The Last Rally

“God gives each of us chance after chance.” ~ Job 33:29

Ryan tried to wake his wife of 17 years, but there was no response.  When he realized Jayne wasn’t breathing, he moved her onto the floor and started CPR until paramedics arrived and shocked her heart back to life.

The hospital medical staff put her on a respirator and immediately took steps to lower her body temperature to try and minimize brain damage caused by lack of oxygen.  Ryan would learn later that Jayne’s heart had stopped due to a genetic condition.  She lay in a deep coma now.  Doctors wouldn’t come right out and say that the situation was hopeless, but they did admit her recovery chances were slim.

 

Jayne’s Living Will allowed for hospital care, certain medications, fluids and nutrition.  But there were limits.  Should she have a stroke, dementia or prolonged unconsciousness, she specified “comfort measures only."

As the days passed, her condition remained unchanged.  Ryan stayed close to her side, holding her hand and reading the Bible to her.  Sometimes he’d lie on the bed next to her.  

It became clear that medical intervention was no longer helping Jayne – there was no hope for cure, only an extension of heart beats.  So Ryan and Jayne’s family said their goodbyes and doctors disconnected her from the machines that had been keeping her alive. 

Ryan agonized over the decision, especially when she didn’t die immediately.  But he never left her side or surrendered her dying hand.  As predicted, Jayne started getting restless, a condition the medical team called the “Last Rally.”  Just prior to the final breath, the body tries to regain some body function, like talking or moving - things they’d not been able to do previously.

Her murmurs got loader and clearer until she said, “Get me out of here!” just before adding another request: “Take me to Bravo’s,” one of her favorite restaurants.  This isn’t her last rally, he thought, far from it.   Jayne had come out of her coma and was breathing on her own. 

Other than a surgically implanted pacemaker to regulate her heart condition and some short term memory loss, Jayne recovered completely.  Her only recollection of her unconsciousness was Ryan holding her hand.  “I could feel a warm touch.  I wasn’t sure if it was Ryan or Jesus, but it made my heart smile deep inside,” she told friends later.  “It’s a miracle to have survived!”

In the end, it wasn't a miracle, but God’s call to create her own heaven on earth - a chance to appreciate and give so much more, a chance to be so much more.  What truly means something to you?  Who truly means something to you?  Where do you want to go?

Lord Jesus, inspire us to persevere and work till the task is finished, regardless of any roadblocks.  Guide me through the bushes despite the thorns; to wade through the ocean when no one would part it for me.  Amen

So You've Had a Bad Day

“The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.” ~ Lamentations 3:23

So you think you’re having a bad day?

Fire inspectors in California recently discovered a corpse in a burned-out section of forest while evaluating the damage done by a forest fire.  The scent of burnt human remains was unmistakable.  When a body burns, the iron-rich blood gives off a coppery, metallic odor.  Internal organs rarely burn completely because of their high fluid content.  They smell like burnt liver.

Rescue workers experience this all too often.  But this corpse was different.  He was dressed in a full wet suit, complete with scuba tank, fins and face mask.

An autopsy confirmed that the diver expired not from burns, but from massive internal injuries.  After dental records confirmed his identity, investigators tried to determine how a fully-suited diver ended up in the middle of a forest fire.

Later they would learn that on the day of the fire, the man went diving off the coast, miles from the forest.  Firefighters called in a fleet of helicopters that dipped water from the ocean and emptied it on the raging forest fire.

You guessed it!  One minute the diver was exploring pristine Pacific coral, the next, he was doing the breast stroke in a fire dip bucket 300 feet aloft.  Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.

Trials are a fact of the Christian life.  For me, some days begin terribly - my mood can turn sour before my feet even hit the floor.  I’m tempted to share my mood with everyone; I can be very generous with a foul mood.  And inevitably, things begin to snowball and my day feels ruined.

But our reactions reveal something about our maturity.  Fortunately, my God sees me for who I really am and He loves me enough to change me . . . to evolve my character.

When you have a bad day . . . and they’re inevitable – take the time to pause and pray for God’s help.   When I’ve decided not to accept the bad attitude, my day will end surprisingly better than it started.   When I view these situations as opportunities for Godly conviction  . . . where I ask Him to forgive me for letting my emotions get the better of me, the slate is immediately wiped clean.

That’s because the faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  They begin afresh each morning.  Tomorrow is another day and a new opportunity.   

Having a bad day?  Hold your hand over your heart; Feel that . . . that beating?  That's called purpose.  You're alive for a reason.  God Bless you bunches today!

Lord Jesus, while I’m unable to see you, I can’t see the air I breathe either.  When my day turns bitter, I’ll take a deep breath of the air I cannot see, and pray to the One I can’t see - knowing You are perfecting me.  Amen

Dare to Dream

“Rejoice in adversity because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope!" ~ Romans 5: 3-4

Mo wanted to play college football.  Not really such an unrealistic dream.  At 6 feet tall, a gifted soccer player with a leg like a howitzer, kicking field goals seemed like a no-brainer.  Mo had become an internet sensation by booting a 90-yard free kick over an opposing goalie’s head.  It had been watched almost 185,000 times on YouTube. 

Yet, no homecoming QUEEN had ever played football at LSU.  Not even a football helmet could hide her dazzling smile, chestnut locks and enviable cheekbones.

This wasn’t for self gratification or to prove some feminist point, but rather a challenge undertaken by a woman driven by overcoming hardships.  

Mo’s future seemed sprinkled with fairy dust.  A straight ‘A’ student in high school, she joined all the clubs . . . she excelled on the soccer field . . . she won awards for charitable work.  

She was also bulimic.  By her senior year Mo would vomit sadistically up 10 times a day and exercise for hours - until exhaustion nearly killed her.  She eventually learned to manage her obsession and beat the eating disorder that would’ve ended this story.    

Her life seemed charmed again.  Then her Dad committed suicide.  Ten months later, she was driving home for Thanksgiving when a deer jumped into the path of her Jeep.  

She lost control, hit an embankment, and rolled over three times landing upside down against a tree.  Mo suffered a broken neck, broken ribs, lung and liver damage and brain bruising.  Luckily, an off-duty paramedic happened upon the scene.  He told her mother that her semi-conscious daughter whispered a single phrase repeatedly as he rescued her from the wreckage: “God is beautiful!”

Mo recovered and finished her four-year soccer career with a school-record 35 wins.   Having never redshirted as a soccer player, Mo was still eligible to play one season of football.  

The odds of her successfully trading in her tiara for a helmet weren’t good.  Mo trained . . . and practiced, and gave it her best shot.  She almost effortlessly kicked 50+ yard field goals – but tackling a 300 pound lineman if the attempt failed was another story.   If it were up to LSU players, Mo would’ve joined the elite football program.

She didn’t make the team, however. 

But her quest to become the second female player in major college football didn’t end.  The rival whose job she tried to take tweeted “Congrats to Mo Isom - she never gave up.  A true champion never does!  Keep improving - we’ll see you again at fall tryouts!”  

The locker room legend lives on.

Lord Jesus, overcoming adversity builds character and character in turn builds hope.  Please don’t allow our troubles to overwhelm and drown us.  No matter how fierce the storm is, by Your strength we can soar above the clouds.  Amen

The Whisper of God

“He gives you a choice – the blessings that come from following His Word, or curses if you disobey.” ~ Deuteronomy 11:26-28

It wasn’t dramatic; uneventful really.  A van honked outside and Tyson said, "I guess that's for me."  Several boxes already waited by the curb.  He loaded a laptop into his backpack, kissed his mother, and shook my hand.  "Well, so long," he said. “Wish me luck!"  Off to college and a whole new life.

After the door closed behind him I went upstairs to Tyson’s room.  An elaborate collection of stuff littered his desk: Graduation cards, pictures, loose change, ticket stubs – a young man’s past.  Clothing was scattered about, several lacrosse sticks, an empty trumpet case.

Up to the attic where objects came alive . . . a box of toy soldiers, a football helmet, a stamp album, faded photographs, a lock of golden hair.  Memories flooded my senses.  How time had flown by; it was only yesterday when . . .

I finally settled in my own room.  On the wall hung a picture of a little boy, his toothless grin framed in shapeless curls.  Not much more than a decade between the taking of that picture and the slamming of the front door moments go.  I’ll actually miss being tapped for money, being laughed at for my musical tastes, and empty juice cartons in the refrigerator.

Somehow, it reminded me of all the scolding’s I’d given him; the lectures on virtue and wisdom I did not myself possess.   Did I tell Tyson how proud I was of him?  Did I set the best example for him to make good decisions?  Will he run with the right crowd?  Will he study without being nagged to do so?  Will he develop a generous heart?  Will he . . . did I?

I’m grieving the loss of those joyful parts of my life that have to change yet I’m also grateful to watch him move out on his own.  Just when sniffles replace sobs, I wish Tyson a remarkable journey lined with breadcrumbs to always find his way home.

Have you ever wondered what it must be like for God, knowing how much he loves us, watching us step out on our own, and allowing us the freedom to make mistakes – even fatal ones?  God does have a purpose for everyone's life but we don't always find that plan.

Our ability to choose is a gift from God – it’s up to us to use it wisely . . . or not.  Even though we may stray from the path that God illuminates for us, He’ll always be present to help us find our way back and realize all of the good things He has in store for us.

Father, thank you for giving me free will to love and be loved; to learn from the mistakes of poor decisions, to laugh when I’m happy and cry when I’m sad; and for never giving up on me!  Amen

For "Cool" Parents Only

“Being ‘cool’ isn’t about being popular; it’s about being grown up!”

I sell skateboards, snowboards, surf boards and whatever teenagers want in the realm of extreme sports.  Every day I talk with kids of all ages and their parents.

What drives me crazy are the so-called "Cool" parents.  The ones who, in an effort to be “cool” in their kids’ eyes, host everything from alcohol to sex parties arguing that at least someone’s supervising the activity.  With all that tempts teens today, it doesn’t help to have a person of authority sending messages that it’s OK to “experiment "as long as it’s “under their roof." 

Every year we lose about 20% of our teen customers to community service hours.  Most will coast through this phase with little more than a bad reputation, but a growing number will suffer harsher consequences.

I hear parents tell me they consumed pot or alcohol as teens and would hate to be hypocrites; they don't want to send "mixed signals."

Guess what - you sent mixed signals.  You’re basically telling your child that you expect them to screw up a little too.  Don’t look surprised when the police call you at 3 a.m.

As I tell my kids here at the shop whenever this comes up, "Alcohol’s going to occur naturally in your body from the starches and sugars you eat.  That's why you have a liver.  It's up to you as an adult to decide if you’re going to abuse it by getting drunk.  But there’s no organ for processing the chemicals in drugs or cigarettes."    

Long term health quality is too far off to be important to most teens.  So opening the door a little for decisions that they’re not prepared to understand is tantamount to swinging it wide open. 

I know your kids.  I hang out and skate with them.  They sometimes try and get me to buy them beer or bail them out of trouble.  They try to get me to help them hide things from you.  I don’t!   And it’s not your job to be your kid’s best friend either. 

It's your job to prepare them for adulthood and for this you must set the example.  Don't be jealous when they idolize someone else's parent.  That person doesn’t keep your child from killing herself or pay his hospital bills.  Your kids will test the waters, but if they fear your disappointment as young adults, they’ll be less likely to venture into deeper waters.

You may not get it right every time and you may have to adjust the rules along the way.  But it's also okay to admit mistakes and learn from your experiences.

Good luck, and don't rat me out to your kids, I don't want to lose my ‘Street Cred.’

Lord, help me to be a REAL parent: one who takes my own behavior more seriously than my child’s; one who no matter what the disaster may be, realizes that remaining calm and connected offers the greatest potential for positive outcomes; one who fulfills my own need for acceptance through healthy mature relationships instead of relying on children for that need.  Amen

Eggs, Potatoes, and Coffee Beans

“He is close to the broken and saves those whose spirit is crushed.” - - Psalm 34:18

Anna blamed no one for her unhappiness.  But the pain from gloomy days, lonely nights, and a soul full of anger, sadness, and despair would finally end tonight!

She laid out 500 Ibuprofen tablets and 300 sleeping pills.  That should do it!  In the bathroom she poured a tall glass of water.   Anna barely recognized the face that stared back at her in the vanity mirror - so tired, so vulnerable, so hopeless.  A life of disappointments; her last failed relationship was the final chapter.   Suicide would be her epilogue.

Her bedroom door echoed from Gram’s knock.   A pained expression greeted her.  Grams knew of her granddaughter’s misery and prayed she wouldn’t give up.  The open pill vials however, told her that Anna had reached her breaking point; drained of the energy to fight anymore.

 “Come with me child,” Grams said kindly.  Without questioning, Anna followed her to the kitchen where Grams filled three pots with water.   In the first, she placed eggs.  She put potatoes in the second and coffee beans into the final one and brought all three to a rolling boil.

Once cool, Grams fished the eggs and potatoes into separate bowls. Then she ladled the coffee out and poured it in a mug.  Turning to Anna, she asked, "Tell me what you see?"

Anna looked puzzled.  "Eggs, potatoes, and coffee," she replied meekly.

“Look closer, use all your senses dear,” Grams encouraged. 

Anna noted the potatoes were now soft.  She cracked an egg, removed its shell and observed that the egg had become hard-boiled.  She sipped the coffee, enjoying its rich aroma, waiting for Grams’ explanation.

“Each of these objects faced the same adversity - boiling water,” Grams began.  “But each reacted differently.  The egg’s thin outer shell protected its liquid center.  But, subjected to boiling water, its inside hardened!

The potatoes went in strong and firm.  The boiling water weakened them - soft enough to mash.  Coffee beans are quite unique - they actually changed the water!

"Anna, which are you?" Grams asked without condemning.  "When adversity knocks on your door, do you respond like an egg, a potato, or a coffee bean?” 

“Does your shell appear hard – only to be easily broken by a setback, breakup or financial hardship?  Is your heart malleable until the heat’s on?  Are you strong like the potato, but wilt when misfortune strikes?”

“Anna, my dear child,” Grams continued, “We can’t do it alone.  God’s love is like the coffee bean that can help change the very circumstances that bring you pain.  Ask for His grace to release the beauty in your heart, like the fragrance of strong coffee:”

Merciful God, help me be like the coffee bean.  When things are at their worst, help me change the situation around me.  When the hours are darkest and my trials seem the greatest, help me elevate to another level.  Amen.

'Til Death Do Us Part

“A chord of three strands is not quickly broken.” -- Ecclesiastes 4:12

This is more a story of commitment than it is of medieval folklore.

The wives who lived within the walls of the Weinsberg Castle in Germany were well aware of the fortune it held: gold, silver, jewels, and wealth beyond comprehension.

Then the day came in 1141 A. D. when the castle was surrounded by rival warriors.  The enemy army demanded their fortress, their riches, and the lives of all the men within.  They were vastly outnumbered; there was no choice but to surrender.

No one knows precisely what was said in the hastily gathered meeting, or who came up with the brilliant plan.  It may have been the Duke’s clever wife . . . or even one of the servants’ spouses.  But before sundown, a messenger emerged from the castle with a letter addressed to enemy King Konrad.  

Although the King had already agreed to the release of all women and children, the Weinsberg women refused to leave unless one of their own conditions was met.  They demanded that they be allowed to leave at daybreak with whatever they could carry on their backs. 

The triumphant King, wishing the matter to end quickly and peacefully, considered their proposal.  After all, he had already granted them safe passage.  Taking a few pocketfuls of valuables couldn’t possibly make a dent in the massive fortune.  There would be plenty left behind to add to his own royal treasury.  Additionally, the women could rebuild their lives; he'd be forever hailed as a wonderful and merciful king.  

The messenger returned to the castle with his noble approval.

At sunrise the next morning, the massive castle gates creaked open.  Out marched the women, their children close behind.  But that's not all that emerged from the castle.  Carried on the backs of the women were their husbands; unmarried women carried their brothers or fathers.  Each woman staggered under the weight of her burden while the men struggled to keep from slipping to the ground.

King Konrad chuckled with admiration.  Outraged at the gall of these women, his soldiers demanded the ‘traitors’ be executed at once.  The King refused!  He had already given his sacred word that they could take whatever they could carry on their backs.  The women of the castle were therefore allowed safe exit along with their beloved menfolk, faithful ‘til death.  

Today many relationships fail because we give up too easily.  Not the Weinsberg wives; they had their men’s backs.  Life is complicated - relationships are challenging.  Human partnerships are not easy, but forever rewarding . . . and a gift from God!  A chord of three strands – two people and one God, is not easily unraveled.  

Teacher, two are better than one!  When I fall, my friend can help me up.   But three is better than two – if You are that third party.  Shine Your loving grace on me, so that I too may love without conditions and that Your will may be done in my life.  Amen.