Please welcome www.EverythingUnscripted.net’s second guest blogger, Sally Schreiber, who has bravely tackled one of the most difficult topics we can all relate to…whether Christian or not. She is a devout woman of faith with a beautiful heart and soul, as well as boundless empathy. She is also one of the strongest prayer warriors I’m privileged to know. They say we don’t get to choose family. I’m so happy that she’s part of mine. An aunt and friend for life.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I just visited with a close Christian friend whose dear 40-year-old daughter recently succumbed to a horrific two-year battle with cancer that had ravaged her body. Her illness and death caused her family a free fall physically, emotionally and spiritually.  This young, good, faithful and vibrant lady; one who had never experienced the love of a spouse, motherhood or fulfilling a dream profession, left more questions than answers. How could God allow this? How could countless diligent prayers for healing be left unanswered? 

We’ve all been there. Grief over lost loved ones, physical illness and challenges, injustices, failed expectations, financial struggles, unanswered prayers and unfulfilled dreams…that which has scattered and shattered our life on this earth. Considering the forementioned scripture that the Apostle Paul wrote, the three commands given for God’s will for us seem oxymorons in nature. How do we rejoice when things are not the way we had hoped or expected?  How do we pray continually when trials overwhelm us, consuming our thoughts and focus?  How do we give thanks in all circumstances when the difficult things in life leave us with little hope of improving?

“Rejoice always.” My brother-in-law Paul DeMoss, a Lutheran minister, wrote his doctoral dissertation on healing services in the Lutheran Church.  He had many physical trials, lived in pain most of his life and suffered the loss of a dear son and grandson. His faith in God was strong. One of his conclusions to God’s healing was ultimately trusting to “let God be God.” Because we live in this fallen sin-filled world, there is no aspect of life that is not affected. Things will happen that are with and without our control.  We rejoice because we know God is sovereign over all.  We rejoice because we have the greatest hope despite our circumstances.  Jesus bore every sin, disease, injustice and heartache upon the cross for us. There is no trial we will go through that He has not carried and died for us already. 

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10) 

We rejoice because we know that this life, even with all its trials, is not all there is. 

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His Name.” (Hebrews 13:14-15)

Pray continually... We all see how our cell phones can take priority, even over conversations at a family gathering. Mesmerized by our little screens rather than meaningful dialog, forfeiting valuable conversations.  Prayer is the opposite. Prayer erupts from our hearts as part of our relationship with God. We pray acknowledging God for who He is and all that He has done. Prayer is a continual conversation with God where we tell Him our thoughts, desires, needs and requests, trusting and knowing that He hears us and will answer according to His will for our lives. Prayer is actively listening and allowing the Holy Spirit to place upon our hearts God’s desire and leading.  Prayer is a privilege to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16). Prayer is the confirmation of our relationship that no matter the circumstance, God “will never leave us or forsake us”. (Deuteronomy 3:16)

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Give thanks in all circumstances… My mother died when I was 4 years old. Her death, as well as subsequent emotional and mental circumstances, would leave an immense void in myself and my siblings’ lives. We can all look back and remember overwhelming trials and situations (or those that are occurring right now); those that have stricken us with such force that all felt (or feels) hopeless. No light at the end of the tunnel. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul is not saying to be thankful for all circumstances, rather, IN all circumstances. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

​Trusting God through our hardships and being obedient to His Word, He will lead us step by step into ways we could not otherwise imagine. We have to choose how our circumstances define us…do we become bitter and angry or to allow God to use them to accomplish His purpose in us? For myself and my siblings, God has and continues to bless us with the growing awareness of His Presence in our lives and in doing so increased our faith and those He has and continues to place in our paths…it has helped fill the void of the loss of our mother. 

For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. God has created us for fellowship and relationship with Him, not robots taking commands. Even though our relationship was broken by sin, God in His sovereignty and plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, perfectly mended that relationship forever. His will for our lives are not meant as a burden, rather they are to lead us in doing what is best for us and honoring Him. We rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all things not because we have to, but because we love Him and want to, as He has so graciously loved us. 

This beautiful poem by Corrie Ten Boom, a Holocaust and concentration camp survivor, I believe so aptly portrays God’s wonderful love and will for us. To see that it’s often in the unseen and unanswered that we learn the most. That God’s will for us is to rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all things…a blueprint of obedience allowing His best for us. 

My life is but a weaving between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors He weaveth steadily.
Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow; And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper and I the underside.
Not ’til the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas and reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful in the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.

Grief is something so many of us have in common, but how often do we openly share our experience in walking with our grief…and our faith? If you’ve watched Disney’s Encanto on repeat like me, think of it like: “we don’t talk about grief no, no, no.” Often times, especially for Christians, we feel that because our deceased loved ones knew Christ and are in Heaven that we need not grieve. Many of us are taught to suppress, not express. 

I felt called to share my family’s story in hopes that one day we could use our experience as our testimony.

I prayed on our bathroom floor many nights for God to “use this, use me, send me to someone who will need encouragement and support going through this, use this for your good and for your glory…” I broke the silence. I shared our story. I continued to pray to God that “even if I can only help one woman know she’s not alone, please send her to me or me to her.” I prayed those prayers as my own heart broke time and time again. I remember thinking “He can still use this. He’s going to redeem even this.”

My husband Joe and I endured four miscarriages, each one more devastating than the last. 

I was so hurt.
I was so broken.
And I felt so abandoned.

Our last miscarriage was incredibly painful and I was hospitalized as a result. I woke up the next morning, heartbroken, thinking “this is the last time.” I was bound and determined that I wasn’t going to take “just go home and try again” or “this happens with so many pregnancies” anymore. I asked the doctor if we’d finally met that “magical number” she had told us we’d need to hit before we were sent to a specialist. 

Shortly after, we met with our fertility specialist who confirmed what I felt was indeed not “normal.” To have four consecutive losses was less than 9% worldwide in my age category. I was quickly given the option to do IVF. Even being, we had a less than 20% chance with our history of me being able to carry a pregnancy to full term. “Faith as big as a mustard seed” I kept feeling being whispered in my soul.  All I needed was a chance…one chance…if God was able. 

And able He was! 

Even with numerous complications with my egg retrieval requiring two surgeries and a temporary drain placed in my abdomen to drain the fluid accumulation in my pelvis and lungs. Even with a bleed early on in my pregnancy that put me on bed rest. Even with preterm delivery and postpartum hemorrhage and emergency surgery... He was there. He was able. And He redeemed the hardest storm of my life. Joe and I were gifted our miracle son. Colton.

Throughout our journey women from states away gifted us items for Colton…women I barely knew who prayed for and supported us! Through the sharing of our story, God sent me innumerable women wanting to share their story, their loss, their babies and their legacies and their infertility/IVF/IUI/surrogacy stories. They wanted to share all of this WITH ME! It’s opened me up to a network of women who felt ashamed to tell their stories; women who said by me sharing our journey that it had helped them to not feel alone. Do you remember those prayers I prayed in my brokenness on the bathroom floor? Every single prayer I had prayed was answered. Maybe it wasn’t the timing I had hoped for, nor the way I ever envisioned becoming a family and what it would take to get there. Regardless, GOD WAS ABLE.

Maybe it’s not loss or infertility that you’re spiritually wrestling with, but each of us has our own storm. I challenge you to share your story and pray for God to use it because it will be worth it. My storm said infertility, but my God said I’m meant to be a mother. My GOD, my Creator, the One who has gone before me, the One who has a plan for my life today, tomorrow and the future. Life, even as a Christian, isn’t perfect. It isn’t easy. However, the good news is you don’t have to carry the weight of that alone because that’s where God steps in. His reassurance is clear in Matthew 11: 28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon You and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Also, in 1 Corinthians 13, He states: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Hold true to Him. And may you find comfort in knowing that while you’re riding out a storm in your life there is hope. He loves you and will take care of you now and for all eternity.

It’s Holy Week. A reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He suffered and died on a cross so that we might have eternal life with Him. And because He loves us, He continues to be ever present in our lives. To love, shelter, guide, care for, shepherd, comfort us. Even though we’re stubborn. Even though we’re unappreciative. Even though we’re sinners. We are so blessed to have His unconditional love and grace…
 
Being reminded of the Ultimate Salvation…I'd like to segway into something that perhaps we all take for granted (in addition to the Perfect Gift mentioned beforehand). Did you know that Jesus protects and saves us every day, too? Can you think of a time when Jesus has saved you or the life of someone you know? Perhaps a miracle healing? Perhaps a near miss crossing a busy intersection? Perhaps being in the right place at the right time to avoid a child being hurt on the playground?
 
Jesus has saved me more times than I can count so I'd like to offer a testimony of one such example.
Incident Date: 30 March 2013.
 
That day, I woke later than planned. With one semi-conscious bat of my arm, I launched my blaring alarm clock across the room. It was 6am and nothing was going to pull me out of bed. In doing so, however, I failed to take my anti-convulsant medication (for Epilepsy). And as I went about my day, I failed to realize that fact.
 
After a shower, my plan was to slip on my favorite cute clothes and drive to Starbucks for something yummy, then return home to chillax. Not far from my home, a gentle voice spoke. He told me to turn around and go home because it wasn’t safe. Like a stubborn child, I tuned out the warning. I wish I had listened...now I believe in my heart for certain that was Jesus.
 
When I opened the door at Starbucks, something felt…off. Ever feel like that? I went through an inventory of things in my mind and then it hit me… I forgot to take my medicine. Just two simple pills. As I do not have frequent grand mal seizures (also classified as generalized tonic-clonic seizures), I thought that I could buy a bottle of water and some mixed nuts, then take my medicine and sit in my car until it took effect. I didn’t think to call a cab just in case. Actually, I’m not sure what I was thinking because I feel like I got one of those Men in Black alien brain wipes. The time between the parking lot and waking up in my car at an angle in a ditch is really hazy.
 
All I can gather is that my brain lit up like a Christmas tree, operated on auto pilot for I don’t know how long and erased my short-term memory—seizures do that, after all. Remembering the scene is like looking through a strange film reel. There was a flurry of activity…so many emergency vehicles. firemen, EMTs, police officers. I was pinned in place so all I could really do was look around. It was a nightmare. Everything around me was torn to pieces—except for the bottle of water in the cup holder, cap off and half full. The passenger side was a disaster having been blown to pieces and crushed. As an example, the passenger’s side FLOOR was gone. While observing all this, a police officer told me what happened since I was in obvious shock. I was on a four-lane highway. My speed was clocked at more than 55 mph. Eventually I crashed into a barrier wall and flipped around. No one knew if I'd had the seizure before or after impact. While I might’ve caused a little traffic delay, though, I didn’t hurt anyone. Also, I walked out of the hospital with a clean bill of health four hours later. Physically, a few lacerations and some dark bruising (let's just say I had one strong seat belt). Emotionally, I had trouble with the traumatic flashbacks. Still have a little PTSD, but have mostly healed. Miracle, miracle, miracle.
 
My Honda was totaled and taken away that day. I had to see it before it was dismantled for reusable parts distribution—and worse. So my dad took me to the impound lot.  I took a lot of time. Circled the car. Looked in the car. Sat in the car. Took pictures… It was overwhelming. When I looked back through the pictures I’d taken, I was reminded that Jesus was in control that day. There was one picture in particular that sealed that belief for me. The sun was shining just enough to cast reflections on my car. There was a reflection of a cross above the driver’s side front headlight. A true sign of God’s love.
 
So tomorrow is a celebration of life and health. Eight years ago, Jesus saved me (and others) on that highway. Also, I had what I hope to be my last grand mal seizure...God willing.
 
Every day is a blessing. Even the bad ones.

This afternoon, just after 1pm, I went on my annual "remembrance drive" to the neighborhood Starbucks. It's tradition.

For the first few years after the 30 March 2013 event, I've purposely driven to the original Starbucks as a way of remembrance and coping...PTSD is no joke.

Today, the sun is shining so very bright, the weather is as it was back in 2013 AND I feel fabulous.

After a few tears (flashbacks...), I put on a sassy outfit (those who know me well are very aware that ensemble includes a pair of knee-high black leather boots), loaded some great tunes and hopped into one of the family cars (which I have nicknamed "My Honda" even though it isn't a Honda...but it might as well be because it's awesome). I rolled down the windows like one of the local kids and blasted my music, not caring about the dirty looks from some neighborhood cranks. I didn't go to the original Starbucks. I went to the drive thru near home, ordered a drink (one that I ordered every day in the mid 2000's), then enjoyed a breezy drive through the neighborhood and past one of my old schools. I almost stopped at the bookhaus, but figured I should have a book to contribute...the take one (book), leave one (book) principle. :-)

When I pulled in the driveway, I just sat there. Happy. Wanting to cry. Happy tears, of course. I did it. No anxiety. No incidents. Just success, cheerful sights, pretty weather and a drink the cost of a small club martini. :-) Even updated my selfies. :-)

Thank you, Jesus, for keeping me safe, granting me a perfect day and, well, for waking me up to enjoy it all.

Hey 2021, thanks soooo much for the 8 day free trial, but I'd like to cancel my subscription!!!

(Is that how you all feel?)

Watching and listening to the INCREASED insanity that is now the good old US of A...it's well beyond overwhelming. It's heartbreaking. It's horrifying. It's...scary. It's a bloody nightmare.

This is easier to say than to do and feel, but it's still important to feel and remember that there is always hope and that love still exists in this world. There is a silver lining in the stormy clouds. I found a beautiful picture with the perfect caption: "A flower blooming in the desert proves to the world that adversity, no matter how great, can be overcome."

Location: Atacama, Chile
Picture Cred: @ienjoyhiking_ig