My Miracle Story
Miracle #1: Sepsis
Ten (10) years ago through a number of incidents, a fall, a broken foot, surgery, and recovery, I was told I had sepsis. Death is eminent in those who have sepsis; people usually don’t live with it. I was placed in a drug-induced coma for many, many weeks. My family was called to the hospital to prepare for my death. While in that coma, Bonita, each morning, would choose a scripture verse for that day. That was the verse everyone would pray over me. Obviously I was not aware of any of the things going on around me. Bonita would also receive other verses from friends. She would notate them in her Bible, i.e. “Amy,” “Tom Clanton.” “Steve ate ice today,” “Today is a turnaround day.” “Lisa Milne,” “Jim & Lisa,” etc. Those were the verses prayed for and over me each day.
I had purchased an iPod the month before. John Mark thought there should be music in the room. I had placed some of my favorite artists and songs in the new iPod, so he placed the iPod in my room and songs of praise filled that whole area. Remember, I didn’t have a clue this was going on. The nurses, medical assistants, doctors, and all the nurses, and even visitors, commented about the soothing sound playing in my room. I love it!
I was sent home to recover. While at home I took my Bible and began to read random verses in Psalms and other places. Immediately when I would come to certain verses I would explode in tears. Bonita came in the room to see what was wrong. Through my tears I would explain my tears. She then would say something like this, “Come here big boy! I want to show you something.” There in her Bible were the verses she had marked and prayed over me during my coma. Praise God! So amazing!
One day Bonita and I were out driving around. She put a CD in, and when the music began to play, I started crying. I asked Bonita why she thought I might be crying and be so moved by the music I was hearing. She told me that they had compiled a CD of the songs from my iPod, the ones that had played continually over me in my hospital room. That was the CD we were listening to. We called the CD “Songs of my Healing” and played it over and over again. (You cannot order the CD, but you can listen by way of the link at the very bottom of this blog, or by clicking on the image of the CD here.) It was those praise songs and the scriptures that began to heal my heart to bring about a miracle.
Click on the image to hear “Songs of My Healing”
Is that all? No way!
Miracle #2: Cancer
In January 2012, I had a cervical Lamectomy. Following that, my back had been damaged requiring six (6) back surgeries. That summer I had not recovered adequately, so we went to San Diego to recover (you know of any better place to chill?) from the severe pain I was experiencing. The pain continued through the Summer. In August we returned to Houston. Things were not better. Bonita noticed the side of my face was drooping. So at the hospital, they determined that I had had a stroke. Then, worse than that: cancer . . . the most-dreaded thing anyone can be told. Brain cancer. Glioblastoma, stage 4 terminal cancer. Just like sepsis, the possibility of anyone surviving is slim. Cancer sucks!!
Fear, loneliness, anger, isolation, “Deep dark night of the soul,” tears, sobbing, and more. What was going on? Did I need to change my name to Job? Had God abandoned me or what was He trying to tell me? In just a few days I remembered a phrase that summed up my feelings:
God is no where? Look closer. Just as I felt God had left me and He was no where, I saw it! Okay, look closer. Do you see it? In the midst of my anger, pain, and loneliness, I was reminded . . . He was now here.
Wow! There He was. He hadn’t left or abandoned me. He was so near, so close, still by my side. How stupid could I be? Hallelujah! He was here!
This was followed by two craniotomies, open brain surgeries in two weeks’ time. At that time my doctor told me I had one year to live. THAT WAS OVER FOUR (4) YEARS AGO. Praise God!!
What next? What had God been trying to teach me? I then had six weeks of radiation and six weeks of chemotherapy. So Bonita knew what to do. HOW DID HE SHOW ME WHO HE WAS?
HIS WORD
She printed large pieces of paper with wonderful scriptures posted all around the walls of my bedroom, many of which had brought such peace during my sepsis days. Those words were treasures full of blessings, encouragement, hope, and instruction. During that time, my dear friend Beth Moore had been encouraging women to memorize scriptures. Brain cancer and memorization don’t mix well. I failed my assignment from Beth. Sorry Beth!
Chinese House Church
A number of years ago I traveled to China to a house church on the 20th floor of a tall building where each average-sized room housed at least 50 people from one extended family. It was the same place that they worshipped. Mind you, it was a tense time in our world. Christians were frowned on so the church was forced to meet underground. I don’t mean under the ground!
When we entered the room packed with people, the sound of songs, not in English, still had the feeling of the Spirit. We stood to sing the familiar Amazing Grace, and when I stood I laid my Bible on the floor next to my chair. At that moment, a precious older lady walked over to me, bent down, picked up my Bible, tenderly held it to her chest, looked into my eyes, and smiled. I will never forget the message she delivered to me that day. She wanted me to know how precious God’s Word is and that we should treat His Holy Word with care . . . I will never forget that day. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
HIS SONGS
At that point I began to post on Facebook the lyrics of some old hymns and songs dear to me since my childhood. Who knew? Posting those songs and hymns close to me brought about an amazing response. The response of thousands of my Facebook friends was overwhelming. They brought up memories so powerful. They talked about where they first heard those songs … at camp, in church, in choir, with their family, at retreats … and it was amazing how those songs were full of great theology and hope for even me. My sweet friend, Jana Drake-Tornga, helped me compile the songs to go on my Facebook page. She is a great, great singer who loves the Lord dearly.
Next? God revealed Himself to me through . . .
HIS PEOPLE . . . and through the prayers, support, and strength only found through the fellowship of the believers. It wasn’t too long until I began having fellow believers visit, send cards, and use text and Facebook messages to bring overwhelming response from all over the world. The precious lady employees of Beth Moore’s Living Proof Ministry began sending us scriptures, prayers, and words of blessing and encouragement. We were so changed by these expressions by God’s people. Wow!!
The bound book from Living Proof Ministries
With Bonita’s encouragement the LPM ladies put all of the verses together then surprised us with a BOUND BOOK of their writings. GOD IS NOW HERE. Amen!
So it’s His Word. His Songs. His People and … ONE MORE!!!
Yep. HIS SON … JESUS!
Jesus is the way to God. Therefore, I stand at the door and knock. If I had not had a relationship with Jesus in my life I would not have survived. Wow! That’s good stuff, huh? The way to God is JESUS.
So it’s His Word. His Songs. His People and … THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL … the changed life through Jesus Christ, revealing God to us all.
GOD IS NOW HERE!
For more details about my incredible journey through sepsis and cancer, I invite you to watch the video below, made for the celebration reunion I recently had to miss at North Phoenix Baptist Church.
Big God Big Things is written and published by Stephen C. Seelig, Houston, Texas. All rights reserved.
