Arming Myself for Battle

This week I find myself walking through some familiar corridors.  It was twelve years ago Holy Easter week I underwent a cardiac catheterization and subsequent double coronary artery bypass.

This Holy week – twelve years later, I am undergoing a cardiac catheterization with a possible coronary artery bypass.  Yes, you read that right.  Again.

I write this as I wait for this upcoming event because along with wonderful prayers I have been asked “are you nervous?”

And the answer is “yes”.

As a handler for St. Luke’s K-9 Comfort dog, when Moriah becomes anxious, I place a bear-shaped hand over her chest and tell her “Settle”.  This reassures her and calms her.

Likewise, I am reassured.  God’s hand is on my heart and in my soul.  I am reassured of who I am – God’s child.  As such I am certain that God is walking these corridors with me.  Reminding myself that God has a plan and that whatever may come, I rest in the arms of Jesus Christ helps to settle me and bring about a sense of peace.

And God, who is good, has equipped us with reminders (biblical verses) and put people  on our paths to cloth us in the armor of Christ.

So here is some of the armor I am taking into the hospital with me:

  • Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. – James 1:2-3
  • The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
  • Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Ephesian 6:11
  • Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith. – Margaret Shepard, Author.
  • Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears. – Rudyard Kipling, writer.
  • My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.  Don’t lose sight of them.  Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.  – Proverbs 4:20-22
  • Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death. – Debbie Macomber
  • It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. – 2 Samuel 22:33
  • Sometimes, all it takes is just one prayer to change everything. – Anonymous
  • Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear. Mark Twain
  • Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. – Brooke Shields
  • The Lord is my strength, my personal bravery, my invincible army. Habakkuk 3:19 Amplified Version
  • And it came to pass. – Luke 2:1. Good times as well as bad times do not come to stay.
  • Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

Yes, I am nervous.  If I were not, I would be like Data in Start Trek – The Next Generation.  But I am also assured of what God can and will do despite what this world throws at me.

So it is with these words that I arm myself.  While I cannot change the diagnosis, I can work to change my attitude.  And that can make all the difference.

What scripture(s) calm your fears?  What steps do you take to ease the fear of the mayhem in your life?  Please share so others might benefit.

 

Thank you for reading my post.  If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it.  Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!

I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts.  To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com

Blessings for Health & Wellness.

 

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