Our 12-year-old son Aaron was recently in the hospital for two weeks battling some very stubborn infections. Today, I’m happy to report that Aaron has been home for over a week and is recovering nicely.

Now that the danger is over, we’re extremely relieved. But things could have gone differently. If certain things had not transpired the way they did, Aaron might not be here.

Three specific things helped save my son’s life. They can save our lives as well.

 

1.   ENOUGH OF THE BAD STUFF GOT OUT

Aaron didn’t bounce back from his appendectomy the way we anticipated. Turned out, he was bleeding internally. The result was severe anemia and pockets of infection spread throughout his abdomen.

Interestingly, the offending bacteria didn’t come from the outside. It was in Aaron’s body all the time. When presented with the right set of circumstances, it exploded and became a raging, potentially deadly infection.

They drew out as much infection as they could, and placed two drains to keep the process moving. Simply put, they were trying to get enough of the bad stuff out.

We all have bad stuff lurking inside: ugly habits, terrible thoughts, unresolved grief or anger, nasty regrets, etc. Given the right set of conditions – a trauma, betrayal, rejection, or loss – our emotional bacteria within can surge up and spill out all over the place. If not dealt with, it can consume our lives and relationships.

Like Aaron, to heal, we have to get enough bad stuff out. 

 

2.   ENOUGH GOOD STUFF GOT IN

In addition to getting enough bad staff out, Aaron needed to get the right stuff in.

They gave him fluids. He got blood to stabilize the anemia. Once the offending bacteria were identified, they pumped him with targeted IV antibiotics. Fever reducers and pain meds also played a role.

Getting enough bad stuff out and good stuff in proved to be the effective 1-2 punch that put Aaron’s infection on the run.

To keep our bad stuff at bay, we need lots of good stuff coming in:

  • Affirmation
  • Encouragement
  • Positive challenges
  • Rest
  • Intellectual stimulation
  • Spiritual nourishment
  • Quiet
  • Time with inspiring people of character and integrity.

Our wounded hearts need a balance of these things. Like Aaron, getting quality, good stuff in greatly aids our healing over time. 

 

3.   A GOOD TEAM JOINED IN THE BATTLE

Without the right people involved, Aaron wouldn’t be here. Doctors, nurses, aides, lab techs, pharmacists, nutritionists, food service workers, housekeeping staff, church folks bringing meals, friends helping our other kids get where they needed to be, and a huge group (including you) who were concerned and praying.

It was an awesome team. Not perfect or mistake-free, but it was the right team for Aaron.

Without a team around us in our battles, sooner or later we’ll drop from exhaustion, and the danger of the succumbing goes way up. We need each other badly.

Who’s on my team?

  • Safe family members
  • Trusted friends
  • Helpful mentors
  • Close co-workers
  • Medical professionals
  • Counselors
  • Pastors / spiritual mentors
  • People experienced in what I need at the moment

These folks play various roles at different times. They help keep me grounded and sane. They’re in the battle with me.

Our battles can be intense. Like Aaron, we need a diverse team around us to recover, heal, and grow. 

 

WHEN OUR HEARTS ARE VULNERABLE

When our hearts are vulnerable or in danger…

  • Watch the ugly stuff inside. It doesn’t have to rule the day.
  • Intentionally seek positive inflow. What the heart consumes matters.
  • Involve others in the battle. Growth and healing don’t happen in a vacuum.

Life can be scary, and painful. I know you’ve been hit, and hit again. Perhaps you’re holding your breath, waiting for the next blow.

Take heart. You’re not alone. There is hope. Healing is possible.
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