I desire to hear your stories, your wisdom, your encouragement, and what God has on your heart after reading today's devotional. If you have a moment, please click on the word comments below and follow the prompts. If you don't have a blog, you can post by clicking anonymous and leave your name in your comment if you'd like. Your words will mean more to me than you will ever know! To say thank you, I will select a few names and give away a few books that have encouraged me through my journey.
As soon as Lauren was born, and the doctor proclaimed, "it's a girl," I was thrilled!! I wanted a girl so much. As I looked into her big brown eyes, a myriad of questions flooded my mind.
What will she look like?
What will her personality be like?
Will she look more like her Dad or more like me?
Will she love chocolate like me?
Will I be a good mother?
Will I be able to provide all she needs?
I was scared. What did I know about being a mother?
Through the years, I have watched Lauren, now 16, blossom into an amazing young woman. Every birthday revealing the answers to my questions. She still has those big brown eyes and to that God added an infectious smile that lights up a room. She is timely, loves Mexican food, and enjoys anything chocolate like her mother. She laughs at herself, enjoys people, and loves music like her father. Through the years, God granted me the tools and wisdom necessary to provide for her at each stage of her life.
Today, my heart returns to those places of fear, questioning, and doubt that I had the very first day I held her. Knowing doctors will carve open my sweet girl's back from the nape of her neck to the curve of her hips, I find myself wondering again - how can I ever provide all she needs? From where will the strength come to watch them take her into surgery on December 28th? From where will the strength come to wait for hours as they surgically insert rods and screws into spine? From where will the strength come to watch her endure days of excruciating pain and suffering?
When I allow my mind to travel to these places, tears flow unceasingly. My sleep is restless. I awaken asking my Lord "why?" Why does she have to deal with so much at the tender age of 16?
My rational side reasons it could be worse...so much worse. Many mothers have children battling cancer and chronic illnesses that eventually steal away their babies. I have walked alongside of, cried with, and prayed for many of these mothers. Rational thoughts prevail...Lauren will recover; she will be strong and healthy again. This is just a blip on the screen.
But then my reality, the reality of my emotions, of my fears, forces its way back in. I want to believe. I want to trust. But the "whys" and the "what ifs" take control.
I hear in my head.
Wendy, you are a Bible Teacher.
Your calling is to share the Hope of the cross, the Truth of the Word, and the power of prayer.
Your calling is to encourage women to trust and believe God and His Word for all their needs.
Oh, how I KNOW these truths. Yet, today, I find myself the one needing words of Hope and encouragement. I find myself being the one crying out, "I believe, Lord, help me with my unbelief!"
Today, I am thankful for you...my Bible Study girlfriends, my Proverbs 31 sisters (thank you Wendy Pope for praying me through yesterday), the precious women God brings into my life after every speaking engagement, and my amazing cyberspace bloggy friends who bless me daily with your visits and your posts. Every one of you is a gift from the Lord.
Today, I have prayed for stories and fresh words of encouragement from Scripture to remind all of us of the LOVE, FAITHFULNESS, AND GREATNESS of our God. As you share, please don't forget to leave your name and a way to contact you for the giveaway. If you cannot get into the blog to comment, please feel free to e-mail me at spkrcoord@proverbs31.org.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.
Blessings,
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109 comments:
Most everyday I take Encouragement for the Day or Insight for the Day by Charles Swindol to forward to my growing devotional group. Sometimes there are no words to say in my greeting, or the Lord will bring something for me to share before the devotion.
I am touched by your words today, Wendy.
They are real, where you live, and how you look to God for answers. Especially how you continue to look to Him without answers...what a heart He has given you. I can almost see Him listening to our Why's in life...giving us a Holy Hug as we crawl into His lap yet not giving an answer except to say I AM. And HE IS...
My 94 yr old Father has moved in with us this past week. He lost his wife of 19 years Nov 19th. He has the sad disease of Dementia. You know what I've learned and learning? No matter what all he forgets, he hasn't forgotten a single thing about the Living Lord. That foundation, that Life in Him is constant, calming, comforting,encouraging and holding him. It's amazing to see him forget my name, but not a thing about the Lord. Living hope, living proof, living Life.
God bless you. I'm praying for you and your beautiful Lauren. Linda Coles
I am touched by your love and concern for your teenage daughter. I, too, have a beautiful, energetic seventeen year old daughter who has been struck with an illness that has rendered her exhausted and discouraged: mononucleosis. Although mono is a common disease, my daughter has a severe case and has now missed 5 weeks of the first semester of her Senior year. The doctor has just excused her for another entire month of school. She is so discouraged and questioning why God would allow this to happen to her. She looks to me for answers and to be her rock of faith. Your devotional about caring for Lauren, complete with your honest sharing of your own fears and doubts, has touched me. I appreciated you sharing your heart because it is so similar to mine right now. I will pray for you and your daughter, and I humbly request that you pray for my daughter and myself as well. God is truly in the Heavens and in our hearts!
Fantastic start to another day of taking care of my sick son. Although his is just sick with a viral infection, I have some of the same feelings you have had.
I've sat here now for several minutes thinking of something to say to you and all I can say is I'll pray. It'll be my honor.
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
Ps 56:3
i am deeply touched by what you are going through and pray that god will ease your burdens and grant you the grace to go through what you and your family are passing through now. Just remember He has said that He will not give us what is above our power. just continue trusting in him. I was also diagnosed with Scoliosis some months ago and mine is worsened because i have unequal limbs as a result of the Polio i had when small which partially paralised my left leg. ive been confused and afraid on what to do and to be sincere with you, i've not really done anything about it. i would appreciate all the information you can give me on it pls. my name is joy and i live in Lagos, nigeria. God bless
Thanks so much for you encouragaing words in your devotional today. I have a son who was born with a brain disorder that will never go away and I myself am dealing with a diagnosis, while not life threatening, that will affect the rest of my life and keep me from normal activities. Just know that you are enrcouraging others as you share your struggles and that you are not alone!
"As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3
Dear, Dear Wendy.
Simply, I love you. This "mommy heart" is right there with you. May His grace, peace, mercy and strength fill each of you now and over the next several months.
I passionately pray that the work of God may be displayed in your lives so beautifully and undeniably through Lauren's back condition and surgery. May He be glorified, may others believe in Him through this, and may He increase your faith and your intimate relationship with Him in unimaginable ways.
Wendy, I love you and I admire you for sharing all of this. May you see His hand of faithfulness and love throughout today and every single day!
Love, hugs and prayers,
Sharon
Father, you have heard the cries of your child for her child and I know your heart feels her pain. For how can any Father know the number of hairs on His child's head and be oblivious to the heartwrenching pain inside them? HE CAN'T! Comfort her with your love, reassure her with your love, strengthen her with your love. You have promised us in your word that you will answer us when we cry out to you and Wendy has cried out to you!"Because he (Wendy) loves me," says the Lord,
"I will rescue him (her);
I will protect him (her, for he (she) acknowledges my name.
He (Wendy) will call upon me, and I will answer him (her);
I will be with him (Wendy) in trouble,
I will deliver him (her) and honor him (her).
With long life will I satisfy him (her)
and show him (her) my salvation."
Psalm 91:14-16
In the name of Jesus Amen
Wendy,
Your daughter's story is identical to my daughter's story. She too is 16, junior in high school, active leader in school, varisty cheerleader, full of life and has a 48 degree curve. We have gone through all the steps to help it stay where it is, but she is facing surgery in time. We have allowed her to make the decision about when as she will have it as she is the child in pain. She has chosen to wait until her summer of her freshman year in college. We will be praying for you both and know that God is in control. Please let your daughter know that Megan, my daughter is praying and watching her story as it gives her strength for her own decisions.
Wendy,
This post flooded my mind with memories as I was reading it...I was 14 when they gave me a back brace and 15 when they put double rods in my back from my neck to tailbone. I thought my world had ended and I was terrified. Please tell Lauren that it doesn't stay that way. Yes, for a while there will be pain and life will be very different, but over time she'll be able to resume a normal life. I am 29 now and I haven't had back pain for years and I am every bit as mobile as I was at 15. I will be praying for you and Lauren. Please feel free to e-mail me at songofjoy1980@yahoo.com
Carol
Oh, Wendy... thank you for your transparent sharing today. It's going to be another big day of healing in the hearts of God's girls, I just know it. Love you immensely.
Amy Carroll
Dear Wendy,
My name is Louisiana. I am from Romania. I was so encouraged reading your devotional. God really answered your prayer, by touching many hearts through your devotional. I pray that may the Lord bless you and your family, and don't forget that He is ALMIGHTY and nothing is too hard for Him nor impossible and what is imposible to men is posibble to our God! Praise His name! I just want to leave a special quote to you, that marked my soul and I pray it will encourage you as well: Scripture assures us that even when we are faithless, God remains faithfull. Be blessed my dear sister and may the face of God shine and smile upon you and your family forever! Lousiana: louisianabora_87@yahoo.com
Wendy: I was just ironing my cherubs' clothes for today and was praying for you and Lauren, hubby and Bo, too. This verse came to my heart and I am praying it for you. This is my favorite "mommy verse"! He gently leads those who have young. Lauren and you and being carried in His arms, close to His heart.
Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young.
And I love this scripture where our Heavenly Father likens His love and comfort to that of a mother. Isn't He good?
Isaiah 66:13
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..."
Love you,
Sharon
Wendy, I am always amazed when the P31 devotion speaks so directly to my heart. And even more amazed when those words are so timely for me. My son dislocated his shoulder playing football last week. He is facing weeks of rehab and maybe even surgery. I remember specifically praying for his protection before the game in which he was injured. So, naturally I had to ask God -- "Excuse me! Did you not hear this mama's prayer??" But I have to TRUST that my God, my Father, did protect or is protecting him from something I don't know about, can't see. It stinks that he will miss the rest of the season. And baseball season will depend on whether or not he needs surgery. All hard things for a 12 year old to deal with. But the Lord is good and as that wonderful old hymn says, "It IS well with my soul."
Prayers for your sweet girl and a successful surgery.
Blessings,
Kelly
Wendy,
Thanks for sharing your daughter's story. It really hit home for me.
I have struggled with depression for 30 years. Sometimes it is better than others, but lots of times it is really bad. I struggle with the question of why doesn't God heal me and make it stick? So, your post meant a lot.
Thanks.
Amy
Dear Wendy,
Please allow me to post a powerful devotional that encouraged me, it was written by David Wilkerson:
Christ described the last days as a troubling and frightful time: “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth…. Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity” (Luke 21:26, 25).
What did Jesus give us to prepare us for these calamities? What was his antidote to the fear that was going to come?
He gave us the illustration of our Father watching the sparrow, of God numbering the very hairs on our heads. These illustrations become even more meaningful when we consider the context in which Jesus gave them.
He told these illustrations to his twelve disciples, as he sent them out to evangelize the cities and towns of Israel . He had just endowed them with power to cast out demons and heal all manner of sickness and disease. Think of what an exciting moment that had to be for the disciples. They were given power to work miracles and wonders! But then came these fearful warnings from their Master:
“You won’t have any money in your pocket. And you won’t have a home, not even a roof to sleep under. Instead, you’ll be called heretics and devils. You’ll be beaten in synagogues, dragged before judges, thrown into prison. You’ll be hated and despised, betrayed and persecuted. You’ll have to flee from city to city to avoid being stoned.”
Now picture these men wide-eyed as they listened to Jesus. They must have been gripped with fear. I imagine them wondering, “What kind of ministry is this? Is that what the future holds for me? This is the bleakest outlook on life I’ve ever heard.”
Yet, in this very same scene, Jesus told these beloved friends three times: “Fear not!” ( Matthew 10:26, 28, 31). And he gave them the antidote to all fear: “The Father’s eye is always on the sparrow. How much more will it always be on you, his beloved ones?”
Jesus is saying, “When doubts flood in— when you’re at your wits’ end and you think no one sees what you’re going through—here is how to find rest and assurance. Look at the little birds outside your window. And run your fingers through your hair. Then remember what I told you, that these small creatures are of immense value to your Father. And your hairs are to remind you that you’re of much greater value to him. His eye is always on you. And he who sees and hears your every move is near.”
That is how our Father cares for us in hard times.
Louisiana
And a powerful verse: Ephesians 3:20. God bless you!
Louisiana
Hi!! My name is Becky and I was born with spina bifida. They told my parents I wouldn't live and if I did, I would be a vegetable or paralyzed. This is not the case! I was walking by the time I was 2 and doing all kinds of things they said I wouldn't. At 2, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I wore a back brace faithfully for the next 8 years, and at age 10, because the curve was so bad (72 degrees--a backward question mark!) I had the Harrington rod inserted. I spent the summer in teh hospital and the next year in a body cast. Fasat forward 24 years. I am a wife and a mother to a healthy 8 month old baby boy! They said I wouldn't be able to have a child, either! I did, and pregnancy was fine! No bed rest until the last couple of months, then it wasn't all the time. This is a blip in the road. I know it seems insurmountable and she will have to give up things she loves, but she will be okay and she and you, will grow from this! If you want to talk, my email is b_j_walker@yahoo.com. I'll be praying for y'all!
Becky Slaymaker
Wendy, Thank you for sharing the pain and fear you are going through as a mother of a child of Scoliosis. It has given me a different perspective as I am a 'survivor' of three spinal fusions because of Scoliosis and after correction I still have a 53 degree curve. I have been dealing with this since I was 12 and now the ripe old age of 49, I have to admit that going through it is much easier than having to watch from the sidelines. As Moms, we don't do that very well, trusting that a stranger will take as good of care of our child as we would. I will pray that your daughter has a healthy and quick recovery, and that the surgeon has a steady hand. The good Lord will carry all of you thru. Just know that scoliosis just means your daughter has to think outside the box so to speak on doing some things, but I have to admit that in my teen years I was very angry at my parents for "making" me do this. I now understand the full repercussions that would have resulted if it wasn't done. And that because of what I have gone through, it has put me on a life path of caring for others that I don't think I would have ever been on if it wasn't for the times I have spent recovering from surgeries and dealing with pain. I thank God for this, because it has opened up my heart in a way that I don't think I was capable of before. There is richness after surgery!! May God keep you and your family cradled in his arms through this ordeal.
Respectfully
Paula
Aurora, Illinois
Dear Wendy,
What a powerful sharing this is.
Life today requires so much courage - courage to endure the things that happen in life, courage to be publically faithful in a world that would prefer that we weren't and courage to share such a journey transparently and authentically.
Such posts help many who are struggling in silence and will help them in their personal relationship with the Lord.
You inspire us, Wendy. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers today.
God bless you.
Harry
Thank you. The Lord spoke to me today through your words. Give your daughter a great big hug for allowing her story to be told through the eyes of her mother. Love to you both!
Oh Wendy, it's Ok to be sacred sometimes. Just because you are an amazing Bible teacher ana an Incredible Woman of God, doesn't mean your not human. Thank you for being real and transparent. It only makes us love & respect you that much more.
I am so sorry Lauren has to go through surgery. What a brave girl she must be. We will be praying for you both. I can't imagine what is must be like to experience that as a mom. My heart aches for you.
Blessings,
molly
Hi,, sure you have checked out every possible option for your daughter.. found this website and wanted to send it to you .. maybe one you havent seen https://lomalindahealth.org/sem/spine-center/index.php?gclid=CMqXsZC38Z0CFSANDQodbQvMPg
will be praying she doesnt have to go through the surgery... God is strong..
Wendy,
My story is the exact story of your daughter!
I had surgery the week after my 16th birthday.
I was a cheerleader that could never tumble again. Only it was 1988. I am 36 now and can tell you after walking the same path that God has used it for His glory. It strengthened me in ways that I can't even explain. You see now I am a Mom to three boys. Yes pregnancy was more challenging with my back, but totally doable :) My boys have health problems we weren't prepaired for autism spectrum, congenital heart defect, pediatric migraines.... My time in rehap made me strong. loosing my mobility gave me time to focus on God and what I was here for. Be encouraged your daughter will show you her strength and God will show you His plan. It is a hard path and there will be tears and why's, but God is faithful. I can tell you that because I have walked her path.
My prayers will be with you.
Jen Brown
seankeeghan@bellsouth.net
Feel free to contact me if you want perspective of a old cheerleader who's been there :)
Wendy,
In the past, I know you have prayed for me because you have visited my blog and you have told me so. I count it a privilege now to pray for you as well. I am encouraged by the practice of intercession given to us by our Father, whereby we can lift each other up out of our weakness and despair. If you would be willing to pray for me more specifically, I have another private blog that is only open by invitation. On it, I share intimate details of the things that are going on "behind the scenes" with our adoption journey, as well as my real name which, by the way, is not "C.C.". LOL! ;-) I have only invited a handful of people that I KNOW pray for me. I would be honored if you would continue to pray for me. I will add your deuteronomy email to the invitation list if you would like to stop by... the link is http://my-pprd-life.blogspot.com/.
Blessings,
C.C.
http://his-heart.blogspot.com/
Sweet Wendy! This post so touched my heart! And all of the comments! Wow! God is so good and faithful to place friends in our paths when the way becomes difficult and not as familiar...when we have those "why's." Lauren and your entire family will be in our prayers each day. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to pray for you all. Sending you hugs and love!
Love you!
Susan
On Sunday evening, Sept 6, our daughter Rachel was involved in an automobile accident near Minot, ND. As a result of the accident, she fractured and compressed one of her vertebra (T12),as well as fractured her sternum. She was flown from the hospital in Minot to the Hennipen County Medical Center in Minneapolis early that Monday morning. On Thursday, Sept.10, she had surgery and now has hooks and rods to help stablize her back. She has to wear a bivalve brace for 3 months except when she is lying down.
This has been a journey with ups and downs. But one constant has been God and His people holding us with His grace.
Rachel has taught us so many lessons. She has an amazing spirit. You can read her story and journal at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rachelmariemassey/mystory
Am I scared? Oh,yeah. She is on a trip right now from DC to SC. Has it been hard? Yes, but there have been so many blessings. I feel a deeper closeness to my daughter and have experienced the gift that she is.
And by the way, she has been accepted to the Physician Assistants program at South University. She'll start in January. Rachel went to the interview -brace and all- and blew them away!
Go in the strength you have and He will provide the rest. We'll be praying for you.
paula
pmassey250@aol.com
Sharing your struggle in such a open and honest manner encourages me...so many times we as women feel we must stay controlled/focused and strong for those around us - when indeed there is a time for us to let down all such thoughts and come to a place of brokeness that will allow the Lord to do His great work.
Be joyful in hope, patient in afflicition , faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and cetain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
Remember your past, and know that this too will pass. God is faithful and He will bring you both out of this closer to Him even more than you are now. God will honor your heart, your service, and the great example of a mother you are and it will be ok. Hold on to what you know, and know that it's ok to be scared and ask why, God loves you or hears you no less!
Melissa Reynolds
Prayers . . . for you, daughter, surgical team and all caregivers . . . thankful and grateful for possibilities for healing where others have none . . . blessed to be in a situation to show love and comfort and patience and sympathy and what the definition of a mother really is . . . I look forward to future posts inspired by all that comes from your experiences during this time!
I cried as I read your story because it is so similar to my own teenage years. As a 42 year old mom, my perspective has changed greatly. I now realize that as hard as it was to participate in high school activities with a back brace, the burden my mother carried was much heavier. It broke her heart to watch, helpless, as I tried to navigate the already treacherous waters of teen life with a brace. We have often talked about how that experience drew us closer to each other and closer to God. The thing that was so terrible then taught me so much and strengthened my character. I pray that you and Lauren will both come through this ordeal just fine. Our God is with you every second. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
~Sheri Hammel hammel@htc.net
Wendy, I read your proverbs 31 devotion today and it went right to my heart. I too was a 13 year old girl 28 years ago and was told I had scoliosis and kyphcosis. I also had to wear that back brace for two years and endured the pain and embarrassment. I was made fun of for two years before I had to wear it every day at school. It was so devestating to me at that age - I had to wear boys jeans and flannel shirts to try and hide the brace - I could never wear any stylish clothes like all my other friends and the pain was terrible. I want you to know that your daughter is so blessed to have you as her mother. My Mom was not so understanding and all I needed was a mom like you are being, a shoulder to cry on, someone to have sympathy for me, even just a little. My mom took the approach of stop wining kind of thing, it's not that bad. I was also not a believer back then and since I have given my life to christ, I have found alot of freedom from my past and more self esteem than I have ever had. Please know you are being a wonderful Mom and let your daughter know there is someone out there that understands. I have a 16 year old daughter who unfortunately has kyphcosis also but I would not brace her, she is active in sports and it helps her alot. Still, we both have rounded backs which makes us self conscious alot and I often still ask God, why me, what is the purpose of this for? Hopefully one day I will find out, but for now, God Bless you and your daughter, let her know, I get it..I really do - Lisa
Dear sweet Wendy,
This is the first time I have come to your blog. Your story cuts to the core of me. I have a daughter and cannot begin to relate to what you are going through and will not pretend. I cannot even take myself there. One thing we do know is that the LORD said we would have trials and tribulations. It seems easier to let them come at us and deal, than to make the decision to walk into the greater pain. Jesus walked into the greater pain for our salvation. He knows it first hand and he lives in you and he lives in Lauren. You are so right, you cannot handle this but HE can and HE will. We ask why me, but the question is why not me? We do not know the bigger picture- he always reveals himself in retrospect. We step out in faith, I think of Daniel in the Lions den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abindigo sp? into the firey furnace. All in obedience to the LORD and he protected them. We must focus on the eternal perspective and not the temporary... that's the only way to not give into the pain and thoughts of what if! We have been studying the book of John this year and he asks the paralytic in chapter 4, "Do you want to be healed ?" "Take up your mat and walk". His faith required action and picking up his mat and walking. Lauren's mat is heavy, she has so many surrounding her and loving her who will encourage her and YOU and your husband and your son. This is a huge responsiblilty and you will all make it through this and you will do it well because you have been called to this, for this time and this place for purposes yet to be revealed. I think of the Passion movie and we all ache as we watch what Christ did for us. We are all aching with you as you walk this road with Lauren, but I cannot help but believe that he will show you his love and beauty through the journey.
Jesus said take this cup from me, not my will but yours... He knows, he knows and meets you in this place, sacred, just for you and yours. He trusts you with this because you trust him. Wendy and Lauren you are held in the everlasting arms. Visualize those arms the muscles the power the strength the tenderness and the love flowing over you. Interceding!
Oh Wendy, my mother's heart aches with you. I too have had to watch a child suffer in the hospital & all I can say was that it was total reliance on God that brought us through. I will be praying for all of you throughout this process. It cannot be an easy thing for Lauren to process and accept either. I will be praying for peace for her also.
I am so happy that you are so honest about your mom feelings. Too many times Christians feel like they should not admit or allow other Christians to admit their fears. It is perfectly okay & we will lift you and Lauren up for comfort in this time of uncertainty.
You have done amazing things in my life with your book and your blog. I am sure many women here would say the same thing. Now it is our turn to lift up your family in our prayers and return the blessing. I pray for peace for all of you and a quick recovery time for Lauren.
Jennifer
I am so glad that I "clicked" further on the devotion today. There is nothing like sharing and praying for one another. I am dealing with healing on a more personal level (ie: lonliness and finding my place after becoming an empty nester) and I struggle daily for direction. Listening to KHCB in Houston this morning on the way to work touched my heart and got me focused on His love and comfort that is always available.
Dear Wendy
I have just read your article about your daughter and want to encourage you because thirty-two years ago my daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of twelve,it was fast growing so that in two months it had developed to a 65% curvature,she could not stand straight,the doctor advised that she should have surgery immediately.I was scared,the doctor said if she did not have surgery straight away she would only get worse and he would have to do the surgery in two stages instead of one.After much soul searching,tears and prayers my husband and I agreed.The first three days after the surgery were frightening,she had a cut from the nape of her neck to just above her buttocks;a steel rod was placed in her back and is still there,she was in a heavy brace for about three months and then a lighter brace for some more months,she was out of school for a year,but she eventually recovered,went back to school,then to ORAL ROBERTS UNI.recevied a BA in Theology and MA in Education,she is now married to a pastor and is a mother of three healthy children.
I have written this just to encourage you,don't feel guilty for crying because tears are "liquid tears" and the Lord keeps them bottles(Ps56:8).
I will keep you and youdaughter in my thoughts and prayer.
(((Wendy))) "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord"
I am grateful that I took time today to stop and read the devotion that you wrote at Encouragement for Today. So often, I click on, glance at it quickly, and then click again thinking I'll read later....sure I will. But today, I read your devotion, the cry of your heart, and then clicked on your blog. My mother's heart aches for your heart and knows that feeling of helplessness when we realize that we are finally up against something that we cannot "fix" for our children. My very next thought was one that God must also know how you are feeling. I have to believe that even God must have looked for every possible way to "fix" our sin in a way that would spare His only son, His perfect, only son, knowing that His son would be awake as He was crucified for my sins, God MUST have looked for a way to fix it. So, Wendy, I believe that God does intend understand your pain, helplessness, and your heart's desire for your child. I also believe that He sees the other side as well, when your precious daughter will walk without pain, fear of those who look at her like she is different, and free to be the amazing young woman who will proclaim His goodness and glory. May God grant you peace, encouragement, and may He hold your family so closely in His loving arms as you walk through these next days. A sister in Christ, Suzanne
I am a 60 year old woman who has walked the path your precious daughter is currently walking. Unfortunately for me, at 16 the surgery was not available and mine took place when I was 38. It was experimental back then and very dangerous as my spine was then curved to 85 degrees, I was almost bent in half.
By this time I had two precious children and a wonderful, supportive husband. We "all" made this journey together as a family..
I praise God that the doctor's have come so far with this procedure. Yes, there will be many moments of pain, depression and fear..but you, as a family will triumph with God's help and the prayers of his people.
I will share a brief story with you..My daughter is now a kindergarten teacher at a Christian school. The librarian at her school has MS and my daughter is extremely sensitive to this woman and her disability. Just a few days ago, my daughter's principal called her in and remarked how very senstive she was to this woman's illness..my daughter said that she was blessed to have grown up with a Mother who had a disability, and she learned compassion from watching me..Praise God...
It is doubly hard for you as a Mother to watch her child..but God has a plan..and He knew you were strong enough to see it to fruition.
Hi, Wendy, I'm from Brazil and I've learned from you through Encouragement for today. I admire your strenght to overcome what you went through (I know our strenght comes from the Almighty God). Now I thank you for sharing your fears - all of us have fears and sometimes question God. When St. Paul questioned God, he received this answer: My strength is made perfect in weakness, My grace is sufficient for thee.II Co 12:9. It's not an easy answer.
I am a mother of four, and I have cried to God a lot of times asking for deliverance.
I'll be praying for your daughter's full recovery (and successful surgery), for the Bible assures us : "They cried unto thee and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded." (Psalms 22.5 AV)
Thank you for your encouraging messages, may God bless you and your family. ecfiss@yahoo.com.br
PS A correction to my comment,the line which tells you "don't feel guilty for crying because tears are 'liquid tears' should be 'liquid prayers'which God keeps in bottles.(PS 56:8)
Irma
Oh Wendy!
I want to share a verse with you that came to me while reading your story. Jeremiah 30:17 - "I will give you back your health and heal thy wounds," saith the lord.
Everything will be okay sweetie. Sometimes our journey is hard one, sometimes not. Your daughter will have the best hands in the world holding her heart, God himself, and we will pray for the surgeons and nurses to be guided by these precious hands, give them the knowledge they need to perform this surgery.
She will have all of us praying for her, and for you and the family. Could you email me your address? I would like to send litte cards along the way to let her know she is being prayed for and that we want her to get better soon.
And Wendy in closing... Fear not tomorrow, for God is already there.
Thank you for touching my heart in such a special way this morning. Sending many hugs and much love, Sherry
WOW, how God works in the most marvelous ways! I opened my email this morning eager to see what God had to say to me today through His Word and the devotionals of "Encouragement for Today." As I began to read your words, it was almost as if you were writing from my own heart and mind. All the whys, all the tears, all the love was right there burning my heart. The summer day in June of 2008 when on routine physical exam, I questioned my daughter's pediatrician concerning an abnormal "hump" in her back. Immediately, they referred us to the local ortho practice. It is there that we heard the words for the first time, "Scheuermann's kyphosis." A disease affecting girls in puberty where for reasons completely unknown, the back side of the spine outgrows the front causing a hunching over much like that of older women with osteoporosis. They recommended physical therapy and bracing, much the same as your daughter, only a different concept with the kyphosis. I can remember so vividly that sinking feeling, the guilt and the blame I put on myself. We began physical therapy, knowing the next step would be the brace. During the weeks following, I had a complete uneasiness. My husband and I prayed and had our church family praying...still we received absolutely no peace with the route we were taking. I work in the medical field, so I had already began my search for a physician specializing in this field. I did know though that no physician who operates on a range from shoulders to toes would be touching my daughter's spine. After talking with various medical professionals and searching the US for a specialist, we had settled on a doctor in Missouri. Now mind you, we are in NC. I was all but on the plane with my baby girl when, praise be to God alone, I was given the name of Dr. Lloyd Hey in Raleigh. Dr. Hey studied at Harvard under the pioneer of scoliosis surgery. Most importantly, he is a Christian who will tell you, it is not of himself, but of God working through him, that he is able to help the thousands of folks he has operated on due to spinal deformities. Dr. Hey performs no other surgeries other than spinal deformities. Talk about complete peace. I knew beyond any doubt God had brought us to this man. Even though surgery is inevitable probably within the next couple of years, we were able to avoid the brace. We left that day with such inner peace. Her last recheck was in December 2008. Wendy, the reason I write this is I fully believe there are folks who have these conditions and do not know where to turn. This is not so much a pep rally for Dr. Hey, but I do believe he is one of the most talented physicians in the US for spinal deformities. He has people visit him daily from all over the US, even outside the US. I believe God places us in the path of folks, and although I am guilty of many times ignoring it, this time I could not. I just want folks to know of Dr. Hey and his God-given talent in this field. Dr. Hey has a website and a blog which he places information about his patients (with their permission). For a truly uplifting experience, I urge those of you reading this to visit his site at http://drlloydhey.blogspot.com/ I simply want folks to know there are knowledgeable and experienced physicians to care for these conditions. I believe God had me read your devotion, then directed me to your blog, and I felt an overwhelming need to write this comment. I believe God wishes to speak to someone through this. Please know you are in our prayers!
Thank you for being transparent and sharing something that you are still wrestling with emotionally, but praise God that you are not wrestling with in Truth.
Prayers and blessings as you and your daughter follow this road,
Rebecca
There is such beauty in your heart...beauty that has a name...it's Jesus...and girlfriend you sure shined Him bright today in this devotion. I am visiting to say you, your daughter, your family, all that are involved in this are covered in prayer!
As soon as I saw the title "When Healing Never Comes", I had to read it. I am 34 with a husband, 2 kids and a rare lung disease and have prayed for God to heal me for 3 years now. I've been anointed with oil, prayed over and healing has not come yet. Recently, God sweetly told me through my pastor's wife to keep asking God to heal me but also know that God is sovereign. If He took me home tomorrow, well then GLORY! He is still Good and I'd be with Him. I'd only get there a little faster than most:)Your devotional touched my heart. I will lift your daughter up in prayer to the God who can heal.
Wendy,
I can't even begin to tell you how much your post blessed me today. My story is different, yet very much the same. My 19 yr old son has suffered with severe anxiety and depression for 11 years. He spent 2 months in a psychiatric hospital 2 years ago. Although this road has been long and very difficult, I have a peace in my heart knowing that God has a wonderful plan for my son. He is about to complete the first semester of his sophomore year in college with a 4.0 gpa. His goal is to go to law school. God has sent so many wonderful people into my life to encourage me, pray for my family, and just lift me up continually as we make our way down this long, painful path. Although my son is still not "out of the woods" and there are times that I think he won't make it...I remember God's promise that he is in control and he will take care of us. Thank you so much for being one of those "angels" that God has blessed me with. I will be praying for you and your daughter.
God bless you and your ministry.
Hi Wendy,
....Heartfelt strings are attached.
Wow!!! Just look at how God is using you and Lauren. Many are getting strength through this post today.
My prayers are that you are to.
I myself have been struggling with this world and wondering if anybody cares....when someone is down and out. Today You and Lauren's trial showed me there are great caring people still out there.
The passion of my heart, the call on my life, is to point others to find answers to their struggles, great and small, in the Word of God. I also love to do this....I struggle though because so many don't want to hear it.
Wendy you say it all so well. Can we (all of us) I'm sure who are sending you our prayers...and encouragement for today. Have you and Lauren sit down and have you read your own blog today. You put it all so well:)
I just wish I could of read this years ago and derived strength...and had great encouragment. But through my trials is where I found and got to know MY LORD.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is dying that we are born to eternal life.
One to Ponder:
Greatest Peace...
The greatest sense of peace will come from living our faith well. When the Prince of Peace rules in our hearts, he reigns in our homes.
From: Grace and Gifted
Wendy and Lauren....God Bless You and Peace be with You.
In Christ's everlasting love and joy,
Rhonda
Wendy,
Your devotional and blog entry touched me today, especially the part about your doubts as a mother and struggle to let go and allow God to direct and heal. I'm the mother of two girls, one is 19 and a college freshman (who coincidentally has a slight sciolosis) and my younger daughter, age 14, has type 1 diabetes and was diagnosed at age 8. I've struggled too with "why her, Lord?" and I recall a time not too long after her diagnosis. She was a 2nd grader and we were trying to get ready for a school choir performance and she was running around the house, running away from her blood sugar check and from her dinnertime insulin shot. She threw herself on the bed and wailed, "why do things like this happen to me and not to my sister? WHY AM I NOT NORMAL?". I prayed the fastest prayer on record and the Lord gave me these words. ."I love you and God loves you. You are normal, you're just a different kind of normal."
I struggle too with being the kind of mother God wants me to be, having the right words and guidance for my girls.
God may never provide complete healing of my daughter's diabetes. Type 1 is a lifelong disease and currently has no cure.
But I can only say that it has brought me closer to my daughters and to God. We just pray our way through each day and rely totally on Him. I will pray for your sweet daughter as she awaits surgery. . and for you to have total peace in God.
My heart aches for you and your daughter today. Thank you so much for being so real with us. I have fibromyalgia and some days, actually most days, it is difficult to even get out of bed. I hurt all the time, am exhausted all the time, no matter how much sleep I get. But God has helped me through so much these past couple of years. Two years ago I couldn't even work. Now I am working 4 days a week, I walk daily and I push through. I still struggle with asking "why" though. Your words have encouraged me so much. I will be praying for you and your precious Lauren.
Kim
Wendy,
I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I, too, have scoliosis and unfortunately passed it on to my beautiful daughters.(14 and 11) I had three operations when I was thirteen to correct/improve the curvatures. My youngest is now wearing a brace, and we have a dr. visit this Friday to have an x-ray to monitor her curvatures. I, too, am frightened at the fact that she may possibly have to have to face surgery. (The curvatures appear to be worse.) Reliving this and knowing that my daughter may possibly have to go through this is devastating.
Just know that I am praying for you, your daughter, and family. God is in control and he will guide the surgeons as they perform this operation. As a 47 year old, I know that his hand was with me throughout my operations and healing.
Knowing that you are not alone as I have seen from the posts from others is quite a comfort. I am so glad that I took the time to read this today. God speaks to us and sends messages through others. Your message was just what I needed today.
In Christ.
Lou Ellen Holliday
Thank you for sharing the difficult times with us. As so often occurs, the P31 devotional was exactly what I needed to hear today. I vividly remember that school day years ago, sitting with my parents at McDonalds deciding whether or not I would get a brace for my scoliosis. Ultimately, my health issues aren't life threatening - scoliosis, endometriosis, migraines. But they do impact my daily life.
Here is my encouragement for you - I wouldn't be who I am without these hard places in my life. My compasion and empathy have dramatically increased because I know what pain feels like. It doesn't make it easier to live though the pain, but it makes the pain worthwhile. So this isn't "my way". I don't always understand "His way". But the older I get, the more I see how "His way" has an impact in ways that I could never imagine, and I have to daily (or minute by minute) choose to trust even when I don't want to.
katehinson (at) yahoo dot com
Wendy, thank you so much for sharing this. Your personalization of Proverbs 3:5-6 made me cry. I am going to do that and post it here at my desk. Your words spoke to my heart and God has used you in a special way.
I have been struggling a lot and wrestling with God lately b/c of some physical issues that I have. I was diagnosed with PCOS 4 years ago after my second miscarriage. 6 months later I got pregnant again and was able to carry full term and I now have a beautiful 2 1/2 year old little girl. Then this summer I had some endometriosis removed. Two months later, I had my 3rd miscarriage. This time twins. I struggle so much with the same thoughts you do - why? and then I list all of the reasons I shouldn't be asking that question. Every time I think I have placed all of my fears at the foot of the cross, I realize I've taken a part of it back. Not always all of it, but bits and pieces of it keep creeping back into my mind. I realize that I'm keeping my husband at arms length for fear of getting pregnant again. Then I'm afraid of not getting pregnant and having no more children. Or what if the endometriosis has returned and that's why I'm having more problems. I'm having another time where I realized I've taken it back and I am struggling so much with letting go.
I appreciate the way that you have allowed God to use you and the struggle you have had to minister to others. I will definitely be praying for your family as you endure the trial God has placed before you. Our God is faithful and is with you every step of the way.
Julie
sweetpea{dot}hull{at}gmail{dot}com
Wendy....I too have a Lauren and another daughter Heather. I thank God everyday they are both very healthy young women. Your devotion touched my heart and made me realize how lucky I am. I will be praying for you, your Lauren and all your family and I know that God will have his loving and healing arms wrapped around you and Lauren at all time. Thank you for sharing your story, a real life story, with us all. Kelly Willie
Wendy - my daughter, Heidi, was diagnosed with scoliosis at 13, and like Lauren, it progressed to where surgery was the best option -- AGAINST MY BETTER JUDGEMENT!! I WAS TERRIFIED. But Heidi was 16 at the time and made the decision to go ahead and have it so we released it to God. She is now 23 and getting married this Saturday, November 7th! Yes - the surgery is very serious, but the outcome is amazing! The recovery is intense and long but we discovered how God supports and loves us through things - and we discovered how strong and faith filled our daugher is! She does not regret it at all! She takes Pilates, dance classes - she is not limited at all! Praise God for the wondrous advances in the medical field in this area so that our precious children can be relieved of this debilitating disorder! When she was going through it I was hungry to talk to other mom and hear stories of success -- so this is my opportunity to encourage you and pray for you and offer to be there if you wish to talk. You can contact me at jerisue513@aol.com or through facebook Jeri Marsh Suedekum. Blessings to you and Lauren and may God cover with his grace and peace!!!! Jeri
Hi Wendy,
It's so hard to know we can't control our children's needs, isn't it? Hard to accept that God gave us these precious gifts, but they've never really been "ours", but His all along. The One who holds our future, and who knew your daughter while she was being knit in your womb. So hard, but so awesome that it's hard. Because that means you have a heart for your daughter as God has for us, a beautiful thing.
I have a few verses to share. One from a young man's facebook just this morning - great comfort for your daughter... "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Oh Lord, will keep me safe" Psalm 4:8
And oh how He cares!! Psalm 56:8 "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."
Last but not least, an oldie but a goodie that my Moms in Touch prayer group prayed through for our kids yesterday, SO perfect for your baby girl and you... "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yolk is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
God bless you my sweet sister in Christ.
Kim Pittman, Charlotte NC :-)
Just want to thank you ladies of God for sharing stories, expiriences in life, trials and the happy endings, they have helped me realize how grateful and blessed I really am.
I have had one trial after another, lost a job my husband walking out on me and comming back and forth, My daughter had surgery on Nov. 2,2009 from an accident on her right knee she is 16years old and I have to leave her home alone because I have to work my mom has been wonderful helping out. God has been so good talk about knowing our needs he does. Im asking for prayer for my husband that he repent and come back home and for my daughters quick recovery. Psalms 61:1 HEAR MY CRY O GOD ATTEND UNTO MY PRAYER. I thank you in advance for all that you do and are doing for me and my family in Jesus name AMEN. THERE IS POWER IN HIS NAME JESUS!!!!!!!
Thank you for your openess. My son Charlie,14, has Scoliosis and a low tone so he is in a wheel chair. He has had 12 surgeries as they have given him growing rods attached to his spine and ribs. It is amazing new technology that has saved his life. He is non verbal and has developmental delays. But he is full of Gods love and unconditional acceptance for others. A lesson I have needed. And here my Special Needs Son is the one teaching me!Was it my plan, NO! but I thank God for his plan as it has brought more depth in Him than goodies and ease from the world. John Chapter 9 has a man born Blind from Birth and the Disciples ask why? Who sinned? and Jesus answers, No one! It was for The Glory of Gods works to be seen. And thousands of years later we are reading the story and being given hope and understanding in Gods word. Charlie was born to give glory to God, not me. He has done his job and now I share him in Road races, waffle House and Church and he has lit up others worlds with the Spirit of God in him. God will heal in different ways and Bless you and your daughter in ways you could never imagine with the faith you maintain.
You can see Charlie on my Facebook and his facebook accounts of Charlie Schoen
or Charles Schoen!
Wendy,
I was reading about your daughter needing surgery for her scoliosis. I just wanted to say that I have a friend who went through this surgery and it was a great success! She is able to live a normal, healthy life. I know that she went through a long recovery process but she feels that it was all worth it. It's sad that this sort of thing has to come during the teenage years, the hardest years for so many, but God bless your daughter, you, and your family. I have faith that the future will be brighter for her!
Love,
Traci
Wendy,
I am 48 and have lived with this for my whole life. The doctors did several surgeries, my foster mom prayed for healing. They would straighten my back and it would curve again. Finally at 18 my back got so bad that I was depressed. I went to yet another specialist and found out that my curve was due to a problem with my spinal cord. Simply put it was acting like a sling shot and every time they would straighten my back, it would slowly pull it back into a curve. This time they fixed it, at the same time they asked me if I wanted them to straighten my back one more time... This time if they did I would have no bending movement at all They would fuse the all of the bones together. I prayed about it and chose not to. Now I have other issues that came along with my birth, God chose to use me to show others that living with disablilites doesn't have to be debilitating. God has been faithful all these years, I have 5 beautiful healthy daughters, I may not be a dancer (something I wanted when I was young), I may not be able to run or ride a bike like I would like to, but God has given me so many other talents. Understanding teens who are going through tough times, sharing with young mothers who are not sure how to keep their marriage alive. Cooking for my sisters who are getting to be elderly and can't do it as often for themselves. So much God has given me, if I had been a dancer, if I had been physically fit would I have spent time reading all these great books that have helped me help others? And to the post above mine, the surgery has come a long way and they can do so much more, it was an experiment when I was young. God bless you and know that God has a plan. Thank you for your post!
Wendy, I write to you with a huge lump in my throat. After reading your devotional for today, I feel your pain and anquish. I have a beautiful 21 year old daughter, a gift from God as well. My husband and I tried for years to become pregnant but God had a different plan for us! He loaned her to us through adoption! A six day old, precious, perfectly made miracle. The wonderful years have flown by and she is now a senior in college. The Lord gifted her in athletics and she plays basketball for her college with a scholarship! She has been plagued with MONO since June. Has missed her conditioning, strength training and now missing practice. She and I have prayed,cried, begged,pleaded, for the Lord to take this horrible virus from her. We didn't get the answer's we had prayed for. But during this horrible ordeal, I have grown in my walk with the Lord. His scripture has leaped out to me and comforted me more than ever. I too, would have taken this virus from her..But the Lord didn't take it. We now wait. Yes, to wait in HIM. We don't know the out-come. She has been released to practice on the 9th. Praying she can continue to grow in strength and stamina. I am a newbie to Proverbs 31 ministry and you and the "girls" will never know how you have blessed me. Thank you for being brutally honest and loving all wrapped together. You are a wonderfully, made and loved by God more than you will ever know..I don't know you...But I love you. I will pray for you and your precious gift of a daughter as well...Kay Daniel
kaydaniel22@hotmail.com
Wendy, I am praying with you. Your Encouragement for Today and Blog have touched my heart as I am dealing with a similar situation. My 14-year-old daughter spent a long weekend in a psychiatric hospital for depression, cutting, and wanting to die. I know this stems from sexual abuse that happened 8 years ago that we just found out about. While it's not the physical affliction that your daughter has, I have the same questions about whether she'll ever be the happy, joyful young woman that I've always dreamed for her to be. I'm praying for your daughter to be all that you've dreamed of and more. May God bless you and your family.
Dearest Wendy, I am okay crying to Abba and sharing my disappointment. With using scripture I see myself in His lap with His arms around me. I am leaning back on his breast as John did. I search for His heartbeat and know that only He can comfort my heart.
Judy.
Dear Wendy,
I have no words for you except to tell you that I am praying for your daughter and for you. I am so sorry for what you are going through, but I know that God works ALL things together for good to those who love Him. Holding your family in prayer.
Jennifer
Wendy,
Your devotion on Proverbs 31 spoke to me today. We all have prayers that God answers with a "no" or in a way that we don't want. I have a 4 y.o. daughter with Type 1 diabetes, and I understand your fear, pain, and heartache.
By the way, my 15 y.o. niece had surgery to correct her severe scoliosis last year, and the change in her is miraculous! She is so much more outgoing and confident, and she grew 4 inches!
Thank you for sharing from your heart,
Laura
I have never blogged before, and even now, writing this makes me a little nervous, but I feel I have an important testimony to share. My son was diagnoses with scoliosis about 3 years ago. Although it wasn't a severe curve that would require surgery, it was an "S" shaped curve that required a brace to be worn 20 out of 24 hours a day. The first day with the brace was the hardest. My son couldn't sleep very well and he didn't like the way it constricted him and made him feel like he couldn't breathe normally. But after that, he accepted it and had a great attitude. He knew, that he was much better off than a lot of other children who had things much worse, so he accepted it. He also believed his situation was temporary because he believed in healings without any doubt. In an attempt to do all that WE could do, I began taking him to a Chiropractor. He said that my son's one leg was shorter than the other and that this was part of the reason for the curved spine. My son began to wear a lift in his shoe and do a varity of exercises meant to help straighten his spine. Obviously, we prayed, but our prayers were ones of hope not expectancy. Don't get me wrong, sometimes all we have is hope. But I've been on a learning path to much more. My family and I have begun to believe in what I've been told is a "word of faith" teaching. Basically, it's the belief that there is power in speaking the word of God outloud. God made everything by speaking and there are many scriptures that talk about the power of the tongue. So, to sum this up as quickly as I can, We purchased the healing scriptures on CD and a book by John Hagee Ministries. One of the CD's told a story about a young girl who had a brain tumor and was ultimately healed by speaking the word of God outloud. Think about the power there is in hearing sounds, commercials, jingles, songs, etc. Speaking and Hearing God's word is very powerful. Anyway, I printed off the prayer and healing scriptures from the book and had my son read the prayer and one scripture every day. He did this without fail; everyday without fail. We spoke words of healing whenever we talked about his back. After about a year, we made an appointment for a re-check. The weeks prior to the appointment we just kept saying how great it was going to be when the doctor's took the x-ray and saw how straight his spine was. He had been out of his brace for over 24 hours when they did the x-rays. It was kind of funny, because they (the medical staff) kept whispering among themselves and re-checking the result of the x-rays. They even got a second opinion. I knew before they even said anything that it was good news. I just believed it to be true. Sure enough, when they finally told us the results of the x-ray, they said that the top curve of his spine was completely gone and the bottom curve was so minor that it could hardly be called scoliosis anymore. I immediately told them it was God who healed my son. One of the interns (an obvious Christian) gave me the thumbs up in agreement. They had previously told me that scholiosis never improves, that all we could do was hope it wouldn't get worse. Well, God isn't bound by such limitations and His Word speaks another truth. When I asked the doctor what we should do next, he told us to do whatever we've been doing because it's obviously working. Praise God! I encourage all of you who are suffering from any type of illness to either purchase the healing scriptures from John Hagee Ministries (or Gloria Copeland has them as well) or find them in the Bible yourself,and beginning reading them outloud and listening to them on CD, as often as you possibly can. There is unlimitd power in the WORD of God. Use your mouth to proclaim it outloud for all to hear. Praise and Glory to God! He is true to His teachings! He is the same today as He's always been. He can be trusted to do what he said he would. There's nothing to lose by speaking the Word of God in your life - in fact, you can only prosper from it in many different ways. Amen!
I have a friend who had the same surgery complete with the rods.It is scary. But she is glad that the surgery was an option and she doesnt feel limited by it. Its been years and she doesnt realy think about it. I'm not the best with words but just wanted to let you know we'll pray for you, your daughter, and your family. Take care! :)
Wendy: I was searching for encouragement today from the Prov. 31 devotional and as I began to read, I began to cry. It has been over 30 yrs. since I had scoliosis and at the age of 14 my parents made the decision for me to skip the brace and have the surgery immediately. I have 2 steel rods in my back to this day with no problem. Praise the Lord! I was in the hospital for 30 days and I was sent home in a full body cast and layed flat on my back for 6 months. I was able to walk as soon as the cast was removed. I am married with 3 wonderful grown children and I had no complications during my pregnancies. I know your daughter, Lauren will be OK because she has a Savior who cares for her deeply and created her and she has godly parents who will love, care and pray for her always. I can speak with confidence because my godly parents and my Savior gave me hope, love, and comfort during our time of need. I will be praying for your whole family and if you wish to e-mail me, please do lmrmc@buffalo.com . I am a cancer survivor of 1 yr. and the verse I clung to through my bend in the road was and still is Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Let your strength to get through moment by moment come from our Savior Jesus Christ.
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the devotion today! I have a 6 month old son who is about to have his 3rd surgery to correct a facial deformity. There is no pain like seeing your child in pain. God is good and He is sovereign. I don't understand and I have stopped trying to figure out why He chose MY son. Our prayer from his birth is that God would be glorified through everything that has and will happen. It has helped to start praying over everyone in the hospital from the orderly all the way up to the surgeon. We always want every person who comes in contact with our child in the hospital to come away thinking something was different about him. Not just his deformity but the glory of the Lord that shines through his face.
Thanks for sharing your heart,
Leah L.
I get the daily emails but haven't commented on the subject until today. You were what I needed. My daughter dx with cancer at the age of almost 4, now 6 and off treatemnt had her scans two weeks ago come back with a suspicious nodule. Now we wait for two months (after the first of the year) to re-scan. I NEEDED this today. Remember her treatment, the chemo, radiation, the surgeries and praying to take it way fromher. Give it to me. Realizing maybe what I want isn't what HE wants. I have to believe. Remember to pray but that it is in his hands and he won't leave me or her.
As a mom, you never stop worrying. Never. Thank you for the encourgement today. You touched a lot of lives today.
Today, as I read your words I thought of Jeremiah 29:11. It is difficult not to let our flesh take over sometimes, especially when we are lifting someone else up to the Lord. Yet, take comfort in knowing that He has such a wonderful plan for your daughter. He will deliver her through this time of pain, and give her so much more then our human minds can even imagine. He has hope and a wonderful future planned for her. She is going to be such a bright light for Him; from what you say she already is.
Becca
bguido@gmail.com
So many amazing stories!
Today I did not receive my P31 Devotional in my email, so I went to the website to read it, and I am so glad I did! I am struggling with my own giants, and your words were a comfort and guide to me as I am continuing to do my best to trust in God to free me from the burden of trying to figure this life out on my own.
I am touched by the many women who are reaching out to you and your daughter. What a blessing it must be for you to know that you reached out and so many are reaching back to you in Christian love.
Regarding fear of surgeries, I would like to share with you some verses that helped me. A year ago in August I had to have a hysterectomy, and I was so afraid. Last February I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had two more surgeries. The fear always creeps in, but these verses have helped me so much!
Psalm 34:4 "I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears." vs. 6: "In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles." and vs. 8: "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him."
I read my Bible on the ride to the hospital, and when they wheeled me off to my first surgery, in my thoughts I was singing the hymn, "Taste and See".
God is good, and many prayers will be lifted on yours and your daughter's behalf. I have four sons, so I understand how a mom loves her children. You've done all you can. Now you have to trust in God for everything else.
Many Blessings,
Colleen
colleenreske@yahoo.com
Wendy, your story today touched me and spoke directly to me. My husband of 14 years this December 23rd walked away April 16th and informed me of his decision through a text message. Our marriage has been extremely rocky from the beginning and through out. I love him and believe if it is God's will, He will bring us back together. Between the two of us we have four children from ages 24 - 10. I've tried to keep a lot of what he's done and how he's left from them. I am trusting God, so many people don't understand why I just don't give up since I have grounds to divorce. God has said wait, work on you. I have one master and one judge, so I think I will wait and follow His path. Since my husband has been gone, I've found peace, joy and a love for God that I've never had and maybe I never would've known. I know this storm won't last always and what satan meant for bad, God will bring good out of. Thank you so much for your encouraging story. Please pray for me and my family.
yolonda.rockett@servicemaster.com
October 14, 1992 was my surgery date. By the time my curve was discovered, bracing was not an option. I am now 28,and the proud mommy of 2 daughters. I continued to dance throughout high school and I now dance at church!! Please remember EVERYTHING works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to his purpose. P31 has helped me so much during this season I'm in. Please feel free to contact me! I will be praying for you and your daughter.
Tiffany
tirivip@gmail.com
I have tears in my eyes for I can understand much of what you have written. My circumstances are different, though the pain, fears and worries are the same.
My youngest daughter was born with congenital heart defects. She went into heart failure at 5 weeks old. She was fed by tube for the next 3 months in order to gain weight to be able to undergo surgery. Handing her over to the doctors was a very hard thing to do. I remember having to come to the place that I could say that God is good - and that the outcome of the surgery would not change that fact. It sounds easy to just write it, but it was oh so very hard.
God, in His goodness, gave me peace. His peace that passes understanding was a sweet gift as I waited through her surgery. The surgery went well, though the recovery was not without trial.
Since then we have faced other medical issues. One of the most recent was having my 9yo son diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. We've had many tearful conversations about why this happened. It's a horrible, lifelong debilitating disease. He lives with so much and at such a young age. Like you, I would take it for him in a heartbeat if I could.
Trusting God in the hard places is a challenge. I know that I'm in the midst of an incredible struggle right now as I seek to trust in God while being attacked and buffeted by the arrows of the enemy. I know that He is there. I know that He is with me. I know that in the end, He will win. Like you said, it may not look like the answer we might hope for, but one day we will live in a place with no more tears, no more pain and no more fears.
Praying for you and your daughter as you wait. Praying you would know God's peace. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
God's blessings to you,
Leslie
I was sent this encouragement by a girlfriend of mine who is my daughter's godmother. She is 14 months now, and we have been having issues since she was born. At this point she has to have another surgery (her 3rd), and we have to do a painful process of rehabilitation with her twice a day. At 14 months, there is no way to explain to my baby why this has to be, and to hear her scream at the top of her lungs and writhe in agony during is just as painful for me. I have been holding on to my faith, and praying, and have had people pray, lay hands, etc... Pretty much everything that you have described, and I at some point was feeling so low, and discouraged. Your post described how I was feeling exactly and I read it with tears flowing... God bless you and your daughter, and may he continue to keep you and your family in his hands... Thank you so much for your inspiration and sharing your story. It gave me so much encouragement at a time that I needed it!
God Bless,
M.A.
Hello, Friend! :)
Have been praying for you all day!
Love you!
#77! ;)
Your devotion on P31 touched my heart in a special way today. Thank you for sharing your heart and journey with us! I love how you personalized God's word with your name in the scripture! I was reminded as a mom today that God loves my children more than I can imagine and He loves me more than I can imagine too! Thank you for reminders of the truth. I will be praying for you and your sweet daughter in the days and months to come.
God bless,
Trina
Wendy -
I am a Mom on the other side of spinal fusion surgery. Oh how my heart can feel every pain, concern, and prayer you expressed. I've prayed those same words over and over again prior to my daughter's surgery. She had the surgery two years ago this December 27th. We too tried the brace and it did not work. I would love to talk with you, and my precious daughter, Allie (16), would be glad to talk to your daughter personally. If we can be of any help to answer questions, to ease your concerns, to pray with you, please contact me at cwindom1@bellsouth.net.
Cindy
Wendy, I can not begin to say how your post affected me. I am a 44 yr old wife and mama of two, one girl and one boy. When I was 12 I also had to face the back brace but for four years. My parents chose the brace over surgery to stop the curve. Needless to say, it was the worst four years of my life. I now sometimes wish that my parents would have picked surgery because although it would have been scary for me and them, my body may have turned out different as an adult with scoliosis. I have had so many problems since turning 40 and having my last child and the doctors all point back to the scoliosis and now there is no chance of surgery because the curve is too bad. No doctor will touch me because the S curve has increased quite dramatically as I aged. The pregnancies also affected me because of the curve. I now have so many issues with my back that I didn't have until I turned 40 and all because of the scoliosis. I can't change the past and my parents still kick themselves now because of not agreeing to the surgery out of your same fears. I have joint issues, degeneration issues, spondylosis, bulges, arthritis, you name it and it is there. And now I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia so it just makes the pain worse. The worst of this is that there are no real specialists that deal with adults that have had scoliosis all of their life and what happens as you age. I don't know if surgery would have changed my outcome but I know that if there is one small chance that your daughter will not have to deal with all that I have had to then surgery is worth it. I keep watching my kids and praying that they will not have a curved spine because during that awful time of adolescence combined with hateing my body in a brace....it has stayed with me my whole life mentally but now physically I am reminded every day. Tell your daughter that she doesn't want to miss an opportunity to get a straight back even if it means surgery. There are so many issues as an adult that can happen from pain to pushing on lungs and heart and then all the back issues. And as an adult, she may not have the surgery opportunity so take it now as a blessing. I am praying hard for you and your daughter. I would love for you to keep me posted on how she is doing and how the surgery goes. I can honestly say I know exactly how she is feeling with the pain and giving up her life as she knew it because I was there 30 years ago. In faith, Karen
Around 25 or 26 years ago my best friend was a freshman in highschool when our home ed teacher noticed that she didn't sit right..so she asked her to come by her room at lunch and she made her bend over and touch her shoes and she could see that her spine curved...she told her to tell her parents that she needed to see a specialist for this...I went with her for all the xrays, etc..when they posted the xrays on the machine her spine curved in a S. She had the surgery that your daughter is going to have, they put her out...and put in the rods, etc..they had to wake her up during the surgery and ask her to move her toes, etc..to see if she was going to be able to have movement...it was a VERY long wait during the surgery..but she came through it and is now a mother of two beautiful children (that she carried to full term and delivered). This does not slow her down at all....I will keep you and your daughter and your family in my prayers...and keep the faith that God is going to pull her through all of this.
Dearest Wendy,
Thank you so much for sharing your story about Lauren. I also appreciate all the comments that have been made from the former scoliosis and spina bifida patients and parents. I feel your pain and empathize with you as I have a 9 year old adopted daughter from Haiti who has severe congenital scoliosis and spina bifida. She had surgery for a tethered cord when she was 5 and scoliosis surgery when she was 6. We are now in a regime of six months of physical therapy to try and avoid another fusion until her teen years. It was comforting to hear that I wasn't the only parent struggling with questions and emotions and crying out to God for answers. I know that He has the best plan for all of us and I stand firm in the knowledge that He loves her more than I do. Thank you for confirming all these things for me. Isn't it amazing how gracious He is to put people in our path to gently remind us of His love and provision for our lives. Yours and Lauren's story has already begun to touch lives, just as I am teaching my daughter that she can someday use her life to touch others for Christ. In Him praying, Lisa llmoore513@comcast.net
Wendy,
Our family will be praying for your daughter as well as your family. God is enough and he WILL be with you through this.
The Longley family from Wilmington, NC
Hi Wendy,
I am in the process of knowing Abba Father. I read your devotional and is touched by it. I am not versed like you and the other women in the Word of God but two verses come to mind that I will share with you. "He sent his word and healed them of their disease" and Isaiah 53:4-5. Insert Laura's name in the verses and claim it for her. I am believing by faith that these two scriptures will work. For you, I pray that Phillipians 4:4-9 will comfort you. God bless Wendy.
Hey Wendy, Thanks for sharing your pain with us so we can pray for you and Lauren and your family.
I want to give you two verses one you gave to us when you sent out the books for the bible study and the other i find to be a very uplifting verse that never fails to put a smile on my face and renew my Faith, hope they encourage you. God bless you Sweet Sister in Christ.
Psalm 40:1-3
Psalm 103:1-5
Wendy,
I will be praying for you and your family. The scripture that I pray for you right now is..."Ths Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7
many blessings to you!!!
You do not know how much I needed to here this encouragment. I have had a stressful year, three miscarriages (now taking medication for a thyroid condition) and not sure when I will concieve and have a sucessful pregnancy. Someday's I am so confident of his faithfulness and promises and other days fear and doubt plague me like no other. Each time I have to remind myself. His word will not return void Isaiah 55:11 I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless
Praying for Lauren! (and you)!!
This is my first time visiting your blog; your devotion touched my heart. I am an older first time Mother (i'm 43) and have a beautiful little two year daughter and it takes my breath away when i realize how much i love her....and then my breath is taken away again when i realize that this is how the Lord loves me.
I will keep you and your daughter in my prayers...
I will pray for your daughter. I have never read your blog but found it thru P31 daily devotions I have begun to receive. Thank you. Phil 4:6-9
Hi Wendy, I found your blog from today's Encouragement for Today devotional. I felt like I could really relate to what you are saying, when facing fear you have to give up the control of the situation to God. BUT--it most certainly is NOT easy! It sounds like you are being too hard on yourself for continuing to have anxiety over your daughter's situation despite your knowing that God is in control. I think concern over a child is something that can really worry us and cause fear more than anything else in life. I have a situation with my 18 year old son (we currently live apart) in which I have shed many tears and talked to God quite a lot about. Sometimes I think I know how to address the issues but there have been times when my need to take control of things just makes things worse! But lately I have seen more and more how God DOES show He cares, but his way of addressing a situation may be different (often something we had never seen coming!) than the solution we had envisioned, but it always seems to work out! So I continue to hold onto that. I know I have to trust and step back sometimes now. Anyway, thank you for your words and I pray your daughter will go through surgery and healing as painlessly as possible and that she sees God's hand in what she is going through.
I will pray for your daughter and your family as you walk thru this trail. I was deeply touched by your sharing of your fears as a mother and also the comments shared by so many to lift you up and share in your hope. When I first started reading I got this lump in my throat and a flood of memories hit me. As a small child my mother was under the care of her older siblings as she lost her own mother as an infant.
when she was three she was injured while playing and this resulted in her having surgery on her back and having part of her spine removed the Dr's fused her spine and scapula (1938) which caused her to have a hump on her back. But she was in a full body cast in the hosptial for seven years and told that she would never walk or have children? Some of the nurses shared Jesus with her and cared for her all the time. God provided a miracle when one day she wiggled her toe, the Dr's & nurses cried at this sight. She wore leg braces and used crutches for three years and grew only to 4'11' and was later reunited with her older siblings. She endured a lot of grief over the next few years but God gave her the gift of walking and having three healthy children. She had days of pain but she never let it get her down. She taught her children compassion for others and that God is great and is a merciful God. She touched so many lives of hurting women that came in to her life over the years and her children & grandchildren strongly believe in the power of prayer. God called her home Nov 7 2001. We don't understand the reasons God lets us or our loved ones go thru some of lifes trails but sometimes we do grow from them. I pray that you all will have courage and wisdom in the choices that have to be made. And when Lauren goes thru her surgery I pray that her recovery will be quick and her caregivers will be intuned to giving her the very best care! And I pray that God will not only be holding Lauren in his arms but you will also be in his loving care. May God Bless you all. Kathy teton131@aol.com
Wendy,
Please tell your daughter my heart is with her and I am praying so hard for her although we have never met. This Prov. 31 devotion touched me to the core. I'll try to keep this short! I too had scoliosis surgery at age 16 in Durham, NC. At the time, it was the most difficult and the scariest thing I and my family had been through or could imagine. I had worn the brace for 2yrs with no result as well. The recovery was a little challenging, mainly trying to remember NOT to do the things I was supposed to avoid when I was already feeling back to normal, but I have to say its been one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I am 35 now, married to a fabulous godly husband and the mother of 4 awesome children. I gained almost 2 inches in height overnight and I've had no back pain or problems and pregnancy and childbirth have been very easy.
I often tell my parents (and God!) thank you for making me have the surgery even though its been almost 20 years now. I know we were all so scared and not sure it was the right thing to do. I don't know what my health or life would be like today if I hadn't. Actually, I do have a friend from childhood that chose not to have the surgery around the same time that I did and she is curled over already like a hunchback.
I can't tell you enough how glad I am that I had the surgery and I know your daughter will be as well.
I became a nurse and ended up working for a while in pediatric orthopedic surgery which gave me a perfect opportunity to witness and relate to other teenagers going through the same thing. Your daughter will not only come through this, she will be a stronger better person because of it!
If there is anything I can do or specific prayers I can pray for you, please let me know!
julia.henry@hotmail.com
In His grip,
Julie Henry
Hi my name is Diki and i understand your Lauren's pain and yours. I too have scoliosis but, mine wasn't detected until i was in my late 20's. I also have a double curve and a specific kind that is not operable. I have a 3 inch difference from one hip to the other, i also have herniated disks in my upper and lower back from the curve and an old stress fracture from the pressure of the curve. The upper curve presses on my lungs so it affects my breathing. Needless to say at almost 57 years old i live in constant pain every day. I can't even stand and put my make-up on or do dishes without leaning on the counter or stopping and sitting down during the process. I never know when i wake up in the morning what part of my body is going to be affected, quite often one leg is completely numb when i wake up. Sometimes i would just like to take my head and sit it somewhere as my neck hurts so bad just holding my head up. Everyday is a struggle but, my Lord is with me and He along with my sheer stubborn determination get me through each day. We had a young girl at our church that had the same surgery your Lauren is having. Her surgery did wonders for her. She is now a grown woman, married and with 2 children of her own. God works in mysterious ways and sometimes He just wants us to say okay, if this is the way it's going to be give me the strength and grace to endure this burden you have for me to bear. Paul had a thorn in the flesh that he too prayed the Lord would remove from him but, the Lord chose not to. I know it doesn't make much sense to be thankful for this horrible operation she is going to have to endure but, at least the Dr's. can do something for her. Praise God for Dr's. and modern technology. Thank you for sharing and my prayers are with you and Lauren for the surgery and the healing process that you will both learn much from the Lord during this time. I hope you will keep us informed. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. and Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
hugs and prayers,
diki aka junglekitty1152@aol.com
Hi Wendy, my name is fran I read my devotions a day late to start my morning off with a word from God.So today is Thursday and i read your devotion and wanted to respond by saying first your devotion has really touched my heart today being a mother I have often had those very same thoughts how God am I going to be able to provide for my children, what am i going to do if there bodies are ever taken over by a deadly disease, how do i heal there broken hearts, and will i make it through the tweens and teen years, and then will i worry when they leave home to go on a date will they come back home? And God why did you give me boys and allow my now ex-husband to stray and become addicted to heroine? I am amazed that you were able to minister to so many others while feeling pain yourself! God has called you to a specfic plan and while today your light may seem dim. I am confident that it will shine bright again. I will pray for your daughters quick recovery from her surgery and Gods grace, mercy, and strength to surround you everyday.
Hi Wendy. I am always encouraged by your devotions. I just wanted to say that I had scoliosis as well. I had to start wearing a back brace when I was very young. I struggled with it too. I ended up having to have surgery for it when i was 19, which they considered old to have that type of surgery. But God gave me the strength I needed to get through it. It was scary, but I know he was helping me each and every day. I am now 26 and married, and living a perfectly normal life. She'll be in my prayers. I know she'll be just fine.
I have a son with Autism and I struggle with it almost everyday. I know what it is like to ask God why? Why Jared? Why us? today I am encouraged by your words. My husband is getting laid off in December and I am scared. We need insurance for our son but can't afford it on our own. I like you need to pray..."I believe Lord help me with my unbelief". Thank you for your words today it was just what I needed to hear.
Jen
jen@colorflystudio.com
Hi Wendy. I am Melanie WIlliams. I am a 20 year old mother of two and I have just started my Christian Journey 3 years ago. My son's name is Sincere and since he was born he has had a disease called hydronephrosis which causes him to not eat like he should and cause urinary infections. My son has been prayed for by many prayer warriors and by numerous others and nothing has become of it. My son now has to have his right kidney removed by a doctor who doesn't believe that God can and will work a miracle in him. But I do know that sometimes it gets hard and the devil trys his hardest to break me and my family down but I know that God is a healer and if it means on December 17 that my son has to have his kidney removed at the tender age of 18 months or that God shows this doctor that he is the healer and he is the one who allows him to practice then so be it.. God works in mysterious ways and he has never failed me yet... Just know that God always has something up his sleeve and he may not come when you want him to come but I can rest asure that when it is time for your daughter to have her surgery that he will show you who is the healer and that he does not make mistakes. Just remember and I try to tell myself this everyday "IT IS ALL FOR GOD'S GLORY" God bless
Wendy, I want to encourage you in your continued trust in Jehovah Jireh. Our family went through this 2 years ago when our son was burnt and spent time in a burn unit. Once we were assured his life was secure, our biggest concern was the return of his eyesight. Watching our child (17 years old and a very popular, busy high school senior )struggle with this was heart-wrenching. Our God was so faithful in His provision.
I understand your mother's heart and will join the world in praying for you, your family, and your daughter as you watch God care for you specifically and intimately.
Thank you for your transparency--it really does encourage others when we can admit our fears and then lay them at Jesus' feet.
Becky,
Hi Wendy~ My 14 year old daughter Haley, is scheduled for scoliosis surgery Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando on December 1st. She has been living with wearing (2) braces up to 18hrs a day with no improvement. In fact, it has worsened to almost a 60 degree curve (back in July)& is probably worse now because we have been waiting 4 months for surgery to be scheduled.
Someone forwarded your story to me today and everything you talk about is what we are going through. I have been living with a sick stomach, plagued with a ton of "what if's" and just overall scared of sending her off to surgery alone without me there to hold her hand. It's gonna be a very hard day sitting and waiting through this 6-8hr procedure, wondering if she will be ok. I know she will be ok with GOD's hands guiding the skilled hands of her surgeons. It's just the fear of the unknown that is unsettling.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for sending your story out so we could read it and feel better by knowing we are not alone. My daughter even feels better, as she has read all of the above comments of other people's stories on how they have dealt with Scoliosis. She is ready for this surgery, is ready to end this chapter and move on with her life...and she is my hero...because she is one brave, beautiful girl.
I too was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 14. By the time they figured out what was wrong w/me, it had progressed too far and I required surgery. I had my surgery in Jan. 1980 -- almost 30 years ago -- one month shy of my 15th b-day. It wasn't easy, but had I not had it, I would not be alive today. There is so much I would like to share, but not enough room.
Prayers Mama! As much as I love my babies, God loves them more....hard to imagine isn't it!
Of course he will never suffer the righteous to be moved.Reading thru this post i cannot only imagine what you are going thru,i can feel it also,but when it comes to our loved ones,most especially our children,we have to leave it all to God,trust he will do that which he has promised and believe me,he will not fail.Be strong and courageous,for her sake.Praise him for his mercy and he will perfect her healing in Jesus most powerful name.Amen.
Shalom!
Wendy,
As I read your devotional and blog, one particular scripture came to mind.The Lord has used this to comfort me and strengthen me many times. Each time I read it it says something new.
" Fear not (Wendy) for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you (and all that belong to you) are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. ( the rivers and waters for me are life's unexpected moments or my doubts and fears.) When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;the flames wil not set you aablaze. For I am the LORD your God..."
Isaiah 43:2-3a
The comments in the bracketts are my own. My encouragment to you is that the Lord is walking with you through this. He has never left you side. He understands all your doubts, fears, and unbelief. Thank you for being so open about all that you are going through. Will be going boldly before the throne of grace for you and your family praying that you will receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 paraphrased
In His abundant love, Grace
Good afternoon Wendy, I am 33 years old and I too have rods in my back. I had my surgery when I was 15 years old. It was actually was my 4th operation, the first 3 were open heart surgeries due to a congenital heart disease. I know these are not the words you will want to hear as a Mother, for I am a Mom as well, but this surgery is going to be hard on your sweet daughter. It's hard. My Scoliosis was so bad, and yes it was years ago, so they may do things differently now, that my Doctors never even tried putting me in a brace. They said they normally do, but my curve was too severe. I had my operation less than 6 months after I was diagnosed.
The best thing you can do is give her, yourself & your family to the Lord. He will sustain you. He will hold your hand while your baby is with the surgeons. He will give you the strength needed when she's in tears due to the pain, and the recovery. He'll provide the time you'll need to spend with her. He'll provide the comfort she will need when she's up-set. He'll provide the finances that will be needed through this.
The Lord does hear your cries, and He does answer them, but like you've learned, not in the way you desire.
As of now I have had 6 open heart operations, 1 back surgery, and 2 leg operations. My last heart operation had some complications of which we knew could happen, and I am now disabled in one of my legs. I must say, we were all shocked that it happened and I went into a depression. I prayed for a healing, we all did. God, though, answered in a very different way than we asked, He did not heal me. Today, though I do get bummed out I cannot run, do gymnastics, dance or any of those fun activities with my girls, I am very thankful He didn't hear me when we asked.
See, God knew what my future held. He knew that I would one day work with a child afraid of having a heart procedure I have had many times, and that I could encourage this little boy more than a lot of other people, because I've been there. He knew that I would one day work with adults with disabilities, and because I a “typical developed person” wore an AFO to help me walk, I would be able to encourage someone with CP who was embarrassed to wear a brace that it was okay.
God has a plan for your daughter. It might be hard for a while, and she’ll miss things she’s always loved, but God is going to Bless her and use her for His purpose, this might just be one of the things she needs to go through to do the job He has in store for her.
God Bless you and your family. Please keep us up-dated.
In Christ,
Jenn Bratton
Hi Wendy God Bless you,
I would like to thank you for sharing with us these words, and for putting your heart out in this letter. This reminds me of how much we need our Heavenly Father.
I would like to tell you that even thou I don’t know your daughter I felt your pain like if it was mine, this touched my heart and all I was able to do is get on my knees and ask our God to glorified himself in your daughter’s life and to give you all the faith and the strength you need. I pray and hope that you may experience his soft presence in the middle of your pain. I also pray that God may fill you with his peace, the kind of peace that passes all knowledge. I know that God is picking up every single one of your tears and he is listening to your prayers
How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shall make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy
light shall we see light. (Psalm 36:7-9)
God Bless you.
anaramos934@hotmail.com
Hi Wendy,
Until Wednesday of this past week, I was not familiar with you or your wonderful and inspiring devotions. As I read your words, tears streamed down my face as I could feel every heartache, every fear, every anxiety your are experiencing as I just completed with my daughter the journey you are on with your precious child. I could have written each and every word you shared. My daughter is 16, and was told in April her scoliosis had reached a point that surgery was the only way to keep it from continuing to worsen, eventually impinging on her organs, etc. I thought I could not bear it, but I am here to tell you God will give you what you need, as you need it, each step of the way. My daughter had her surgery on June 25th and did absolutely fantastic. She was able to start school on time in August and has just very few restrictions until a full year of healing is complete. I marveled at the grace and strength God gave her to deal with this and it is still amazing to see how God is using this experience to shape her path in life. She has encouraged others facing the same surgery and will be entering the medical field when she goes to college. My heart truly aches for this heavy burden you are carrying right now. I don't know you, but wish I could just throw my arms around you and just sit with you for a while and share all the ways God shows his face to us before, during, and after her surgery. If there are questions I can answer for you from a mother's perspective, if my daughter could help your daughter in any way, we would be happy to do that. I will keep checking the blogs, or if there is another place to communicate with you, please let me know. We will be keeping you and your daughter in my prayers.
God bless you,
psallen1209@embarqmail.com
Wendy: What a "God-thing" when I read the email devotion on November 4. I will admit that at times I skim the title and move on but this day I needed to hear a word from God and continued reading and oh what perfect timing. Within an hour, a girlfriend called and told me she had just read the P31 devotion and thought of me. You see, my 18 yr old son, Mitchell, had spinal fusion to correct a 58% to 60% curve on Monday, October 26 in Greenville, NC by Dr. Scot Reeg. They placed 2 rods in his back from the nape of his neck to his pelvic bones and used 17 sets of wires to hold them together -- no screws, no pins. He also had no staples or stitches -- he was "glued" together and the incision held together with steri-strips. The doctor told us to expect a hospital stay of 7 to 10 days and we left the hospital on day 8 and I read your devotion on day 9. On day 12, we took our son to eat pizza. On day 13, he rode on the golf cart for an hour with nieces, nephews and cousins. On day 14, he slept all night w/no pain medicine. Today is day 15, and we went for our 1st post-op visit and the PA, Dr. Reeg and his nurses were amazed at Mitchell's x-rays, his posture, and his progress and he was proclaimed the "model" patient. We left the office with no restrictions and no physical therapy. Of course, Mitchell's spine will now need to totally fuse which may take 6 to 9 months so he will be very mindful of that and will obviously place restrictions on himself. We took advantage of the pain medicine while in the hospital but when we got home in our own environment, we began to replace the pain meds with Motrin with no problem. I will tell you that Mitchell is a special needs child who is non-ambulatory and non-verbal but very mobile and active in that he does the "army man" crawl very fast and is constantly moving his arms and legs (we call him the "motion man") and therefore I was very anxious to say the least about this surgery but scoliosis surgery is scoliosis surgery whether you are special needs or not. My specific prayer was for God to wrap his arms around Mitchell and just take care of him during surgery and also to guide the surgeon's hands, then to help my husband and I be good caretakers -- after all, he loaned this child to us so I had no doubt that he wouldn't provide for us in whatever way we needed to see us through this. I didn't know how God was going to answer our prayers, I didn't know how I was going to know when Mitchell was in pain, I didn't know how we were going to make him be rather still after surgery, I didn't know how he would understand what had happened to him and why he had to lay on his back the first week (he has never been a back sleeper) -- just so many questions. And then I was reminded of the verse in Psalm 139:14 "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." I was reminded that God created this child and loves him even more than I do -- WOW -- and certainly He can mend Mitchell's back. So my prayer warriors began to pray, Mitchell was annointed at our Wednesday night Bible Study prior to Monday's surgery and from then on I had a sense of peace -- still wanted to fast forward about a year but that peace hovered over me and still does. And actually we did fast forward because the surgery was initially scheduled for January, 2010, then we got up enough nerve to move it to November, and then we just decided it was better for all concerned to "just do it". My prayer is that you have that same peace that you and I know only comes from our Lord. I have plugged your daughter's surgery date into my phone calendar so I can specifically lift her up in prayer on that day. As I tell my church family "keep praying -- it's working".
Still Blessed,
Maria
Wendy, My mother's heart just weeps with you. We just look at those sweet blessings from our Father and would take their place anytime so they don't have to burden it. I believe Father loves Lauren that much too! He is weeping with you. I really believe that His heart breaks for us and all that we have to endure in this broken world.
In my deepest suffering, I have clung to Is. 43:2
Love you!
Sheri
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