It was late afternoon when my phone rang last week, the caller ID displayed a family member’s mobile number. When I answered, it wasn’t their voice…
We all have that dread don’t we…that one day a phone call will bring bad tidings of a traumatic event, sad news or an emergency that has impacted those we love. Especially when we have experienced these type of calls before.
We can even become re traumatized each time we here the sound of the ring tone that alerted us to the traumatic event!
Those life changing calls
It was after midnight six & half years ago when hubby’s mobile phone rang, raising us from our sleep.
It was my stepdaughter with the news that her husband of one year had been killed in a horrific car accident on his way to work.
Six months later it was an afternoon phone call that notified us that my father-in-law had fallen off a ladder, hitting his head on the concrete.
Later that afternoon another phone call urged us to come quickly to say our last goodbyes.
It was an evening phone call from the medical Specialist that told me to get my husband to the local hospital for immediate medical air evacuation to a major hospital six hours away.
For life extending brain surgery because he had a massive cancerous brain tumor.
It was a morning phone call from my youngest daughter telling me that my new granddaughter & her were being urgently transferred by ambulance to the larger more Specialized hospital.
As my new granddaughter had special medical needs that had been missed by the midwife at birth & now our new born was close to death.
What is our reaction to hearing such news?
When I heard another family member’s voice on the phone the other day I braced myself for the news that was coming…the news was not good.
My first reaction was to stop & pray, placing this situation in my heavenly Father’s hands.
Next, notify other family members of the news & to get prayer support from the prayer group.
Then I stopped & sat for awhile with a comforting cup of tea to calmly think through this news & it’s emotional impact for all concerned.
And of course I wanted to travel to be with my loved ones…
But I can’t at the moment…
I can’t travel at the moment not because of CoVid restrictions nor because of border closures, these loved ones live in the same state as I, although a ten hour return road trip away.
I can’t travel at the moment because my own body is letting me down! If you join me here often, you’ll be aware that I live with autoimmune conditions & Fibromyalgia (FM).
Just before receiving this news I had a flare with some symptoms of FM that I haven’t experienced before. So, at the moment, as I write, I’m simply not well enough to make that long road trip.
I can’t tell you how frustrating this is!
But…
In the midst of my frustration at not being able to travel, a friend sent me the following message,
“Praying for the family Jennifer. Be assured that our loving heavenly Father has the situation in hand.”
When I read those words, a wave of God’s peace that passes all understanding instantly washed over me.
For indeed He has the situation in hand, after all I had immediately placed it in His hands & whether I’m physically present or not, He is!
Reminding me of His word…
“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance & in everything, by prayer & petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
“And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, & so fearing nothing from God & being content…that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison & mount guard over your hearts & minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4: 6 & 7 Refer II
In stressful situations we all need a little reminder to focus upon His promises & not our circumstances…
Don’t we! Especially when it involves our dear loved ones.
And I’m hoping that I will be able to travel & see them when the timing for me to travel is right. In the meantime I rest assured, He is there!
What is your first reaction my friend when you receive that phone call we all dread? For the update click on The last, I love you!
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2020 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog, All Rights Reserved.
Tea With Jennifer 
I’ve had maybe only one or two of those. I’m sorry you have had all those shocks. I’m praying for God to help you at this time.
Thank you Jeanne that is so kind! Bless you 😀
Oh, Jennifer, I do recall such calls and as I am late in catching up with this and other blogs, I find your words taking me back to those times in my life. The calls always mean a loss of some kind, a challenge to face, faith to be tested, and a weight that feels too much. It is then that we most need to sense the Lord’s presence and to have the care of others as we walk the journey ahead. Your words are so honest. Thank you.
Yes, pressing into the Lord’s strength at this time as I had another such call last night! It’s all a bit overwhelming at the moment!
Healing thoughts, love and prayers for all… ❤ 🙏🙏🙏<3 xo
Thank you sweet friend. ♥
Ugh, I’ve gotten a few of those phone calls too and they immediately send a spirit of dread deep into my bones. You’ve gotten far more than your fair share of them. 😦 I just read your updated post. Praying for all involved, including you!
Thank you for your prayers Lisa, they’re greatly appreciated! Yes, I understand that feeling!
Oh, Jennifer…how frustrating and sad. Your body betrays you when you need it the most. I am so sorry that you got another one of “those” phone calls. I am sending prayers for you to our Heavenly Father and sending virtual hugs across the miles to you. Blessings, dear friend.
Thank you Laurie, both are truly appreciated ♥
Jennifer, I’m so sorry you’ve endured so much trauma. And I’m sorry you’re unable to travel right now to be with loved ones. That is so difficult. I appreciate the encouragement to sit still before the Lord and to ask for His perspective in all you’re going through.
I would like to say my first reaction when I get hard news is that I come before Jesus and still myself in prayer. Reality is, though, that I need to process before I really know how to pray. I’m working toward being quicker to move to prayer than I do right now.
I’m saying a prayer for you, friend.
Thank you Jeanne, I so appreciate your prayers. 🙂
Jennifer, I am so saddened that God has led you into another hard place. I am praying for you and your family. At the same time I am blessed and encouraged by your response and wise words of encouragement. While we all would prefer never to receive such phone calls, we know we serve a God who never leaves us nor forsakes us. His strength is made perfect in weakness and He often uses His people to bring comfort and support. Thank you for this uplifting post!
You’re most welcome Donna & thank you for your prayers!