Two weeks ago, aboard Bill and Gloria Gaither’s Farewell Alaska Cruise, I made my way to the concert on the final night of the final Alaska cruise. There is a spiral staircase that takes you directly to the backstage area. I learned about this stairway from Gordon Mote, as I fell in behind him and Bob a few nights prior and simply followed them directly to where I needed to go. (The blind leading the, ah, well, you know.)
I was almost at the bottom of the carpeted stairway when I decided to grab a tissue from my purse BEFORE I got to the bottom. I let go of the right rail when, suddenly, I was falling and twisting. I glimpsed the right rail and, while turning the opposite way, I summoned every ounce of strength in me to reach across myself and lunge at the right rail with my left hand. I grabbed it and, while it slowed my fall, it also fractured the humerus bone in my left arm.
The cruise line reps who helped me up asked what I wanted to do? Not knowing I had broken a bone, I told them I would gather my composure, then proceed to the stage for the program, which I did. About an hour into the program, I realized that my arm was hurting more than it probably should so I sneaked offstage and went to the ship’s ER where the x-ray revealed that I had a “perfect break” in the “perfect location” (oxymorons, in my opinion, but I was thankful it was a ‘best case’ break.) Treatment required only that I wear a sling until the bone healed itself, followed by physical therapy.
To date, I have seen three doctors who ordered three sets of x-rays, and I marvel at God’s healing provision. Four days after the injury, the doctor showed us how my body was already sending tissue, blood, etc, to the site of the fracture. That matter would calcify, closing the fracture, until, over time, that temporary, woven bone would be replaced by new, lamellar bone, restoring the humerus to its original strength.
Amazing.
‘Fearfully and wonderfully made’ is ongoing.
Every day, I sense that I am healing. That said, I do miss using my left hand and arm. Yesterday I slipped out of the sling and used both hands to open an envelope. IT WAS AMAZING. My hands worked together perfectly, synchronizing the automatic movements, making the task so easy. I literally stared at my hands, amazed at how they work so effortlessly, efficiently together; astounded at the planning and purpose which led God to design us with limbs that interact seamlessly, working toward a common purpose.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [Eph 4:11]
That was Christ’s desire for us: that each of us bring our gifts to work together, in harmony, synchronizing our labor with our brothers and sisters who also long to be His hands (and arms) extended. We have common purposes: to bring glory to God, to love each other, and to spread His love abroad.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. [Eph.4:9-12]
So, when you get to church in the morning, look around at your fellow worshippers and be reminded that you all share a common mission, orchestrated by Jesus, and they are your wingmen/women when you need them.
Because, trust me on this, two are definitely better than one!
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Janet Paschal 
His touch always makes a difference. Thankful you’re healing well.
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Yes, dear Cissy. Thankful for your prayers!
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Oh my goodness! One other oxymoron I noticed. It was your humerus bone but it wasn’t humorous. 😉 I’m glad your arm is healing. Will be praying for a complete recovery. 🙏🏻 Friend of mine faithfully watches Jimmy Swaggart’s program and hears you were supposed to be on sometime after his 90th birthday for more of a concert. She hasn’t heard anymore and wondered if you still do concerts. I told her I thought you did but didn’t tour much. Just know if you ever get one in AZ, you’ll have two people on the front row extremely excited. 😊
Take care and God bless! Teresa 💕
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You’re right! I missed that one!
Yes, I have a concert at Brother Swaggart’s church in January. Come on down!
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Oh how I wish I could come in January. 😢
Teresa 💕
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are you alright? Praying for you
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Yes, thank you!!!
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you are welcome
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praying for your continued recovery 🙏💗 and Praise God for His covering and protection
hopefully you were able to enjoy the cruise in spite of your fall
I love watching the Gaither videos 💗
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Yes, indeed! Thank you for your prayers!!
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I am so sorry to hear of your fall, but so inspired about the way the Holy Spirit ministers to you in observing the wonders of our Father’s Architectural skills and it is truly a blessing! I needed this at the moment; to look on the bright side of situations that are not convenient. Oh, and I sure do know first hand about those spiral stairs! I kind of knew where you were going when you mentioned the spiral! I’ve learned to walk extremely close to the broad part and avoid the narrow, but spiritually I pray always to walk the narrow and stay clear of the broad; just not for spiral stairs! 😆 God bless you as you continue to minister for Him and to us. I’ve always been blessed by your ministry, and I’m so happy to know that you are on the mend! Your sister in Christ 🕊️❤️
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Thank you, dear sister!!
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Hi Janet,
I’m sorry to hear of your injury. I hope it heals up soon!
When I was in graduate school, I broke my right hand in the middle of my second semester. I was taking advanced choral conducting at the time, and for five weeks, I learned (the hard way) what left-hand gestures I needed to improve. It was not my preferred learning style, but God turned it into something good. 🙂
Again…I hope you heal up soon!
David
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Thank you, sir. I agree that we tend to retain painful lessons longer than quick ones😬
Proud to have a choral conductor speak up. Thank you!
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My precious Janet, Im so sorry to hear you got hurt. At the same time, I’m so thankful that He is being Jehovah Rapha to you. He’s such a good, good Father!
You’re so right about two being better than one! Since the young age of 15 when I first heard your beautiful voice singing Celebrate Jesus’ Name, I have been blessed by your music and friendship.
Just the other day I had finished praying and was listening for an answer from God. The Holy Spirit whispered Psalm 61:2 to me.
Later that afternoon when I headed out to go get Bennett from school. I thought, I’m bored of this playlist let me change it. So I did. I changed it and the very first song that played was you singing Lead Me to the Rock! He’s an on time God!
I’m praying for you to continue to get better!
Love you!
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I love this story, Alicia! Bless you, friend!
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