But now, O Jacob{Jessica}, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3

Monday, April 29, 2013

Have you seen Jesus?

First off I want to say Happy Birthday to my husband! Though your last two birthdays have been difficult I celebrate the day that God created you. You are valuable and a gift to not only me but so many others. You give sacrificially of yourself and are wonderful father to our children. (Although we have to work on those...shall we say colorful words you use :) ) Today I appreciate your love, your strength and your sacrifice, the way you take care of our family and the way you always stand by my side. Next year's birthday, in Cancun!!! I love you Jason!.....Jessica
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How many times did you see Jesus today? I saw Jesus when Jessica began another severe episode of chills.  These chills are hard to manage and can last for hours. Jessica was crying because she was sure she was ruining Jason's birthday. Jason lovingly wiped away her tears and said, "There's no place I would rather be then right here with you." And, I saw the love of Jesus.

We had talked to the doctor on call yesterday about these chills but he seemed unconcerned. Jason and I began to wrestle with what to do. Should we try again to calm the shivering of her body or take her ourselves to the ER? We couldn't decide what would be the best thing for her. Then the phone rang. Jessica's Physician's Assistant was calling about another matter. And, there was Jesus again working before us.

Jason informed the PA of Jessica's current condition. She advised us to head directly to the ER department. As we entered the ER were welcomed with warm blankets and cheerful, caring hellos. Once again Jesus was present!  As we awaited registration we began to hear rumors and rumblings that the wait was going to be long as the ER was full. Yet, once again Jesus showed up. Jessica's name was called and she was registered. "We have a room for you, Mrs. Newsome, the last ER room available." There we saw Christ.

Jessica was already in a great deal of pain and the thoughts of an IV in the bend of her arm were just too much for her. Her nurse did not feel comfortable putting it anywhere else. Jessica and I prayed that God would provide someone to put the IV in her arm in a place where it wouldn't bother her. And Jesus showed up. Nurse Esperanza came in with a gentle humble spirit and nimble fingers and expertly inserted the IV needle in just the right place.

Unfortunately, thought it wasn't the only stick. Soon there were tests to be run. And Jesus was there with an able phlebotomist named Margaret Duncan. Margaret had a pin on that said, “I am a child of God.”  Jessica told her I am a child of God too.  So Margaret sang to her "I am a Child of God" the whole time she took her blood samples.  Jesus' presence was definitely palpable there in the ER of Texas Medical Center.

Over and over again we have seen Jesus today in the most unlike places. He has gone before us preparing the way for us. He was under us holding us up. He was beside us walking with us. He was over us watching everything that was going on. And He was present with us in the doctors and nurses who have cared for Jessica.
 
This isn't where Jessica wants to be (believe me she has made that abundantly clear!); but, if she has to be in the hospital, this is the right place. It is a place where God's hands touch those who are sick through caring nurses and doctors who demonstrate their faith in what they do.  We will be here a few days as they try to regulate Jessica’s pain medication and discern where the high fevers are coming from. It is now 1:15 am and they have just moved us into a room. I am tired but consider ourselves blessed to be here for we are not alone.  Jesus is with us.  I see him where I have seen him for the last 29 years in her face as finally she drifts off to sleep.   

May you see Jesus every day in everything you do and everywhere you go.

Love in Christ,

Sheila (Mom)

God cares, cares right down to the last detail. 
 James 5:11






17 comments:

  1. Praying for answers for y'all.

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  2. Kay Crowe PressleyApril 30, 2013 at 4:24 AM

    Sheila I am so sorry that this is happening to Jessica and your family. As I ready your beautiful words I sat here crying and my heart breaking for you all. Those words are so true for the Lord does walk beside us and carry us when we need him too so my prayer for Jessica and your entire family is that God will continue to carry all of you through these horrible times. You are and will continue to be in my heart and my prayers. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Love to you all.

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  3. Praying for your family and knowing Christ is present every step of the way. May you all feel his comforting arms around you.
    Love,
    Christi

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  4. Am praying for your family. Thinking of you all so often the day and night and send up a prayer.

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  5. We are praying for all of y'all. May Jesus wrap his healing arms around you all. This is further proof that everyone at Texas Medical Center are angels in scrubs.

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  6. You all are in my prayers throughout the day and night. Praying for strength and courage, faith and hope, stamina and endurance, comfort, healing, and peace. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 And thanking God for all the people in your lives who are Jesus hands and feet.

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  7. In the middle of the storms, He is always near. Love you all and am a phone call and less than 18 miles away if you need anything.

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  8. I love that your nurse's name was Nurse Esperanza. Translated from the Spanish, Esperanza means "Hope."

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  9. Sheila,
    Your family is in my prayers. I finally after several days of learning about Jessica's illness put the two of you together. May you and the family feel the presence of our dear Savior every minute, hour, and day.

    Kathy Broadwater

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  10. May God continue to hold your hands. Many prayers are going up from your church families. Love and Hugs, Laura Spaller

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  11. I pray that Jessica feels the calming, loving arms of Jesus around her. So many thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  12. Thank you Jesus for being all over this yesterday! Though my heart is hurting for my dear friend, I am glad to know the One who goes before us and the One who stands behind! Deuteronomy 31:8
    Love you Jess-
    Amanda

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  13. Sheila, I am Keith's Aunt Louise and we will be praying for you all. Give Buba a big hug and tell him we are praying for God's healing. Louise

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  14. Such beautiful words from a mother's heart. So very happy that you have been able to be by Jessica's & Jason's side. I can tell from your words that Jessica is in wonderfully talented hands but there is nothing like having one's mommy by their side. Just as Jesus is by her side every step of the way, I can tell that you & Jason are Jessica's encouragers & just know lots of prayer warriors everywhere cheering you all on. In His Love, Faye & FLetcher

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  15. Praying for strength, courage, continued hope, and the ability to continue to see Jesus in each and every step of this journey. Please know you're not alone. Your sisters and brothers in Christ are here, lifting you all up daily in prayer. With much love in Christ, Arlene Fowler

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  16. We are thinking of you, praying for you, and hopefully Buzzing your Prayer Pager crazy with lots of heartfelt Prayers! My daughter Samantha Wakefield (Sam and Barbara Payne's granddaugher) who you led and taught at West Point's Vacation Bible School says a Prayer for you each night, and sings the song she learned from you - Our God is Greater! - hoping you can hear her all the way from Alabama!

    Deborah Ann (Payne) Wakefield, Barbara and Sam Payne's Daughter

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  17. Please post something else. Not hearing from you since Mon has us on the edge wondering what is happening. We love you and need to hear. Sandra Moss

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