Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 (KJV)
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (KJV)
In the believer’s troposphere, our natural atmosphere gives us a breath of joy. The troposphere is just above where we live and makes up most of our atmosphere. As believers of Jesus Christ, our Bible tells us joy is a fruit of being indwelt by the Holy Ghost (Galatians 5:22). The Apostle Paul speaks of having the joy of the Holy Ghost, in much affliction (1 Thessalonians 1:6). My story is about my ascent into the Christian “troposphere” and deeply breathing the refreshing air of joy. My story is should not be unusual for the follower of Jesus, unfortunately, Christians often don’t understand why they are not filled with frequent, reoccurring, joy. My story is not an elitist story, for the Lord God, gave us each joy as an outpouring of His divine nature. I do believe I am to tell my story as a testimony of God’s marvelous provision and to give you encouragement and instruction to find your own “unspeakable joy”, freely given by the Holy Ghost!
All Alone
Patrician Neal Rehabilitation Facility, was a Godsend to me. Usually, even godsends’ can have their downsides. In my case, one of my struggles was loneliness. My hospital room became my solitary confinement. Monday through Friday, the therapists removed me from my room, on most days, for three hours of interaction. Weekends provided about an hour and a half, per day, of room respite. Due to the existing COVID restrictions, visitors were not allowed during this time. Generously guessing I spent, a total of an hour each day of interacting with the nurses and CNAs, I found myself alone with my thoughts, about twenty hours every day. Give it a try sometime, spent 20 hours with no human interaction, it gives us plenty of time to think and pray! I was blessed with a large window overlooking the Fort Sanders area of downtown Knoxville, allowing me to see people scurrying around like little rats in the streets below.My cellphone allowed me to frequently “Facetime” the Princess and in 5-10 minute calls, tell her of the daily “excitement” happening around me.
The most wonderful thing about being alone was unhurried time to talk with my Father and more importantly, quiet time for Him to talk with me. I would not have traded anything, including this trial, for the fellowship I have with my Father, that occurred during this time.
I awoke sometime early evening and found a new nurse sitting in a chair at the end of my bed. Pat Neal nurses often used a nickname( of endearment, I assume), and I was about to meet “Dougie.” Dougie and I will spend much time together over the next several days, and he will be one of my favorite nurses. He could be amusing and was colorful, adding to my affection for him. Today was not an affection day. In a matter-of-fact tone, Dougie explained that he would remove my unitary catheter. The hated “cath” and associated “collection bag” had been my constant companion for weeks at this time. Every move I was based first on how it would affect my “cath.” As much as I hated the four-foot-long cath and bag, I equally dreaded any pain associated with removing the hated device. I asked Dougie if it was going to hurt. Not at all was his response. I had asked the wrong question. I should have asked if it would hurt ME. I am still convinced the removal of the tube didn’t hurt Dougie at all!
I don’t remember any warning given before the extraction. I remember that Dougie said he would remove the cath, and SHAZAM it was gone. The pain was remarkable, and I immediately planned on levitating above the bed and letting all who could hear me know what I thought of my nurse “Dougie!” Nope, too late, no levitation needed, and Dougie had done me a great service! Thanks, Dougie. Then came the bad news.
Surprisingly is the first line of defense against disease. Moms who soothe a child can help reduce stress, calming the hormones that can contribute to inflammation.”
The study was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. Dr. Julio Licinio, the editor of the journal, said he believed it’s the first study to show, at a molecular level, the influence of what many have believed to be true — that a mother’s kiss is the best medicine.
Even adults have boo-boos. As we grow older, the scraped knees of childhood are replaced by more significant injuries like a personal insult, emotional abuse, feelings of inadequacy, or low self-esteem. Add to these things the self-inflicted wounds of our sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, and most of us are walking around with some pretty serious boo-boos.
The answer to these deeper maladies isn’t found in a medicine cabinet, but–as in the case of a mother’s kiss aptly applied to a skinned knee–in an embrace. These wounds can only be adequately tended to by the embrace and kiss of a loving God. And that’s what God offers to each of us in Christ. Jesus came into this world to live and to die for us so that we might experience the fullness of God’s love. In Christ, our value and self-esteem are restored. In Christ, our sins are forgiven. In Christ, we find the healing power of God’s love.
As it turns out, you don’t have to be a child to benefit from the healing power of a well-placed kiss. Psalms 103:2-3
Thank you, may you feel better and have better days ahead, love you