stomach punch
In 6th grade we had to get timed running the mile. My grammar school didn’t have a track so we were instructed to run around this soccer field 6 times, then a final leg across a short stretch of the school campus. Seems simple enough. Well, my gym teacher had this idea that it would be best to have half the group running clockwise around the field and the other half running counter-clockwise around the same field. We ended up passing people head on.
It was the 5th lap and the fatigue was hitting hard, but I was making great time. Just as I could taste the finish line, my hopes of a good finish were shattered. One of my classmates running toward me came in pretty close and before I knew it he landed a swift uppercut punch to the center of my stomach. I dropped like a bag of stones. I laid on my back for nearly a minute before I could breathe enough to get up. To this day, I have no idea why he punched me.
Today I got the wind knocked out of me again, but the process was 100% different and the result was infinitely more painful…
I woke just before 6am to the sound of my wife trying to speak out for help. She was having a seizure. She was yelling unintelligle words to wake me. We spent the night at my in-laws’ place (our usual saturday night agenda) so I knocked on their door to let them know to pray. I could hear Olivia in the next room with a scared little voice crying for “mommy”. Unfortunately, I had to give Misty 2 shots and it still didn’t stop.
Last time, when I drove her to the ER myself, I kinda got a gentle slap on the wrist that I should use an ambulance in case she stops breathing (a common problem with seizures) – so I picked up my blackberry and dialed 911. While we were on the phone the seizure did finally stop…but they insisted on coming to the house anyway. So it’s 6am and we are trying to convince the paramedics and the police officer that they can leave and let Misty sleep (this was not as simple as you may think).
It was really discouraging. This week has been so great…we could taste the finish line. Then just as we were 10 full days of no seizures – Misty has a pretty bad one. I’m so sick of this. I really thought we were done with the seizures. I’m so disappointed that I was wrong. Nevertheless, the day didn’t turn out to be terrible. The rest of the day was fairly pleasant and relaxing.
Regardless of the challenges, we’re learning to be content:
“for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
- The Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:11
21 Comments so far
Leave a reply
Words cannot describe how my heart feels for you and Misty. It was a great week…but please don’t let this side turn discourage you!! The devil is doing whatever he can to cause you and your family pain and sadness. Misty’s seizure is what he wanted and it hurt you all a great deal. I hope Misty is alright now! I hope she was not in pain! Just to picture her trying to get your attention must have been very difficult for her. You were still there and you helped your wife….calling 911 was just would you needed to do!! It sounded like you were on it in no time. Please never forget that God was there…he knows you’re tired of the pain, sadness, seeing your wife sick….especially your baby crying for her mother. I believe this was just a setback….not a road that you will finish on…the road you will finish on is God healing Misty completely. That day will come!!! I truly believe it!! I will be praying for you all tonight! My heart goes out to all of you! Do NOT let this discourage you!!! God is not going to let the Devil win!!!
Don’t lose heart. I know this came as a shock and disappointment, but it was not surprise to God. He’s still in control, and He’s still in the healing business- don’t let the devil make you doubt what you know about the Lord- He is faithful, and His Word shall not return void. This thing is spiritual, and you and Misty are on the winning side- don’t forget this, even in the frustration of it all. I’m fasting and praying harder than before. Be encouraged because you are loved, and you will be victorious! Sorry if this is too ‘Christianese”, but it’s sincerely how I feel- we’re all still believing with you!
The son is rising upon your situation! Keep the faith! Don’t let go of the promises of God for they are yes and amen! My family will continue to believe with you!
I am so sorry. I can only imagine your discouragement.
It’s okay to get angry and tired. God can handle it.
I am praying.
Darren and Misty, There are no words for how sorry I am that you both (and Olivia) have to edure such hard times. I am praying daily for you- as are many others, but it’s still a long, difficult, tiring road that you are on and I know that we have no idea, really. May our Lord flood you with His peace and grace to endure another day of this as you trust Him to heal Misty.
Darren and Misty, I continue to pray for the both of you. I pray that God’s peace guards your heart and mind in this time. God is your ever present help in this time.
As always, I am praying for you both. I wanted to send you the message from a missionary who spoke at my church yesterday. As he was speaking, I thought of you and how much God has allowed you to go through and i thought if you had a minute to listen to it, maybe it we be encouraging. This is the link:
http://cstonecc.org/FileQueuev2/CS200807270830.MP3
Oh, Darren and Misty, just…Hugs. I wish I was there with you guys…hold on…
Darren, I can’t even express the way that this news makes me feel…My heartbeat has quicken and my thoughts quickly go to the infaliable word of GOD…Look for GOD alone to come and save you…Misty will be HEALED…In GOD’s mighty name we claim this…Isaiah 35:3-4: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be STRONG, FEAR NOT: Behold, YOUR GOD will come with vengeance, even GOD with a recompense; HE will come and Save you.”
1 Peter 5:7-9: “Casting all your care upon him; for HE Careth for YOU. BE sober, Be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” The enemy knows that Misty’s healing is nearing and he does not like it one bit…He will try to shake your faith…Be strong Darren. Do not lose sight…Stay focused on GOD and remember the Miracles you have seen with your own eyes…Keep Believing….God is trust-worthy and 110% dependable.. He never lets us down…
Much love and strength for you,Misty, and Olivia…
Your Sis In Christ…
Darren,
Hang in there. Even tho the devil tried his work, it didn’t work. Misty came out of it and she is ok. God still won. Misty and your faith is so much more powerful then the devils. Just remember that. God knows that and He and your family IS the winner. It may take time, which I know that’s the pain in the butt part, but time will show you all and us that your family and God won this fight. We will see that. Give Misty our love and Olivia. I know it must be tough for you to hear Olivia crying for her mommy, but with your strenght and love, Olivia will see how powerful God was to her mother when He heals Misty and Olivia sees what happened in her life. That God was so powerful and what He was capable of doing for her mother, and what He did in her lifetime for your family. It will just make Olivia realize how wonderful God is. Let God give you the strenght and faith to handle whatever you may encounter. Hang in there, the healing of Misty in near, and God has seen how much you have been through and has watched what faith and strenght you have in Him. He won’t give you more then you can handle. May God Bless each and every one of you.
Love, Aunt Amy, Grandma, and Lacey~
Misty and Darren,
We will prevail, our prayers are being anwsered!!!! Did you think the devil was going to let go so easy? We will all keep praying, God will win.
Love you both,
Pat and Ed Jordan
Sorry about the setback. It is always darkest before the dawn. I don’t even really know what that means most of the time, but I think it usually rings true.
Darren; this is only a rock in the road that the devil put there but we know that God is in control – you and Misty will roll right over that rock, over take it and continue on the journey to complete healing. You know the devil is going to try to interfer with God’s plans and your faith; but your faith is stronger then any curve or rock that the devil can throw at you.
As always, my prayers are with you, Misty and Olivia.
Never lose sight of that finish line. God has already given you the vision of that finish line and He wants you to hold onto it. The road may not always be smooth, but God will keep you up…and if you feel as though you have fallen, He will reveal His hand picking you back up. Stay strong and know that He is God!!!
You are in my prayers. God is faithful and He will lead you to that finish line.
Oh dear. How it saddened me to see the title stomach punch. As the others have said, don’t let Satan discourage you. God can and will prevail!! I’m praying for you and your family.
It is times like this that I go by what I do know. God created us. God loves us. God will not let anything happen to His own that does not benefit his kingdom which is for ever and ever. Amen
Misty is the daughter of the King! Praying that today was a better day and that God’s peace and faithfulness are upon you.
Thinking of you, Misty, and Olivia.
Sending big hugs.
Sending heaps of prayers your way!
I have no words …. only groans of a heavy heart towards heaven. Jesus, please……..
Hi Darren and Misty,
We just wanted you to know we are thinking and praying for you all. You are not alone! God is always with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust in Him completely. He understands your pain.
Prayers from Nicaragua…
Dear friends,
When I read your summary of Misty’s struggle with cancer I wept. The Lord is with you! Be encouraged. I am going on a three day fast this coming Thursday through Saturday, and I wil pray for Misty’s healing! I believe if enough people fast and pray she will be healed. I love you with the love of the Lord my friends! We are the body of Christ. You are not alone, and Christ the Healer, Jehovah Rapha is with you!
I anticipate hearing of Misty’s complete healing, and will pray until it comes to pass!
Our God is Mighty to Save!
Victoria Jervis Smith