This one is so good it needs no introduction from me.
FACING THE STORM WITHIN
by Alan
It’s quarter past four in the morning. At the end of this empty hospital corridor, I can see the sun rising, but to me it is a false dawn. My wife is in the operating theatre, through the double doors in front of me. After twenty-seven hours in labour, the doctors have decided that the only option left is an emergency caesarean.
I can’t stay with her. It’s not allowed. I have to wait in the corridor. Alone.
Why have they waited so long? Simple: Linda’s platelet count is so low that they’re concerned she might bleed to death. She couldn’t even have an epidural, for the same reason. Now they have no choice. They’ll both die if the doctors don’t operate.
I’m afraid. Afraid they’ll both die anyhow. My beautiful wife and the child she has carried for the past nine months.
A nurse walks past, then stops. Comes back. Puts her hand on my shoulder and says, “They’ll be alright.”
Tears in my eyes, on my cheeks. I can’t answer.
I pray. Wondering if God will even remember who I am, it’s been so long.
Father, please, keep them safe. Keep them safe.
Silence. Sunlight in the empty corridor, but I can’t see it for the darkness of the storm within.
A door opens further down the corridor. A nurse beckons, and I walk to the door, thinking, “She’s smiling. Are they…”
I’m afraid to even think the word. Think that they might, after all, be alive.
I walk through the door and see, bloody, bruised but beautiful, my newborn son.
Thank you Lord.
An hour later, in the recovery room, the first thing Linda sees is our son, in my arms.
The real sunrise, at last.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” Psa 23:4
Alan, I’m weeping. The Scripture at the end put me over the edge. My goodness. God bless you, brother.
Wow! Brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you, Alan
Such a scary time! My gracious, Alan. You took me back to my sister’s delivery. God graciously saved both of their lives, too.
“I pray. Wondering if God will even remember who I am, it’s been so long.”
Isn’t it wonderful? He never forgets. He knew that day, that hour, that very moment was coming. He knew you would turn to Him for help. No matter what darkness we endure, He is with us.
Thank you for sharing your story.
i was holding my breath as i read this…
i’m so glad the sunrise was right there.
I was trying (unsuccessfully) to brace myself for an ending I would not like… phew! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful sunrise Alan.
What a testimony to God’s goodness and mercy! He is always faithful to remind us of His presence, praise Him! Thank you for sharing your story.
wow. I didn’t realize how slow my breathing got until it was over.
Sheep! this is awesome! God is so great and the way HE draws us to himself is incredible. I am so glad that you came to HIM and that your wife and child survived. Praying for you and her…your sister in CHrist
Darla, thank you for your prayers. They’re needed (and they’re helping)!
Ric, that’s exactly what I was doing when I read your storm story. In this broken world, we expect the worst, even when we hope for the best. I guess that makes us appreciate the miracles even more!!
gchyayles, you’re so right. “He is always faithful to remind us of his presence”. I’ve needed more than one reminder, but He has been patient with me. Praise God!
Michelle: “let us encourage one another” (Heb 10:25 GNB) That’s what you always do for me – thank you!
gitz, alece, dale … thank you. I’m deeply moved by your understanding of my story.
Annie, I haven’t forgotten you! Too much to put into a comment, so I’ve emailed you instead.
WOW.. I can not imagine the feelings and the emotions…
God comforts and guides us through those emotions though.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, of in the moment reliance on God.