick on. Jesus isn’t done with me yet.
Day 5/Wednesday- I visit the allergy doctor today. We figure out the culprit and make a plan. The problem with the culprit? It may be the heavy-duty shot to prevent allergies – given once a month. Yes, this means it will be in my body still for another 21 days. On the way home, I receive a call from my primary doctor’s office following up. I say, “…apparently, I flatlined in the ambulance.” The nurse confirms, “Yes, yes you did.”
I know that already. But I let my Facebook family and friends know that there is confirmation.
Shame on you, satan! And now I’m going to stop saying that because you aren’t even worth my time.
Day 6/Thursday- I’ve been sentenced to work at home as I am still reacting. It is the safest place for me. People keep offering meals. Kind of them but I can only eat my own stuff at this point. Nonetheless, I check with Bill, who feels he is doing pretty good keeping himself in food.
I find a stream of hymns on YouTube and cry my way through “Great is thy Faithfulness.” I also remember that I have a big podcast to record for on Tuesday. I had already met with Leslie Vernick a month ago. We did the full thing and then they discovered it hadn’t actually recorded. Her schedule was so full that meeting again was a month out.
Is this by design, Lord? Am I supposed to share this story on Tuesday with her thousands of listeners?
One friend on Facebook asks if she can paint my picture of heaven. Another asks if she can take the story to her prison ministry group to share. One wants to feature me on her blog. Two people have friends on their deathbeds and want to share it.
Nice of people to ask but it feels like God’s story – not mine.
While working at home today, I take several impactful calls. One so tearful, I can’t understand her words. Two calls from leaders in the trauma industry who are struggling with abuse in their families. A few others needing support while recovering. All need my experience and thoughts. And, of course, I pray with most of them before we hang up.
Today, I throw my plastic chains from church in the trash. Enough of giving satan any footholds. He’s not fooling around. I realize that my footholds have been a clog in the drainpipe. Probably for my kids and also for the ministries that I work for.
It’s time for full throttle.
So much of your story resonates even if I haven't dealt with what you have. The underlying message is so important: God is not done with us yet! It's a critical shift from 'I just want to go home and be with Jesus' to be called deeper into our purpose and the place He has for us right here, right now. Influence that we don't often recognize. Just being a light as we occupy earth--our enemy's territory--pushes back the darkness. May we all shine brighter where we are. I'm loving this series. Keep them coming!