Is It Real?

Time for a little gut-level honesty. Have you ever asked yourself, "Is this whole Christianity thing real?" Can we be assured of the Truth?

While the evidence I am about to present may be of little value to you personally, I can only continue to marvel at what it means to me.

About 3 weeks ago, I was at work as a general contractor on a residential construction site. I was giving an on-site update to the home owner who just happens to be a physician. We were in the lowest level of this split (4) level home. As we were discussing the progress of the construction, I began to feel a little dizzy and noticed some pressure beginning in my chest. I mentioned these symptoms to my client who immediately took the situation under control and asked me if I could climb up to the next level. I climbed up ( approx. 4 ft.) to the next level and looked for a place to sit down. Because the pressure in my chest was increasing, my client asked me to lie down and elevated my feet. She called 911 and requested ambulance service.

As the construction site is in Historical Downtown Boise, we were in the close proximity to several hospitals, one of which is St. Luke's, a facility known for its cardiovascular care. The paramedics arrived within a few short minutes and began their field procedures, including administering nitro glycerin. As they gave me a third dose of nitro, I suggested to the paramedic that since it wasn't working, perhaps it wasn't my heart that was causing the pain. By that time, I was hooked up to the EKG monitor and the paramedic announced, "I believe you are having a heart attack, we are going to St. Luke's code blue with lights and sirens."

Because of the intense pressure on my chest, the next series of events are a little fuzzy, to say the least. I recall the paramedics, and then the emergency room personnel telling me to keep my eyes open and "stay with them." By then the realization had hit me that I may be breathing my last. My vision was fading in and out, and I knew that I was on the edge of consciousness. The amazing thing to me, that even in that moment, there was NO fear. I was completely at peace.

Please understand this was not what I would call a "spiritual" moment, but it was extremely real. I was not having visions of the hereafter, or seeing Jesus with outstretched arms or any such thing. Honestly, the only conscious thought I was having was, "This really hurts, please make the pain stop!"

I recall the medical staff informing me that we were on our way to the Cath Lab, please keep my eyes open and stay with them. The fuzzy 'tunnel' vision with black edges continued. I have absolutely no idea of how long all of this was taking, and it seemed the elephant that was sitting on my chest was not going anywhere.

I was hearing bits and pieces of conversations the medical staff were having with each other, and them asking for responses from me. When they got to the blockage in my heart, the elephant decided to leave. I remember asking myself at this point, "Why was I not afraid." Other questions going through my semi-lucid mind were: "Why was I not concerned for my family?" Had I become so self- absorbed that I had lost sight of that which was most important to me? Why was I not concerned for Carol, my best friend and companion for 31 years? (We had planned to attend the "Chicago" concert that very evening to celebrate our 31st anniversary!). Why, especially at this time, did my thoughts not turn to my 6 kids (3 natural and their spouses) and our 8 grandkids? Was I just being selfish, or is there really something to this "Peace that passes ALL understanding"?

Several years ago, I was involved in an in-depth study of the scriptural concept of peace. When our Messiah said to His disciples, "My peace I give unto you." He was giving them authority to overcome the circumstances of life. The definition of 'PEACE' according to scripture is, "To destroy the authority that establishes chaos"! Certainly a heart attack would establish chaos! Not knowing how to handle the financial obligations that have come our way would establish chaos. I don't know how all of this will work out, but in the words of the Apostle, "I know in Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him, against that day!"

I want to express my appreciation to Dr. Paula Carvalho, for her professionalism and expertise in taking control of the situation. Also thanks to St. Luke's Hospital for their care at this critical time. Most of all, thanks to my loving Creator who has provided His Son, the Prince of Peace who gives of Himself that blessed characteristic that passes all understanding.

Shalom