A Life Sustained

Exactly eight weeks to the day ... that's when it happened.

I had no idea. I was in a post-surgical state, heavily sedated, on a ventilator with my heart electrically paced after open heart surgery. It had been a difficult procedure that took place on September 12, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic with comorbidities further complicating things.

My family was informed the morning after surgery that I had coded during the night. Because studies suggest that the overall survival rate is around 15% for in-hospital cardiac arrests, I'm convinced I was safe in HaShem. The Lord had provided a sanctuary in His presence ... in the Strong Tower of His Name.

There is a powerful scripture that I clung to. I remember reviewing it in my mind one last time as I was going to sleep:

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 ESV)

My thoughts focused on "The Name of the Lord" and how HaShem or "The Name" of Yahweh is the place of safety for the righteous. Think about that! When we're in trouble, who do we call on? Our safety amid trouble is found in "The Name" or "HaShem"! The Name of the Lord ... Yahweh! And, I learned much later that I was in more trouble than I realized when surgery was scheduled!

I love how The Lexham English Bible translates the verse ... it speaks volumes to my heart.

A tower of strength is the name of Yahweh;
into him [or it] the righteous will run and be safe. (Prov. 18:10 LEB)

How does this scripture fit my situation? When I did some research a week or so before my surgery, I found that when we're under attack and the enemy is waging war with the righteous, it is the Name of the Lord we can run to in order to find safety.

The Name of the Lord is a high place or a symbol of power and authority --not just any power but divine miraculous power.

The Name of the Lord leads us into His presence for where His name is, He is Present.

The Name of the Lord is a sacred place ... a place set apart for worshiping the presence of Yahweh. It is holy ground. His Name is a place of worship.

The Name of the Lord is a sanctuary where we can flee for immunity from the enemy's accusations, blame, condemnation, or execution.

The enemy attempted to take my life, but faith in the Name of the Lord was the miraculous power that sustained my life!

The first three days post-surgery were the most difficult for my family as I remained in a coma. As kind and sympathetic as the doctors and nurses could be, the worry in their voices and expressions conveyed an uncertainty my family was unprepared for. And the reports on MyChart didn't help. Because I wasn't waking up and due to the unsuccessful attempts made to wean me from the ventilator, the doctors called for an evaluation by the neurologists. What was first thought to be another stroke resulted in their assessment: "bilateral cortical dysfunction with a maximum in the left hemisphere and a severe diffuse encephalopathy".

With electrodes on my head, the scanning continued throughout the next few days confirming their suspected results: severe encephalopathy. But, little did they know I was in a place of safety – sheltered in the Name of the Lord, the strong tower where I remained safe.

I finally woke from the coma on Sunday (September 15th) and slowly began to put the pieces of my life back together. According to my cardiologist, my heart is now ready to "take whatever we throw at it". However, I'm still in recovery mode due to the slow healing process of open infected wounds where veins were harvested from my legs. I'm still very swollen and on diuretics to help reduce fluid retention. I see the cardiologist and have bloodwork done weekly to be sure all levels remain stable while addressing the infections and fluid retention.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank anyone and everyone who prayed for me before, during, and after the surgery. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I wouldn't be alive today without the love and prayerful support from family and friends everywhere. I am forever grateful to each of you ... more than words can express!

Take some time to make Proverts 18:10 a part of your daily devotions. Use it as a reminder of the power of the Name of the Lord. And, when you're facing difficulties, remember He's our Strong Tower, our Defense, and so much more ... He's everything we need!

[Ref: Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) | CABGx2 | Maze Procedure | Broncosopy]

Note: For more thoughts on Proverbs 18:10, use this link:
https://janross.org/the-name/