Love is all that matters in the end!
By debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
United States
November 7, 2009 10:02am CST
Those of you who know me well know that my family is very important to me.
This last week I almost lost my youngest son. His liver enzymes were over 20,000. For those of you who do not know about such things...30 is normal. He was facing a liver transplant and we were told to get ourselves prepared to bury him. I cannot even begin to tell you how that feels.
God is GOOD. My son recovered and faces a long recuperation. His outlook on life has changed dramatically. He says he FELT the love of his family and God, physically. It is what kept him alive.
Many people prayed and many people had faith.
To make this a discussion...has prayer ever made such a difference in your life?
3 people like this
24 responses
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
8 Nov 09
I am so very glad that your son will be fine! That must have been a very very scary situation.
I think that prayer makes a difference in my life daily. I know that I don't pray daily and though I should I feel that no matter what just knowing of god's presence in my life helps me to get through some tough times!
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
10 Nov 09
This actually reminds me of something I've read somewhere, I don't even remember where it was now but it was talking about all we have to be thankful for and when we complain or don't want to do something we have to think about how hard the flowers work or have it, or how hard nature has it...
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
The Native Americans have a teaching...to look to nature to learn how to live. To see the Creator's lessons. He gave all living things a knowledge to share...even the rocks and the hills and the air around us can teach us...of our Creator's love, of His mercy, of His judgment, of His law. All we really need to do is listen, God's voice is all around us. 
It is man who twists and tears and perverts the truth of it all. Once you choose to seek the truth...it suddenly becomes very obvious and clear.
It is man who twists and tears and perverts the truth of it all. Once you choose to seek the truth...it suddenly becomes very obvious and clear.1 person likes this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
I find myself looking at the flowers planted in front of my daughter's house this morning...and thanking God for them! You are right...none of us prays enough. But I will definately pray daily thanking God for ALL the good things HE gives!
1 person likes this
@msfrancisco9369 (10002)
• Boston, Massachusetts
8 Nov 09
Hi Debra,
Amen. Faith made it happen for your son to survive this situation and with your undying love, support and unwavering trust in the almighty keep the healing power worked! Thanks God for laying His hand over your son and you entire family!
more power to you Deb. You deserve a hug. You're such a great mom!
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
I am just a mom...no different from any other. My son is no more special than any other. God had a plan...and I accepted His will by faith. I can remember praying the first night in ICU...I told HIM that I would love HIM despite the fact that my son would die...I promised God that I would not be angry if Sam was taken. I only asked him not to take him if SAM was not ready to go. It took a lot of faith to do that. I honestly placed him in God's hands...fully. It hurt like crazy...but God is merciful and did not ask that of me.
@msfrancisco9369 (10002)
• Boston, Massachusetts
10 Nov 09
Love and faith maide it possible for him. I am still with you in prayers for his speedy recovery!
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
7 Nov 09
Hi Debi. Yes, yes and YES! Prayer and reading God's Word (which go hand in hand) is an essential part of my life. I could not do the things I do without the abiding presence of my Saviour. A difference? THE difference!
Debi, what a dreadful time for you. As a mother, you must have been at wit's end, but I know where your strength came from. Rest assured that your son remains in my prayers and I am trusting that God will use this to bring about His own purpose in his life.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Sam hadn't been to church since his wife divorced him...he went Sunday. He raised his hands in prayer! Praise God!
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
10 Nov 09
That is wonderful Debi. I am keeping you, Sam and James in my prayers.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Ahh...you remembered Jimmy. Thank you. Let me tell you a bit about Jim's reaction to all this.
When we got the phone call that Sam's liver had 'crashed'..we drove the six miles into to town at 90 miles an hour...over hills and around curves. Jim was yelling, not yet....not yet as he drove. We pulled up into the hospital parking lot and I saw the helicopter sitting there waiting to take off...I cried out Sam's in there! Jim ran up to a helicopter with it's blades going and pounded on the window! The pilot (who was very BIG) stepped out and picked my eldest son up by his arms...walked out of harms way with him, very calmly said....your brother is not loaded yet...smiled as he said...you may be riding with him if you try that again!
As we entered ICU...Jim rushed over to Sam and kissed him full on the mouth...and said I love you! Don't die!
Before we got the call, we had been talking about Jim's feelings about God. He said if God was such a great 'father' why did he send his children to hell....I know this was on his mind all week. He has professed to believe...pray that he find understanding of what God really feels for his children. He's been silent about it since Sam came home. He will mull it over...and when he is ready he will speak. Pray I have the response the Holy Spirit intends for him. Thank you for all your prayers, love you very much!
@grecychunny26 (9483)
• Philippines
4 Jan 10
God is good, that is very real. When facing this kind of problems, much more if your family is involved there are so many things you discover in yourself. At first you will be weak you will start to complain and you know you can't do it because you are overly tired about problems, but as the day progress you will discover that you are strong and you will never allow anything bad will happen. In that time you will also know your true friends are and you will be shock to know the truth. That you and your family are the only people that can help each other, Love comes out from there.God is working on you in that area. Your love for your son is what really matters, there are no powerful tools but love. Your story is very inspirational. Thank to God's mercy and blessings.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
4 Feb 10
Thanks for the great words of encouragment grecychunny. They are much appreciated! Sorry for taking so long to respond, was without internet for a few months. Thanks again!
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
9 Nov 09
I prayed so much when I was younger probably all the way up until I graduated high school and I dont doubt for a second that the praying didn't help me. Now I'm older I find it harder to pray but mostly I use writing the same way. I believe the saying "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (18:20).
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
I too, because of the cares and trials of life stopped praying, stopped seeing God as my friend. I had returned to Him, but like you, prayer was difficult. After not seeing or talking to a friend...often it is like that. But He in His wisdom...showed me how much He loves me and misses me. My son, who was so very angry at God....says he felt LOVE wrap him around...hold him up. I want that for my son...and me and the rest of those I know...every day...in good and bad times! seek HIM. He is there. Love ya, revellanotvanella
@sylviamak (60)
• Singapore
8 Nov 09
i totally agree that family is very important for us. Out family is very dear to us. No matter what happen to us, we just know that God is with us. We will feel the peace and safe. I have a song in my mind and want to share with you - No be afraid.
God bless you.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Hello sylviamak...and thank you for those kind words.
Thank you for sharing your song...and the blessings of God with me. He is blessing me every day...and my prayer is that His blessings will shower you and yours continuously. Welcome to myLot.
Thank you for sharing your song...and the blessings of God with me. He is blessing me every day...and my prayer is that His blessings will shower you and yours continuously. Welcome to myLot. @sylviamak (60)
• Singapore
12 Nov 09
I am glad that you like the song. Thanks for your reply. I am touched by your comment. "I call upon you:answer me, O God. Turn your ear to me; hear my prayer." Psalm 17
God bless you and your family.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Thanks Gabs...I was in a cloud of God's presence all week. Truthfully, my health is not good...but I did not feel sick or tired or unwell all week...until I got home! lol God sustained us all...and continues to give strength. Sam will recover completely. I thank God for that. Hugs to you too dear friend.
@derek_a (10873)
•
8 Nov 09
I am sorry to hear about your son, but I am pleased that he is now on the road to recovery. Having lost members of my own family, I can appreciate the anxiety and pain that is associated with severe illnesses.
I do not pray as such, but practice meditation which produces a sense of compassion for all other beings. During meditation, I often think of friends and family who are sick. Some of them I have just got to know on the Internet and have never met face to face. In my meditation, I focus on receiving good news that they are recovering and getting well. It never ceases to surprise me of how a person can heal when there are lots of others sending prayers and healing messages to them. In Zen, it is said that we are all connected. I hope you son's healing continues and he grows stronger and stronger by the day from now on... - Derek
- Derek@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Thank you so much Derek.
God is LOVE...and that is felt in your kind words.
God is LOVE...and that is felt in your kind words.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
That is very much appreciated! God bless you for your kindness.
@Sweetchariot (1718)
• United States
9 Nov 09
WOW, didn't know that your son had this problem.. I wish him and your family the best. Sometimes it does take a crisis like this to have a better outlook on life.
Through prayer, I have discovered a friend, who cares most for me, the one person whom I believe will keep me under His care, and do what is best for me. I may not always get what I want, but I know I can count on His pure love and security and, knowing this, life becomes a little easier to deal with. It becomes a friendship where you can just sit and talk, and tell Him everything, and if I take the time to be still, I can almost here His response.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Isn't it amazing? God is our FRIEND...who sticks closer than any other!
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Thank you jb...I did not feel fear until they called the transplant team in. Then I was afraid. But I knew that no matter what happened, God would do the right thing for my son. God does not expect us to be fearless...but rather to trust Him. Thanks for responding jb...
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Thank you for responding. It is my hope that you will find the truth you seek...for it is nothing simple or easy to find. You are right, things happen for a reason...and we all eventually will die. My son was not ready...and his Creator gave him more time...to find that truth we all seek. Blessings to you ayebelle.
@getbrowser (1708)
• China
8 Nov 09
I am so happy to hear that and thanks for your sharing your experience with friends here. As you have said above, love is all that matters in the end.
In my eyes, prayer is a great lottery and it is really the love that make a difference. Yes, it is love instead of prayer that let your son feel warmth and love from all relatives and family. Of course, your son must a boy with a strong personality, which help him overcome all difficulities and recover at last.
Love is all that matters in the end. Thanks for your amazing experience.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
As they were flying away with him in the helicopter...I asked God to wrap my son in love...for you see, God IS love. And God went with my son when I could not. Many mothers love their sons very much...and still loose them. God spared me that...not that He loves my son more, or loves me more. It was not my son's time...or perhaps God knew I could not let go of him yet...I've said many times, I do not suppose to know the mind of God. But I do trust that ALL THINGS (EVEN THE BAD) WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD...FOR THOSE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE! God has a purpose for this. I trust in Him to see it through.
@hansyraj (11)
•
8 Nov 09
Hi, I am happy to hear about that your son is recovering well now.It shows the power of your love towards him.GOD is GREAT.....
Our life is a gift of GOD.We have his powerful hands upon us always. We need to keep those hands always through Prayers. Everyone need to pass through a tough situation in life at least once. As two sides of coin,life also have two sides,one with Happiness and other with Sorrows. Many times in my life I identified the presence of god and his power.
May God bless you and your family..........
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Sometimes, God will allow us to see the path we have chosen for ourselves, so that we will chose more wisely, His way. You are right...life is joy and it is sorrow. My son has had a large share of sorrow...but joy is now in site! God bless!
@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
8 Nov 09
I feel for you debrakcarey in your situation right now. Truly God is good, and we may not know what the future holds but we are certain who holds the future. Doctors can make mistakes but God doesn't and He knows what's the best for your son and for everybody. All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
Yes, prayers make a lot of difference in my life. A constant communication with God puts me in the center of His will and makes me closer to Him.
May you continue to find comfort and encouragement in God our Saviour.
cheers!
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
You know what manong? That verse was what filled my mind all week!
And the center of His will is where I want to be! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
8 Nov 09
I'm just so very happy for you that he survived and that he will recover. Dawn
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Thank you Dawn. Nothing is more precious than hearing the doctor say....his numbers are falling, we are amazed! The transplant team was called in...his name put on the list. The next morning...his liver enzymes began to drop! It is so life changing to have your son handed back to you after you've been told to prepare to bury him! Love did that!
1 person likes this
@oXAquaXo (607)
• United States
8 Nov 09
Thank goodness. I am so relieved to hear that your son got better. I wish him well during his time of recuperation!
And as for the question of whether or not prayer ever made a sucha difference in my life, honestly, it hasn't. Well, it depends on how you look at it. But that's because our family isn't religious. When things like these happen, all we do is sit and hope. I guess that may be a form of prayer. I don't know. But I do know that family and love really does make a difference. When family members get sick or injured, we stay by their side, so they know that we care about them, so they'll want to fight and live. Again, I'm very happy for you =)
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Hope is faith oXAquaXo. God does not love the believer more than the unbeliever. Religion has nothing to do with it...many religious people have no idea of the LOVE of God. He has given you a reason to hope...because He loves you. Seek that love and you will find God...without religious dogma or ritual. He wants a relationship with you...not your offerings or your money.
Thank you oXAquaXo. Love is all that matters! Thank you for your response.
Thank you for your response. @grace12bueno (140)
• Philippines
8 Nov 09
Praise the Lord for healing your son. God is such a good God! Faith is all we need.
Of course, prayer made such a difference in my life. It was when, a super typhoon strike our place. I fear that we'd die at that moment. Almost all the houses in our place were being carried away by flashflood. I am so afraid especially my mom is travelling in the mountain to the city. And we heard that landslide killed people in a certain bus. I prayed hard that it's not true. I prayed hard that it would not happen to my mom. And God answered my prayer. From then, we love our mom even more.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Welcome to myLot grace12bueno...and thank you for sharing how God has been good to your family as well. Love is amazing...God's love even more so! Thank HIM for your mom's presence and for His mercy.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Welcome to myLot honeywangpeng....and thank you so very much for your good wishes for my family. God bless you and yours as well.
Isn't it amazing....there you are on the opposite side of the earth...and we can wish each other well. And send God's love across all those miles. Thank you!
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
10 Nov 09
Faithful and forever!
Thank you rjvb...for responding. and happy myLotting to YOU too!
Thank you rjvb...for responding. and happy myLotting to YOU too! 