Ever since I can remember I have always believed that there was a God. I called myself a Christian but I never practiced it. I was “Lukewarm” a little in a little out, a token prayer now and then, went church on Easter like all good Christians do.
However, my life changed forever back in the fall of 2007….
I met the man of my dreams! His name was Bryan, he was larger than life. 6’2 dark brown hair, green eyes, perfect white teeth and the body of an athlete. He swept me off my feet; we loved all the same things. We spent 3 months together having a blast! Vegas weekends, dinner dates, baseball games, weekend trips to the beach. I was falling in love fast!
We were invited to a 2008 New Year’s party by one of his friends. I was so excited, a party! I haven’t been to a real party for years. I bought a new dress, had my hair and nails done. I wanted to look my best. Bryan wore all black; he looked like a rock star. By the time we got to the party it was already in full swing. People were dancing and drinking and having fun.
Bryan headed straight for the bar and started drinking Jack Daniel shots, I had a diet coke, I would be the designated driver for the evening. There were over 50 people there. Bryan and I keep losing ourselves in the crowd. After a couple of hours Bryan was pretty drunk.
I was talking to a man I met there, he was telling me about a ski trip he took to Utah.
That was the last thing I remembered of that evening until I woke up in a hospital 10 days later.
This is what I’ve been told……
Bryan became so jealous to see me talking with this guy that he grabbed me by my hair and dragged me out the front door. Everyone at the party followed to watch as Bryan beat me unconscious on the front lawn. Not one of them tried to stop him. He left me there as he sped off in his truck.
I was rushed straight into emergency surgery to stop a bleed on my brain. The doctor told my brother that 30 minutes into the surgery my heart stopped for 6 minutes. I was put on an induced coma for 10 days.
Like a dream the only thing I remember is what I conceived to be an Angel, the most beautiful being. Surrounded by light. No words were spoken, just a warm love embrace.
It took me several months to fully recover.
Bryan was caught. He was given 6 years and was just denied parole earlier this year.
The only visible scar I carry is a small mark above my right eyebrow; however I carry deep emotional scars of fear and trust. I believe there is a reason God hasn’t healed me from my fear, I believe he will though in his time.
My life has been changed forever! I now have a close relationship with the Lord.
"Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:8-9
"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?" Psalm 106:1-2
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wow, thanks for sharing your life story. But more thanks to you for you are providing a very encouragement & message of God's love to people you even don't personally know, by sharing this on the internet!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Emma. You are a strong woman, God is using you for His Glory! What a gift! Blessings to you:) I would love to feature your poem "Love can ..." (I read it over on "Be the Few") in my monthly online magazine "Tell it on the Mountain" http://issuu.com/tellitonthemountain
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your testimony. It is such a blessing that you love Jesus so much! I am not going to pity you for what you went through, because I never want pity for what I went through either. Whatever brings us to the feet of our Father is for our good and does not define us, but leads us to a perfect love, mercy and grace. I do believe that God has His perfect reasons for not healing us right away. I think it would be like putting my baby who loves the water in a pool to swim alone. One thing is certain, when He forgives, loves and protects us, He forgives, loves and protects every cell of our being for all eternity. God bless you Emma and your ministry. I will be praying for you every single day.
ReplyDeleteYour healing is coming with interest. All things work together...even the really messy stuff that leaves us feeling crippled inside, and unable to move forward without pain. God never intended for you to go through hurt like this, but in the end you will have joy that is so great that it will put all this in the background. You have the strength to move forward, but God won't have you do it alone or with a lot of effort and striving. You will have brothers, and fathers and a husband in your life who will be everything and more than what you ever could have dreamed for this one to be. God will heal Brian in time too. I think you know that. I think He wants to heal you first though...totally heal you, and add blessings to your life that are all in reserve for the time that God has orchestrated with majesty and grandeur :)
ReplyDeleteYour awesome. I am glad you are trusting God. I admire the things you write, and I think you are very beautiful inside and out. Don't be afraid to let the right people in, and I stand in agreement that you will have discernment, and find the courage to allow fathers, mothers brothers sisters and a husband into your life with open arms and a heart full of trust and freedom you never dreamed of before selah :)
I have a daughter who is healing also. I love your posts on Twitter. Don't give up on love.
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