Monday, April 14, 2008

Praise the Lord!

It hasn't even been a week since my brother Doug had his quintuple bypass and he's home! Over the weekend, he was promised to move from ICU to a private room, but that was delayed because there were no hospital rooms available. He spent Sunday in a private room and was discharged today. The cardiologists and nurses were amazed at his progress. Interestingly enough, most people experience a certain amount of pain associated with this type of surgery. Doug said he hasn't had much pain at all. He was expecting his leg to be sore where they harvested the veins for the bypass but he hasn't had any nor has his chest hurt him.

When I talked with him on the phone, I mentioned that not too many people get to see this type of healing here on earth; some have to wait until they get to heaven to see healing. I don't know why Doug has had this miracle, for the second time, but we're all grateful. Perhaps God has allowed Doug to experience this dramatic surgery and recovery so others could see his faith, our family's faith, or perhaps so others could see what prayer can do. Then again, maybe it's so Doug can get even healthier to do more witnessing to people. I don't know. But I do know that we are all missionaries for Christ. No matter our circumstances, no matter our health, or our economic status, God expects us to be a missionary for Him. If you call yourself "a Christian", you are automatically "a missionary"....all the while many of us will never leave this city, state or country.

What circumstance has God brought into your life that He is wanting you to share with others? What glory does He want you to give Him to those watching? What kind of witness are you leaving for others to see and hear? I think of 2 Corinthians 4:14-15, "He who rasied up the Lord Jesus will raise me up also with Jesus and bring me into His presence. For all things are for my sake, so that the more grace extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase to the glory of God."

And remember the nurse who gave my sister-in-law the bad news last week of how my brother would never make it, would need to get on disability because he would never be normal again, etc? Well, she apologized. She just hadn't witnessed a miracle before. If she only knew, this wasn't the first miracle, and most certainly won't be the last....

6 comments:

AngelLindsey,RN said...

Hi Barbie--so glad your brother and you are doing well--Lily Faith is beautiful! Love watching you on the weather--Angel Lindsey,RN

We do serve an Awesome God--He Reigns!

Angie said...

Barbie,

Praise God for answered prayers. I tell you every single time I know of a prayer that God has answered, it strengthens my faith in Him so much more. Thank you so much for sharing updates about your brother. We need another one on you and precious Lily Faith.

Angie

Wanda M said...

Barbie,

I'm so thankful and glad to hear of Doug's healing. God truly is wonderful. Doug sounds like a wonderful man and you have a wonderful family. God has plans for him obviously. In Him,

WandaM

BarbC said...

Wonderful news about Doug! I cannot wait to hear how God uses him. And you are correct about us all being Missionaries. A dear friend of mine says Our Mission Field is where our feet are planted... that means school, work, the grocery store, ballet class, the doctor's office, neighborhood etc.

Barbara

Karen - CBC said...

Congratulations Barbie, to your family on the birth of your beautiful little girl! I am praying for your recovery and well as your brother's. It is wonderful that God chose your brother to show that He is still alive and well and into the miracle business! What an encouragement. God bless your family. Looking forward to seeing you back on the air. But enjoy your time with your family.

Karen Holifield - Crossgates Baptist Churc

Anonymous said...

Glad Doug received a miracle!