Two weeks ago, I experienced the scariest moment of my life, I stopped breathing due to asthma complications. I remember praying God wouldn’t take me away from my family. Before losing consciousness, I told the paramedics to tell my husband I loved him. In that moment, I was certain I was dying. My husband tells me I was unresponsive for a couple hours afterwards. The doctors considered doing a tracheotomy to insert a tube into my throat because nothing else worked. Needless to say, I finally came around and my zeal for life was on overload.
This moment of fighting to live is pivotal with a dash of irony. Here’s why. Six short years ago, I contemplated whether life mattered and if anyone would notice if I was gone. I recall feeling stagnant; none of my dreams were coming to fruition. Everywhere I turned, it seemed everyone else was moving forward but me. At the time, I was heavy in ministry. I couldn’t comprehend how I could be so unhappy, despite doing the work of God. The worst part was feeling this way and nobody noticing. I remember leaving church one Sunday, noticing the ditch on the side of the highway and contemplating running my car into it. I realized something was wrong and I needed help before I did something crazy.
What stopped me from ending it all was God showed me a vivid image of my future. He reminded me how I hadn’t scratched the surface of the blessings He had in store. I would be a wife one day, I would be a mother to beautiful children, I would obtain my degree. He reminded me if I stopped fighting, I’d never experience the blessings I’d waited so long for. Plus, everything I’d endured to this point would be for nothing.
I remember the day I decided with help from my therapist to keep fighting. (By the way, I highly recommend seeing a counselor if you are battling depression of any sort.) It was early November. I decided that day I was going to be happy regardless. I would enjoy life even if it didn’t turn out the way I’d planned. I decided in that moment, I would trust God’s perfect plan. The following May, I walked across the stage to receive my degree. That summer, I purchase my first home. That August, I met my husband. Three years later, I was experiencing my dream wedding to the most incredible man. God couldn’t have blessed me with a better husband. Two years after that, God blessed us with the most beautiful baby boy I could ever imagine. My heart melts every time his big brown eyes look at me. And that smile… I am in awe. If only I’d known I was so close to seeing my dreams…. That’s the thing; we don’t know how close we are to what we’ve been waiting for. So, we have to keep fighting, despite what it looks like.
I am in awe of what God has done in my life these last couple of years. The breathing incident was merely a tough reminder of what is truly important in life. Let go of grudges, forgive loved ones, and spend more energy cherishing your relationships with family and friends. Furthermore, the time to chase your dreams is NOW. And to the person contemplating your purpose or if you matter, you do! As long as God has sustained your ability to take a breath, your presence is needed and vital in this world. If you feel your life is stagnant and nothing is going the way you planned, please hold on to the hope that this is temporary. Take it one day at time because it will get better. At the end of day, don’t ever stop fighting to breath, to laugh, to love, To LIVE.
–Your moment is now,
Ebby ♥
P.S. I would love to hear your thoughts, comment below or email writerswithpurpose@gmail.com
P.S.S: Email your suggestion for writing topics here writerswithpurpose@gmail.com
I just realized my typo up above–I meant “life”, not “wife”–oh good grief, I’m glad I don’t have to be perfect!
Haha! I knew what you meant. : )
🙂 🙂
Having read your “about” and this testimony, I am blown away!!! You’re a lovely woman to look at, and my goodness–there’s clearly no stopping you. I admire you–and will be thinking about points you made here. Mostly, I’m so thrilled that God showed up in your wife in a BIG way, leading you day by day to your Destiny. God bless you abundantly with His continued favor. a sister-in-Christ, Azul
Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thankful and humble that my testimony inspired you as I prayed sharing it would help someone else. Thank you for taking the time to read it and I look forward to getting to know you and interacting with you more. : )
Bless your dear heart 🙂 Testimonies are wonderful–especially when we get feedback that ours has touched someone, encouraged them–it gives the struggles value, that whole “beauty for ashes” deal 🙂
I agree! : )
This was an amazing read. Your story is so inspirational. This reminds us to persevere- even when the going gets tough. Thank you! Btw, I love the pictures of your family
Thank you! God has a perfect plan for each of us and it’s always better than we can imagine, but many times it requires us trust and wait it out for his perfect timing. Thanks for reading and your sweet comment! : )
I nominated you for a bloggers recognition award. You are an excellent writer and I feel you deserve it. God bless you
Oh wow! Thank you! God Bless you : )
Your are welcome!
Wow Ebony this write up is powerful and I felt like I was reading about my own life some time ago. We are they that he has called to do a great work and those moments are the testimony to be include therein. I am so glad I stumbled across your blog. I will be following – Chanel
Thank you! I agree, these moments are testimonies to be included. Thank you for reading and for following. I’m following you now and look forward to staying connected. : )
So happy you’re here, and congrats on the many accomplishments. May this year bless you with so so many more. Love your honesty, drive, and gratitude. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us all.
Thank you! I appreciate that! Thank you for reading too : )
This was beautifully written. There are so many things out there that are worth living. 🙂 I’m glad you’re okay and living your life. <3
Thank you! Yes, so many things to live for. I am thankful to still be here. Thank you for reading! : )
Wow! Thanks for being so open. Thanks for getting help and for encouraging others to do the same.
Your welcome. Depression is one of those topics that people don’t talk about, but it is real and very common. Its sad that many don’t get the help they need. Thanks for taking the time out to read it. : )
This was an inspiring post. Thank you for the “like” of one of my posts. I continue to fight feelings of despair since the death of my daughter but your fight was encouragement for me.
I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter. I’m glad that my story could encourage you in the mist. I pray that God continues to bring the kind of peace that only He can bring.
This piece is beautiful, moving and inspiring in equal measure. Wow, you’ve really struck a chord with me tonight. God bless you.
Wow, thank you, Paul S! I hoped sharing my experience would add something to someone else’s life. Thank you for taking the time to read it! God bless you.
Written from the heart for sure…great post!
Thank you, Writer65! Thank you for reading! : )
I was taken with the simple heart to share and be forthcoming, not trying to be creative but just yourself! I will continue to read don’t change! Again great job!
Thank you for the encouragement. It is much appreciated : )