At one time, I worked at a hospital whose motto was “we’re changing lives” in healthcare.In their promotions, they would share stories about patients whose lives have been improved through their medical care.
Sometimes the people who work in healthcare have had their lives changed, also.
I have recently shared these examples on the blog Facebook page .
Kevin Morton entered a hospital the first time with a bullet in his chest. Years later, he has returned- this time with a stethoscope around his neck.
Karen Muraszko was born “handicapped” but her parents didn’t see or treat her as disabled. Neither did she. So she learned to help other children with the same diagnosis she has- spina bifida.
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect – a type of birth defect of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. It happens if the spinal column of the fetus doesn’t close completely during the first month of pregnancy. This can damage the nerves and spinal cord. Screening tests during pregnancy can check for spina bifida. Sometimes it is discovered only after the baby is born.
The symptoms of spina bifida vary from person to person. Most people with spina bifida are of normal intelligence. Some people need assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. They may have learning difficulties, urinary and bowel problems, or hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain.
The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown. It seems to run in families. Taking folic acid can reduce the risk of having a baby with spina bifida. It’s in most multivitamins. Women who could become pregnant should take it daily.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Nanette Monroe didn’t listen when people told her she was “too old” to pursue her dream. She did anyway, and now she helps others do the same.
Svetlana Kleyman‘s life was changed, first by an unexpected illness which left her with a physical disability, and then by other people’s response to it. She’s still fighting to get her life back.
Juggling Faith, Healing, And Submission to God’s Perfect Plans
BY SARA STOPHEL
A MEMOIR
“Damen Ballard, twenty-five, left his apartment on April 19, 1995, to grab a pack of cigarettes at the convenience store. On his way back he took the shortcut…crossing I-44 on foot at rush hour. He was hit and became a John Doe while doctors tried to save his life. Even as we were watching the terrible news of the Oklahoma City bombing down the road…and fighting against all of those feelings of desperation when we discovered no hearts would be coming…Chuck’s new heart was just two floors above us in the very same hospital.”
photo by Nikolai Stophel
Sovereignty is a word you may not use or even hear often; I know I don’t. Probably the most common usage is in a political sense, like the sovereignty (authority) of a nation. Maybe that’s why Sara Stophel offers this definition on the back cover of her book;
“‘Sovereignty’ means that God, as the ruler of the universe, has the right to do whatever he wants. Further, he is in complete control over everything that happens.
In a game of cards, a trump card overrules any card previously played … But what happens when that “game” is actually life? And what happens when you realize that God’s sovereignty is the final trump card?”
Trumped by Sovereignty is two stories in one book. One story relates the multiple medical challenges faced by Sara, her husband Chuck, their children and extended family. The other story describes how Sara coped with these challenges, especially in relationship to her Christian faith.
I have known Sara and her family for several years and already knew much of their story although not all. I know Sara to be direct, truthful and frank. She does not mince words.
(I did not consult Sara prior to writing this review. I paid for my copy of her book.)
This is not one of those “how we went through a horrible experience and survived by our unshakable faith” stories; rather it is “how we went through extraordinary stress which tested our faith which survived and grew anyway”.
Sara doesn’t tell you how she solved her problems; she admits that her problems caused her to change the way she looks at life, faith and God.
photo of an active tornado by Nikolai Stohel
Sara’s book describes multiple medical conditions that afflicted her family (yes, afflicted is exactly the right word). The list reads like a medical textbook, so much so that you may need to look up some of the terms to understand what they are; she does not describe them in detailed scientific terms. (I’ve included some links for you to use.)
Between Sara, her husband Chuck, their children and extended family they endured –
Sara and Chuck met in college, a Christian university that is known for its belief in divine healing. However, Sara’s home church did not teach miraculous healing. So it was a new concept for her, and one she found difficult to reconcile as her family’s serious health issues continued to worsen and not respond to medical treatment much less prayer.
She does not expect you to believe that she endured these challenges and tragedies due to strong and unwavering faith; rather she freely admits otherwise. As she puts it, her “truster” frequently breaks and needs repair.
“I could not commune with a God who did not honor my bigger-than-mustard-seed faith. I was more than certain God loved people…but I was also nearly certain He just needed me as a tool of transparency. My truster was broken. Having loved God my whole life, I couldn’t think of anything better…anywhere else to turn…so I just kept on serving and assuming the love and peace of God were for everyone but me.”
Sara sense of humor never wavers, both in her writing, and in life; she probably could not have made it through some of the days she has lived without it.
You will laugh, cry, or both at some of her stories like-
Her annual physical (which was a year late) with her doctor, Dr. LionKing (an offbeat humorous pronunciation of his real name)
Her first CPR class after a family death
And you may get angry as she describes her shabby treatment by the IRS, the cell phone company and the local fire department first responders who refused to take her critically ill husband to the hospital.
impending storm captured by Nikolai Stophel
I encourage you to buy and read Trumped by Sovereignty. I know Sara and her sons which means I also know that their challenges are not over; in fact, they may be bigger than ever. I believe she will continue to face them with the same courage and humor that she has so far; and maybe in a few years she will write volume 2 of her story.
Sarah showing her sense of humor, soon after the Presidential election . Is that the President-elect’s name?
Sara’s son Nikolai Stophelis a professional writer/photographer for Samaritan’s Purse. Prior to that position, he covered the turbulent weather we have here in Oklahoma. His photos of Oklahoma storms illustrate this post. You can find more of his work on Instagram.
On the 6th anniversary of Chuck’s release from illness and pain, his wife Sara reflected on her Facebook page-
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