“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:13-14).
Last Thursday we received a message from Helen’s family that they couldn’t get a hold of Helen’s mom, Esther, who is a healthy 84. They went to the house and knocked and called her phone. They could hear the phone ringing but no one came to the door. We called the police department to do a wellness check on Esther.
When they went into the house they found her on the ground. She was breathing but unable to speak or move. They rushed her to the hospital where they determined that she suffered a stroke. They operated on Esther to clear the clots in her brain.
As soon as we found out about Esther, Helen took a flight out that evening to be with Esther in Los Angeles.
As of the writing of this entry, the surgery went well and they were able to clear most of the clots. However, there is permanent damage and we will not know the full extent for a few days. As of Friday evening, Esther is able to respond by moving her finger or blinking but she is still unable to speak and she is unable to move the right side of her body.
Having said all this, the Kim family is counting on your prayers. Helen will be with Esther for the foreseeable future until we know about the future prognosis for Esther and the family decides what to do about Esther’s future care.
In the midst of all this, we have peace. No matter what happens, Esther is God’s beloved daughter. We know God knows what is best and we completely trust God. Currently, we are praying for healing and recovery. Should that not be God’s will, we know Esther would love to be with her husband who passed 2022 during Covid and be reunited with Jesus.
God is good. Thank you for your prayers.
Praxis: Faith in Action 