I hoped this week to be leaving for the upper Midwest. Instead I’m headed for heart surgery this week barring some kind of incredible healing. Time, however, is running out for that. Unfortunately my heart is broken. I’ve was born with a defective valve in my heart and it has taken me about as far in this life as it could. Doctors are telling me that now is the time to replace it. Tomorrow morning I will have an angiogram at 8:00 am and then surgery decisions will be made from there. I could have open-heart surgery as early as Thursday.
I’ll admit that this doesn’t thrill me. I have an aversion to pain and all things medical. I’ve made it through 63 years of life without so much as an overnight stay in a hospital, broken bone, or even stitches. I’ve been very fortunate medically and have always been grateful for my good health. Now, however,r we are entering a different season for Sara and me. So for the next few weeks (months?) I’m going to take the time to deal with this and walk my family through it. I’m not going to be doing a lot of medical updates or details. We’ll let you know what we can when we can, mostly through my Author Page on Facebook. If you want those updates “like” that page and use the menu under “liked” to check “See First”. That way you won’t miss those updates.
I know many of you will be praying for us and it is deeply appreciated. We don’t lack for friends and family that care deeply. I will get more of that than I deserve, but I do want to share it. So if you want to pray me through this would you do me a favor? Find someone around you who may not have as many connections as we do, but also has a deep need in prayer, and pray for them every time you pray for me. That would be awesome!
And please give us some space here. I won’t be answering emails and I pray they don’t build up to something unmanageable. Of course visits, calls and well-wishes from close friends will be welcome as I begin to mend! I’m sure I’ll get pretty bored staring at the ceiling all day. But I’m not going to be doing much writing or updating websites. We have a couple more podcasts to air, one of them recorded just before my surgery.
We talk about this on the last podcast, but I also want to share it here. A few days go, Dave Coleman, a good friend and co-author of The Jake Book wrote me a note about my impending surgery. It brought such encouragement to my heart at so many levels. I’m not sure I’m going to “Relish it!”, but I am going to relish God in this experience and see how he makes himself known to me.
I know it will probably sound strange, but these times are a real opportunity to meet Father in ways not possible in everyday living. It will teach you among other things, the meaning of “vulnerability” and to understand how we serve a God who made himself vulnerable on our behalf so that He can identify with our need as we understand his heart as well.
At times like this, we tend to feel that He is throwing us under the bus, but in reality, it is an opportunity to take part in the growth process in which He continues to make “all things new.” He doesn’t always protect us from these kinds of situations, but inhabits them to draw us closer to Him. In religion we think we are being punished, but we know differently. By allowing us to embrace even the brokenness of the human experience we can know him better and others can see and understand the power of a restored relationship that was lost in the garden.
On the fourth night after my surgery, I knew I was going to die due to a medical mistake which caused severe convulsions, and I was afraid my 20 inch incision would open…. desperation thinking took over and I said, “It is up to You.” I don’t remember if I actually heard the words, but somewhere in my mind, I heard “thank you,” and slept quietly through the night. Relish this experience. Do what you can by insisting on the best surgeon, hospital, staff, etc. You plant, and He will give the increase. Peace and encouragement, comfort and joy to you and family…
Psalm 62
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken…. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge… One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”.
Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Gotta love that!
Praying and yes will pray for our neighbor each time we pray for you!
Praying for you and your family. Mitch in Cary, NC
I’m 64 yrs old and live in South Alabama. I thought I was having a heart attack this past Friday night when I looked out my window and saw my brother’s house fully involved in a fire. I had to call on God to calm me enough to get dressed in order to go and check on him. My brother and his wife and 2 cats barely escaped. Martin’s health has been fading over the last few years. Family has been pulling together to help comfort and serve. Our prayers are with them and with you in this time of trial. Lord Jesus you bring so much comfort, strength and healing into our lives. We ask that you make your walk beside us a stronger reality to us each day.
You, Sara and family remain in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to all of you.
Pat in Minocqua,WI
I am thankful that God has more than one method of healing. I have prayed for you, your family, the surgeon(s), anesthesiologist and attending nurses. For sure you will not go through this surgery alone. I pray that this procedure makes you feel even better than you did before. I have now moved into Thanksgiving! Love to you and your family.
Carol, from Wilmington, NC.
Praying for you! Much love! Elisabeth from Germany.
You, Sarah and family will be in our daily prayers! Brother, you have the victory! Father will be glorified in this.
I’m super sad to hear this has happened. I trust that as the doctors are doing what they can to bring healing to your heart (with a little h), God will still be working through all things to fulfill the deepest longings in your Heart (with a big H). And ultimately, his love will overwhelm you. That will be my prayer. Wishing you and your family the best.
As you know Wayne a little while ago I had a quadruple bypass following heart attack number 3. Due to delays I spent 3 months in the NHS system. I can say that what I learned about myself and Father’s embrace would never have been learned anywhere else. Practically the procedure will bring weakness and sometimes a mixture of emotions, just ride the waves, it can turn out to be a time of amazing moments.
I’m part of the group that meets with the Hill’s in Richmond, VA. The times you’ve visited with us were very encouraging and refreshing for me. So sorry to hear you are facing surgery and possibly a long recovery. Please know we are praying with you and for you in Richmond!
Our grand baby is having open heart surgery today too. It is his second and he is only 3 1/2 months old. He will face another one at 4-5 years of age. Praying for 2 heart repairs too❤️
Debbie, it just breaks my heart to hear that. Can’t imagine what you all are going through. I hope everyone who reads this prays for your grandson too. I will as I lay here.
Wayne and Debbie we are praying for both. We have a grandson that had surgery at that age. He is 8 now and such a great joy in our lives. Wayne thank you for being you, a voice in the wilderness of religious confusion. Thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord, that we have hope beyond these fragile bodies.
I’m 65 yrs and have had a mechanical aortic valve implanted in 2011. For the same reason, congenital heart defect. I will be praying for you brother.
Wayne, so sad to hear this but I know for sure that the father will use it to draw you closer to himself. I am so grateful for your teachings (transitions), podcasts, and blog posts. You have truly opened my mind further to the love of the Father and the gospel of grace. I had a very abusive father and coming into the love of my Father God has been a long and painful journey, but he continues to draw me to himself every day. Thank you for being a sort of “father figure” to me as well. Your kindness, compassion and gentleness show so clearly through all you write and speak! I am so grateful that you put into words the love I need to feel from my Heavenly Father. You have been a huge part of how the father has won me back. Thank you so much!
Wayne, many prayers will certainly do the trick, where doctors fear to tread. We are all with you and the Lord.
We have only just heard of you this year. Your teaching resonates so clearly with us, has validated and settled our troubled hearts. We will be praying for your recovery and a friend also.
So glad some of my things have been an encouragement for you. Thanks for your prayers. I am getting better day by day.
Hi Wayne, been off the radar with business but just want you to know what a blessing you are and have been. I’m Reading a book from A_m_z_n called “The Gate Seldom Found”. A movement similar to this one was started in 1890’s, and is still retaining the original vision to this day. Blessings to you and yours as we celebrate His arrival along with His purpose.