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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Thanks Gary. I have been having a rough time again. went to my husbands grave this morning. tears had to flow. I feel like I am Aaron is many ways. I need to get the bad stuff out, the good stuff in. Seems like I am having a big problem with the bad stuff.
So glad for Aaron and all of you. Some one greater then us is looking out for all of you. My continued prayers for you and your family. Shirley holub
Hi Shirley. I’m so sorry. Yes, the bad stuff can seem to take over for a while. Fear not. I believe that you are also surrounded by a lot of good stuff, and He who watches over you will not let you fall. Hang in there. Thanks for your prayers. Keep them up!!
Thanks Gary. I have been having a rough time again. went to my husbands grave this morning. tears had to flow. I feel like I am Aaron is many ways. I need to get the bad stuff out, the good stuff in. Seems like I am having a big problem with the bad stuff.
So glad for Aaron and all of you. Some one greater then us is looking out for all of you. My continued prayers for you and your family. Shirley holub
Hi Shirley. I’m so sorry. Yes, the bad stuff can seem to take over for a while. Fear not. I believe that you are also surrounded by a lot of good stuff, and He who watches over you will not let you fall. Hang in there. Thanks for your prayers. Keep them up!!
Thanks Gary. I have been having a rough time again. went to my husbands grave this morning. tears had to flow. I feel like I am Aaron is many ways. I need to get the bad stuff out, the good stuff in. Seems like I am having a big problem with the bad stuff.
So glad for Aaron and all of you. Some one greater then us is looking out for all of you. My continued prayers for you and your family. Shirley holub
Hi Shirley. I’m so sorry. Yes, the bad stuff can seem to take over for a while. Fear not. I believe that you are also surrounded by a lot of good stuff, and He who watches over you will not let you fall. Hang in there. Thanks for your prayers. Keep them up!!
Thank you for turning a terrible time for your son and family into a real learning experience for us all. This gave me just the encouragement I needed at just the right time. Thank you again, and know that we continue to pray for your family.
Hi Judy. So glad it was helpful. And thank you for praying for us. We need it!
Thank you for turning a terrible time for your son and family into a real learning experience for us all. This gave me just the encouragement I needed at just the right time. Thank you again, and know that we continue to pray for your family.
Hi Judy. So glad it was helpful. And thank you for praying for us. We need it!
Thank you for turning a terrible time for your son and family into a real learning experience for us all. This gave me just the encouragement I needed at just the right time. Thank you again, and know that we continue to pray for your family.
Hi Judy. So glad it was helpful. And thank you for praying for us. We need it!
Gary, First of all praise God this victory! And WOW what a powerful message you have shared through this. It spoke to me in a mighty way. Thank you for what you are doing. Bless Bless Bless you, Kathy
Hi Kathy. Thanks for your encouragement, as always. Yes, indeed, He is victorious. As always. Blessings to you…!
Gary, First of all praise God this victory! And WOW what a powerful message you have shared through this. It spoke to me in a mighty way. Thank you for what you are doing. Bless Bless Bless you, Kathy
Hi Kathy. Thanks for your encouragement, as always. Yes, indeed, He is victorious. As always. Blessings to you…!
Gary, First of all praise God this victory! And WOW what a powerful message you have shared through this. It spoke to me in a mighty way. Thank you for what you are doing. Bless Bless Bless you, Kathy
Hi Kathy. Thanks for your encouragement, as always. Yes, indeed, He is victorious. As always. Blessings to you…!
Gary, I am so happy that your son is doing well. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I really enjoyed this post. It gave me some things to think about. One thing for me is I have trouble letting go of things. Once I give it to God, I know I’m supposed to let Him have it and I’m not supposed to worry about it. I find it hard to do, I always find myself trying to help Him. Then I realize it’s like I’m saying I don’t trust Him, which is not true. Does this make any sense? Any pointers on how to let go and stop trying to help God solve my problems? I know He doesn’t need my help. Maybe subconsciously I feel like I don’t deserve His help. I think I’m my own worst enemy!
Hi Kay. Thanks for your comment and encouragement, and prayers! Yes, I know exactly, I think, what you means. I actually just taught a group at church on that issue – trusting God and quit trying to control things…or as you said it, trying to help God solve my problems. Yes, I have some pointers. Could you email me, and we will go from there? Praying for you…
Gary, I am so happy that your son is doing well. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I really enjoyed this post. It gave me some things to think about. One thing for me is I have trouble letting go of things. Once I give it to God, I know I’m supposed to let Him have it and I’m not supposed to worry about it. I find it hard to do, I always find myself trying to help Him. Then I realize it’s like I’m saying I don’t trust Him, which is not true. Does this make any sense? Any pointers on how to let go and stop trying to help God solve my problems? I know He doesn’t need my help. Maybe subconsciously I feel like I don’t deserve His help. I think I’m my own worst enemy!
Hi Kay. Thanks for your comment and encouragement, and prayers! Yes, I know exactly, I think, what you means. I actually just taught a group at church on that issue – trusting God and quit trying to control things…or as you said it, trying to help God solve my problems. Yes, I have some pointers. Could you email me, and we will go from there? Praying for you…
Gary, I am so happy that your son is doing well. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I really enjoyed this post. It gave me some things to think about. One thing for me is I have trouble letting go of things. Once I give it to God, I know I’m supposed to let Him have it and I’m not supposed to worry about it. I find it hard to do, I always find myself trying to help Him. Then I realize it’s like I’m saying I don’t trust Him, which is not true. Does this make any sense? Any pointers on how to let go and stop trying to help God solve my problems? I know He doesn’t need my help. Maybe subconsciously I feel like I don’t deserve His help. I think I’m my own worst enemy!
Hi Kay. Thanks for your comment and encouragement, and prayers! Yes, I know exactly, I think, what you means. I actually just taught a group at church on that issue – trusting God and quit trying to control things…or as you said it, trying to help God solve my problems. Yes, I have some pointers. Could you email me, and we will go from there? Praying for you…
Good thoughts. Glad that your son is better.
Hi Rita. Thank you!
Good thoughts. Glad that your son is better.
Hi Rita. Thank you!
Good thoughts. Glad that your son is better.
Hi Rita. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing, Gary. I really like the team concept. God has blessed me with a good team, but I don’t always know how to submit and allow them to help. Interestingly enough, I created this life vision board for “Team Hill”, and as I shared it recently at a Ladies Tea, I could only see God as a part of my team now that my husband is gone. I’m so grateful that when I draw a circle and shut out my team (though unintentionally), they draw a bigger circle and take me in. God used your message to expand my vision. I believe I am able to move forward more efficiently as God reveals to me the bad stuff that needs to get out, and the good stuff that needs to get in. Thank you, Gary for being a part of my team.
Hi Louisa. Wow. Thanks for sharing this. So well put. I really like it. And I’m glad to help somehow. We’re surely in this together!!!
Thank you for sharing, Gary. I really like the team concept. God has blessed me with a good team, but I don’t always know how to submit and allow them to help. Interestingly enough, I created this life vision board for “Team Hill”, and as I shared it recently at a Ladies Tea, I could only see God as a part of my team now that my husband is gone. I’m so grateful that when I draw a circle and shut out my team (though unintentionally), they draw a bigger circle and take me in. God used your message to expand my vision. I believe I am able to move forward more efficiently as God reveals to me the bad stuff that needs to get out, and the good stuff that needs to get in. Thank you, Gary for being a part of my team.
Hi Louisa. Wow. Thanks for sharing this. So well put. I really like it. And I’m glad to help somehow. We’re surely in this together!!!
Thank you for sharing, Gary. I really like the team concept. God has blessed me with a good team, but I don’t always know how to submit and allow them to help. Interestingly enough, I created this life vision board for “Team Hill”, and as I shared it recently at a Ladies Tea, I could only see God as a part of my team now that my husband is gone. I’m so grateful that when I draw a circle and shut out my team (though unintentionally), they draw a bigger circle and take me in. God used your message to expand my vision. I believe I am able to move forward more efficiently as God reveals to me the bad stuff that needs to get out, and the good stuff that needs to get in. Thank you, Gary for being a part of my team.
Hi Louisa. Wow. Thanks for sharing this. So well put. I really like it. And I’m glad to help somehow. We’re surely in this together!!!
Dear Gary, You are always looking for ways to help us with your wisdom! Thank you for sharing your son’s journey through dark times to good health again. We all love you so much and appreciate the things you share with us. God’s continued blessings on you and your family.
Hi Ann. It’s my therapy – or part of it! Write! Thanks for your encouragement and for your prayers. Glad to be on the same team!
Dear Gary, You are always looking for ways to help us with your wisdom! Thank you for sharing your son’s journey through dark times to good health again. We all love you so much and appreciate the things you share with us. God’s continued blessings on you and your family.
Hi Ann. It’s my therapy – or part of it! Write! Thanks for your encouragement and for your prayers. Glad to be on the same team!
Dear Gary, You are always looking for ways to help us with your wisdom! Thank you for sharing your son’s journey through dark times to good health again. We all love you so much and appreciate the things you share with us. God’s continued blessings on you and your family.
Hi Ann. It’s my therapy – or part of it! Write! Thanks for your encouragement and for your prayers. Glad to be on the same team!
Gary Glad to here the good news we must always trust in the LORD to do what is best for us. Will keep praying for his recovery. Have a blessed day Jimmy
Howdy Jimmy. Thanks for praying, and you are so right. God is good, all the time. Blessings…
Gary Glad to here the good news we must always trust in the LORD to do what is best for us. Will keep praying for his recovery. Have a blessed day Jimmy
Howdy Jimmy. Thanks for praying, and you are so right. God is good, all the time. Blessings…
Gary Glad to here the good news we must always trust in the LORD to do what is best for us. Will keep praying for his recovery. Have a blessed day Jimmy
Howdy Jimmy. Thanks for praying, and you are so right. God is good, all the time. Blessings…
Gary, this post really hit the spot for me. God has recently taken me to a deeper level of seeing my wounds, and seeing the results of my self-efforts to heal those wounds. One of those self-efforts being pride…”I need to take care of this on my own. It’s wrong to ask for help.”
Thank you for this reminder.
Hi Mark. I’m amazed how much time I act like I don’t have a perfect Father looking out for me all the time. I get caught in spinning and striving and protecting, and trying to make things work. Self-effort. Yuck. Here’s to more trusting….
Gary, this post really hit the spot for me. God has recently taken me to a deeper level of seeing my wounds, and seeing the results of my self-efforts to heal those wounds. One of those self-efforts being pride…”I need to take care of this on my own. It’s wrong to ask for help.”
Thank you for this reminder.
Hi Mark. I’m amazed how much time I act like I don’t have a perfect Father looking out for me all the time. I get caught in spinning and striving and protecting, and trying to make things work. Self-effort. Yuck. Here’s to more trusting….
Gary, this post really hit the spot for me. God has recently taken me to a deeper level of seeing my wounds, and seeing the results of my self-efforts to heal those wounds. One of those self-efforts being pride…”I need to take care of this on my own. It’s wrong to ask for help.”
Thank you for this reminder.
Hi Mark. I’m amazed how much time I act like I don’t have a perfect Father looking out for me all the time. I get caught in spinning and striving and protecting, and trying to make things work. Self-effort. Yuck. Here’s to more trusting….