We are all fighting some kind of battle(s). For many of us that battle is anxiety. In other words, we give fear permission to steal our joy and destroy our peace. I’d love to tell you about some crazy stuff that happened one Saturday when my own anxiety came calling. Fear had a foothold in my heart that day, yet I was able to exhale because of a stranger, a song and a comedian. Three coincidences within an hour? You decide.
fear gets a foothold
That particular weekend Allan and I went to our 5:30pm Saturday worship service at our church. That was our normal routine. Full transparency? I was scared. You see, this time was anything but routine for me. This was the first time we would leave Luke in the toddler childcare room since he started his seizures at home exactly one week prior at the same hour.
I feel strongly that I have the responsibility of aligning my actions with my words. And my words to you recently have centered around God as trustworthy. So, we packed Luke up and headed out. I was super nervous, but we did it anyway.
The childcare staff at our church was already aware of our events from the previous weekend and Luke’s new seizure diagnosis. I knew better than to just hand the kid off to an unprepared volunteer with my cell number and a dose of rescue medication. (Trusting doesn’t mean foolish, right?) So, I texted earlier in the day to let the staff know we were coming that night and to ask about bringing Luke to his toddler childcare room for the hour. The staff responded with a warm and genuine “YES”, and we worked out a few details before arriving.
My heart sank when I approached the toddler room. Luke’s favorite volunteer (Melinda) was not serving that evening. Melinda has invested a lot of extra TLC helping Luke feel comfortable in that environment. Luke feels loved and safe when she is there. I feel secure when she is there. Melinda was not there. My anxiety swelled.
the stranger, the song and the comedian
The anxiety really had a strangle-hold on me. My muscles felt tense. My lungs wouldn’t release a deep breath. Even my heart felt heavy. Then I encountered a stranger, a song and a comedian in quick succession. Three coincidences within an hour? You decide.
“coincidence” #1 : the stranger
Rich was one of the toddler room volunteers that night, and he immediately approached Luke and me at the counter. He had already been briefed by the staff about Luke’s new situation and was ready to listen to my worried description of Luke’s seizure signs. He didn’t even raise an eyebrow that I had made a laminated card in the medicine pouch with seizure first aid tips and our emergency numbers. (Trusting doesn’t mean foolish, remember?)
Rich and I had never met before, although he had volunteered in the toddler room previously and knew Luke. During my nervous small talk, Rich said he worked as a driver for UPS. His career before that? Rich had been an EMT. In other words, an emergency medical guy on an ambulance trained in life-saving skills. I literally felt my tense chest relax. *EXHALE*
“coincidence” #2: the song
God definitely got my attention with Rich the retired EMT. However, my anxiety started peaking again when I entered the dark auditorium. The band was leading worship, and I tried to let the music distract me.
I have a go-to song for when I am feeling overwhelmed and afraid. Surrounded by Michael W. Smith. Maybe you’ve heard it, too?
“It may look like I’m surrounded,
But I’m surrounded by You.
This is how I fight my battles.”
That very song was next in the band’s set list. I know every note, every word by heart. We can’t sing out loud and hold our breath in fear, can we? *EXHALE*
Watch Michael W. Smith perform the chorus HERE.
“coincidence” #3: the comedian
If you know me heart and soul, you know that humor is one of my sincerest love languages. Comedy helps me cope. For the first time in the decade I have attended our church, the message was delivered by a nationally-known and award-winning comedian. In other words, a professional humor guy who earns a living making other people laugh.
Seriously. No joke. (See what I did there? That’s funny!)
I laughed out loud without hesitation. This guy was amazing – not just funny, but incredibly inspiring. We can’t belly laugh and hold our breath in fear, right? *EXHALE*
Watch Comedian Michael Jr. HERE.
A retired EMT for safety? Provision! A song for strength? Power! A professional comedian for laughter? Peace! ***EXHALE***
Three coincidences within an hour? I don’t believe so. Look around you. What blessings do you see in the midst of your battles? Count them. Focus on them. Peace CAN be restored, friends. Be encouraged.
Adapted from 10/13/19 Facebook post. Image by JacLou DL from Pixabay.
