It Seemed So Simple
Laila’s bike went off the edge of a sidewalk. The drop was too much. She managed a fall just shy of a brick wall. I came to her. She was sitting there. We talked. She thought she would be OK in a couple of minutes. Got her into the car. Went to a friend’s house. Swelling was starting. Friend insisted Laila go to the hospital. Shoulder had multiple fractures.
Almost four months later Laila is still in therapy. Nights are often difficult for her to get her arm/shoulder in a restful situation. More therapy treatments remain. The physician says we have to keep an eye on the shoulder for a couple of years to make sure that blood was not restricted by the fall. Blood vessel damage could result bone deterioration which would require surgery.
The doctor said Laila’s fall has moved “center” of her shoulder action. About that time is when I began to think about writing this letter to you.
Seems to me that falls in life tend to happen by accident, by intention, by whatever. Regardless, damage is done. We get broken. We often pretend at the time of the injury that we are well. We say words that push others away. We want our independence. We want our pride.
All too soon the swelling starts. Swelling increases pressure on nerves, which increases pain. Too much swelling can permanently damage the nerves---even to paralysis. Swelling can also restrict blood flow.
Damaged tissues cause infection, which in turn causes body temperature to rise.
The spiritual parallel is remarkable. Injury to our spirit can leave us broken, center dislocated, swelling and with temperature rising. The pain screams for immediate attention. Pressure diminishes care for other things. Pain wants comfort at all costs. The world gets reduced to a desire for relief from pain - comfort.
We like to think that a quick trip to private prayer is the magical answer fixing our pain, our struggle---even our failure. We know better. We thought it would be so simple. But it is not. We struggle to get our feet on the ground like a man trying to stand in swift moving waters. We want help, but pride interferes. We want comfort, but failure and bruises blind our way to submission.
The weeks and months pass. We long for normality. We pray for the long nights to end. We ask God “Why?” We come to live with HOPE mixed with fear that wellness could eventuate into another dramatic “fall.” Even those days when there is no pain are haunted by whether pain may return.
We are grateful for Laila’s physical healing. We are also grateful that the Lord has taught us patience in healing. It takes time. This is helpful to us in having greater compassion for others who have been injured.
The Lord has also used this physical journey to teach us that spiritual falls need lots of therapy, patience, rest, and wisdom. The healing hand of Jesus in our lives works patiently to restore good health to our mind, spirit, and body. Our lives being formed in the image of Christ is a Holy Spirit work that is meticulous.
Covenant is in a season of God’s healing. Wise persons are fasting, getting into Bible studies, gathering in prayer groups, and practicing therapy of healing. We know that ours is a fallen world. We know that sin abounds. We know that sin has affected all of our lives. Thus, we have determined as a Body to BREAK THE BREAD OF LIFE that provides healing. It is a process that we are willing to spend time with the Great Physician. He alone can restore us to 100% of what He designed us to be!
Pastor Bare
I Peter 5:7