I Learned a Lesson

I have found that the most valuable lessons that I’ve learned come from life’s experience.  As I have traversed those rocky roads I would pray for it  to be over.  My prayers were not answered.

In “90 Minutes in Heaven” Don Piper was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident and 90 minutes later was very much alive.  His subsequent excruciating recovery had him praying to die and go back to the peace that he found in heaven.  His prayers were not answered.

When you pray and you don’t experience the relief that you seek then either you accept that there is a blessing or a lesson to learn or you question your faith.  What kind of God would allow this suffering?  In Don’s case his unrelenting pain pushed him into a deep depression.

We’ve been talking for the last couple of weeks about how to pull out of those dark places.  As I read Don’s story I believe a lesson that I needed to learn became clear.

I withdrew from college last week…something that I had been excited about for months.  When I realized what would not happen if I continued (I couldn’t obtain licenses in the states that I wanted to practice in) I was very depressed.  It seemed to be one more strike against me.  (Unemployment, no job prospects, my Dad’s death, business failures, living away from “home.”)  I turned 55 and my life appeared to be on a downward slide.  I hit my limit.

As I read “90 Minutes in Heaven” I was hoping to find peace in my Dad’s passing.  I found that almost immediately.  What I didn’t expect was my reaction to Don’s recovery process. 

I hate to see anyone in pain and his seemed to be tortuous.  He was connected to something called a Ilizarov frame that lengthened bones in his leg.  Pins were turned daily causing additional pain.  He describes being in constant pain…never abating.  Yet what he discovered was his healing experience gave him the credibility to help others dealing with the same type of recovery. 

What I came to understand in my life after reading this is that I am meant to help others as they go through the same situations that I am.  I am not a psychologist or counselor…I am a real life, down to earth, living example that we can survive anything that life throws at us. And in the end we are in a better place then before...if we pay attention to the lessons.

When I put my goals together before college fell through…college was 4^th on my list however was going to dominate my time.  Everything else that was more important was going to be pushed to the back of the schedule to accommodate studying.  With it now off my list I can dedicate the time to accomplishing the goals that are most important to me: 1)Moving back to the Pacific Northwest 2)Generating income 3)Getting fit & healthy. (My goals are in more detail than this…but you get the idea.)

It took me reading a book to help me see the lesson in my life.  That book “called” me to read it.  Here are some other Simple Steps that might help you if you are looking for answers:

• Practice being “still.”  Whether you enjoy meditation or want to “Have a Conversation with You” (Simple Step #2 from the book) the idea here is to quiet your mind and let the answers come to you.
• Talk to your pastor, minister or priest.  An outside opinion from someone you trust and who shares your faith helps provide some perspective to your very personal experience.
• Keep a journal or diary.  Record a little every day.  Whether you see the events of the day as big or small, record them.  When you re-read them after a week or more you start to see the trends.  What are they pointing to?

Whatever you choose to do start immediately.  A Simple Step may actually be a bold step for you and in that forward movement you begin your journey to recovery.  I know that I have.

With love & peace,

Cheryl



Lessons in Survival

As last week ended I had no internet on Friday and most of Saturday.  During that time I went back to my passion...reading books.  And what a treat that was! 

Yesterday I posted some information about one of the books that I read, "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Price. It was not a book that "called" me before though it has been out for awhile.  What was great to see was the response from those of you who had read it...and also from those who are looking for comfort following the loss of a loved one.  That was me. What I received was far more than I expected but exactly what I needed.

Here is a bit of this real life story:

Don Piper is a Baptist minister who was in a horrific accident when his car was struck by an semi truck.  He was declared dead at the scene of the accident, covered with a tarp and left there while the rest of the accident was cleared.  Another minister, Dick,  traveling home stopped at the accident site and received word from God that he should pray for the man in the car that everyone said was dead.  In particular he was to pray that the man would be delivered from unseen injuries, brain & internal injuries. While the paramedics & police at the scene told him that it was useless he crawled up under the tarp, touched Don's shoulder and began to pray and sing hymns. 

Some 90 minutes after the accident as Dick began singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" Don started to sing along with him.  Don survived the accident with neither brain nor internal injuries.  His body was badly mangled and his recovery long and painful. 

There are 4 key messages that reading Don's story left with me.  They are:

• Never underestimate the power of prayer.  (Apparently unanswered prayers are blessings.  See next point.)
• There is a reason for everything though it may take time for it to play out. (Look for the lesson.)
•  Even in the worst adversity there is hope. (Never give up!  Never give up!)
• When a loved one dies there is joy and peace for them as they are surrounded by those who have gone before them.  (This brought me comfort with Dad's passing.)

If you are ready to be inspired... If you are ready see the lessons in your life...  If you are ready to move outside the walls that surround you...  Read this book!  That is the Simple Step for today. 

Click here to review or purchase "90 Minutes in Heaven" through Amazon.com.*

In the coming days we'll talk more about this book and others that I believe provide inspiration and ideas on how to work through challenges that you and I are dealing with.  As always I welcome your feedback & ideas on anything that you would like to talk about. 

With Love & Joy!

Cheryl

*I am paid a small commission by Amazon.com for anything purchased through my website.