The Story

It was 1994 and a turning point in my life. It all started with a miscarriage, a miscalculation and a clear message that I've been wanting to share.

My husband and I had moved to Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada about 25 minutes north of Toronto, with our 2 year old son and we were anxious to grow our family. Two months into our second pregnancy, we prematurely lost the baby. 

I was admitted to the hospital for a standard D and C, dilation and curettage. It is done under general anesthesia and so upon the completion of this procedure patients are rolled into recovery under the care of a nurse. I have the memory of hearing faint voices as I was about to regain consciousness and then suddenly losing the ability to breathe on my own. I passed out. I had respiratory arrest and was told afterward I turned blue due to the lack of oxygen. As I regained consciousness, alarms were going off, nurses and doctors 'bagged' me (a manual way of resuscitation during respiratory failure or respiratory arrest) as they were holding and tapping the back of my hands calling my name.

After observation and recovery, I was being transferred into another area of the hospital for some further rest before discharge at which point my husband was there to meet me along the way to recovery. I asked him, "Do you know what just happened?" He replied, "Yes, I heard." My response was, "No, Jesus is real, Jesus is real."

Those moments remain fresh in my memory, but more than anything, I know in my heart, Jesus is real. I was enveloped by a bright pure presence. That presence filled me with all joy and love, His unconditional love, a love that knew no fear, was devoid of judgement, an acceptance and assurance. I was safe and at peace. I was absent from the body, but present with the Lord. Jesus is real.  

So now, even if my experience were only a mere glimpse of the glory of being in Jesus' presence, then surely I look forward to the life to come. 

"You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more."  Psalm 16:11

CTracyLouie

My first memory verse journal begins with the greatest and most important story of all, John 3:16. It says that God gave His one and only Son (Jesus), that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. We are all fallible, imperfect and in need of God's forgiveness. If we ask, by His grace, God freely gives eternal life in heaven with Him. Without this, we are separated from God.

If you would like to invite Jesus into your heart today, please pray this simple prayer aloud.

Lord Jesus,

I know I am a sinner. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Come into my heart, I trust you as my Lord and Savior.

Amen.

If you prayed this prayer you are forever safe in His presence. Find a good Bible believing church and continue to grow in God's Word.