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Two by four therapy:
How God used a back injury to get my attention
by Brenda Woods
I frequently say that God used the two by
four therapy on me. Whatever it was, it sure got my attention. I had been a
non-believer for 52 years. No one could convince me that there was a “God.”
If there was a God I certainly did not want to be
part of someone that allowed horrible, unthinkable things to happen.
I had survived a few of those things myself, by myself, and survived just
fine – or so I thought.
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Religion was not a part of our house when I was growing up. My father
believed that we have no souls. When you die – that’s it. I sincerely hope
that in his last moments here on earth he changed his mind and accepted
Jesus as his Savior. To this day, I do not know what my mother believes.
I spent most of my life being an independent, stubborn, and proud person. I
thought I didn’t need help from anyone for anything. I could take care of
myself. Whatever needed to be done, I could do or I could pay someone to do
it. After all, I was a strong person. However, I always felt that something
was missing.
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If there was a God I certainly did not want to be
part of someone that allowed horrible, unthinkable things to happen. |
In 2001, I injured my back and my world turned upside down. After a series
of unsuccessful treatments I had surgery in 2002. My lower spine is now
fused. This event has been the worst and the best thing that has happened to
me. Let me explain.
One Sunday morning after my surgery, my husband assisted me into the
recliner and turned the television on. He then left the house. To my horror,
I realized that “church” was on and the remote control was out of my reach.
| I spent most of my life being an independent, stubborn, and proud person. I
thought I didn’t need help from anyone for anything.
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Feeling totally trapped, helpless, and angry I had no choice but to wait for
my husband’s return. After what seemed like an eternity, he returned. Boy
did I give him a piece of my mind. How dare he leave me helpless and force
me to watch such drivel! On the
following Sunday, I again asked my husband to assist me to sit in
the recliner. He obliged and I firmly reminded him NOT to put the
church program on again. His response was to remind me that we lived
in the country and on a good day we had decent reception for
channels 6, 8 and 12. |
I thought about
that for a moment. Boredom is an awful thing. I reluctantly agreed but said
“put that same guy back on – at least he wasn’t begging for money.” I
watched the entire program. I liked Dr. Flamming. He had a kind face and
voice. I even gave a little thought to some of the things he said.
After that, I did not miss a Sunday morning program for almost two years. If
we had to go somewhere, I recorded it. I began to realize that this
independent, stubborn, strong person could not get through these life
changes without a lot of help.
I eventually came to First Baptist Church during the “40 Days of Purpose.” I
never thought I would actually be here, because it is quite some distance
from where I live. However, once I walked through those doors, I knew that
this is where God wanted me. He had forced me to sit still, listen, learn
and open my heart. I physically had no choice.
God does not give up! It took me a long time to realize that he not only
exists, but offers unfailing love. How wonderful! I am loved, I have hope,
and I have a best friend who is always with me. What more could anyone
possibly want? I now know what was always missing in my life - God.
| I know that no matter what happens, He is there for me. All I have to do is
ask. Does this mean that my life is now worry- and trouble-free? Absolutely
not. However, with God in my life, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I
will get through it. If that doesn’t make for a happier life, I don’t know
what does. Even my husband is a winner in this change. He’s says I am much
nicer to him now. |
I am still a “strong” person in spite of my physical limitations. I now
realize that strength comes from faith – not muscles and bones.
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I am still a “strong” person in spite of my physical limitations. I now
realize that strength comes from faith – not muscles and bones. I have taken
a couple of the Discipleship Bible Study courses and have learned so much.
The more I learn, the closer I can follow in Jesus’ footsteps. I find I am
making better life choices now. That is actually quite easy when you have
Him as a guide.
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