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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Expand (07/18/13)
“She's a really private person.” That is what they told the police and the hospital staff. However true that is, it changed the day I was shot in my living room, and my husband was arrested.

No information regarding my condition or location was permitted to be shared. Only those who knew the 'secret password' were permitted to visit me. It seems a bit excessive to me now – and somewhat odd. I've been told that I was afraid. I believe it was the initial trauma, medications, confusion, and misinformation that more than fear. Looking back I do remember talking too much.
The drugs administered to relieve the pain of the fifteen inch open wound turned me into a comedian wannabe.

“What? – I have to get shot for you to visit me?” I smile and ask as I open my eyes to see one of my closest friends standing at the foot of my bed in ICU. It is now ongoing joke. I guess the humor was my way of relieving their tension.

Dr. George, the surgeon who performed the life saving surgery, entered my room to explain my condition and the additional procedures that would be necessary. In a very proper English accent, he asks, “Could you explain to me how you did that 'Matrix move'?”

“What?” I ask, not making the connection.

Leaning backward, he demonstrates the bullet-dodging scene from the movie. “You took six bullets and they all missed your organs except for the one that nicked your liver.”

As he tries to explain my condition. I repeatedly interrupt him. Incapable of controlling my mouth, in my mind, I reprimand myself, “Be quiet! What are you doing? You are being so rude!”

“We need to put a stint in your liv – ”

“I have to have surgery again? Are you kidding me?”

“No, it will be put in place through a tube down your throa – ” Again I cut him off.
“OH NO, you can't be – ”

It was the doctor's turn to interrupt. As if scolding a child, he points at me. “SHUT... up.”
Everyone present laughs at his unlikely, yet necessary, response – including me. It must have been a very frustrating, and unusual patient-visit for him.

“You are going home tomorrow,” the resident doctor announces. “Now we're just watching you lie there... You can do that at home.” Released from the hospital, I am sent 'home' to continue healing.

Multiple doctors, nurses, and health care workers were in and out of my room all day and night. Spending twenty three days in the hospital I met dozens of people that I would never have met otherwise.

I wonder, did my newly developed 'loose lips' share the gospel while in the hospital? Did these strangers witness the faith that carried me? Did the miracle I received touch anyone's life and inspire a decision for Christ?

Once released there were new strangers in my life. Physical and mental home health care professionals.
No longer as heavily sedated, before I speak I think to myself, “People will think I'm nuts, I know it. They will simply see yet another wife refusing to face the truth about her husband.”
Unable to keep quiet about my unwavering faith, I share my soul during a home visit, “Everyone else may see this as a tragedy. They think my husband is some kind of horrible monster. That couldn't be further from the truth. I can see that God heard my Jabez prayer song.”

Oh Lord that You would bless me indeed and expand my territory
That your hand would be upon me keeping all evil from me
That I would not cause pain or harm to anyone or to you
This is the prayer I pray today I ask it humbly of you

I've been singing this each morning for several years now. God protected me, my husband, our son, and our marriage, and He expanded my territory. I pray for more opportunities... and perhaps a minor personality transplant.

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV) 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Lord, just as the drugs transformed this patient into an uninhibited chatterbox, may Your Holy Spirit transform me into the bold witness for You that I long to be.
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This article has been read 542 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Larry Whittington
07/26/13
Interesting Story.

Some details are missing that some readers would like to be aware of.
Brenda Rice
07/30/13
I sure would like more info. Were you shot by your husband?
A few loops holes, but still an intriguing entry.

Thanks for sharing
Virgil Youngblood 
07/31/13
God works in mysterious ways, as you have so clearly shown. Prayers answered, a new found boldness to witness; praise God. A little tighter writing, and a little more detail, would make this an even better submission. Thanks for sharing an incredible story.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
08/01/13
This is an interesting story. Your MC has a subtle sense of humor and an interesting way to look at things. You may have wanted to start with more of an attention grabber like: The wailing of the sirens woke me and as I looked around to see where all the noise was coming from, I flashed back to my husband pulling the gun out and shooting me. Though it might not be perfect, I hope it shows you what I mean. You make some interesting points and I enjoyed reading this. Congratulations for ranking 8 in your level!! (The highest rankings can be found on the message boards)