Life is hard. Kindness, courage, and love will help you prosper.
Author: Melissa
Hello, my name is Melissa. I grew up as a pastor's kid and am now a pastor's wife. I'm married to Joseph Smith, who is the Pastor of Pine Air Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL. We have three miracle children here on earth and two in heaven.
As of July 18, 2017, God graciously allowed me to survive being struck by lightning. Five years later on March 31, 2022, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer HER2+ and HER2-. Today, I can say, together with God's help, I am an OVERCOMER!
Because He lives and His mercies renew every morning, I can say I am a Lightning Survivor, Cancer Warrior, and Daughter of the King!
10.14a- Daniel 3:17-18 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Where is your faith?
Are you willing to stay faithful no matter what the cost? God will protect
those who stay true to Him. Our eternal reward far outweighs any suffering we
may endure here.
Very rough night. Had trouble
sleeping. Every time I turned my body cracked causing pain. Nightmares.
Joe woke me up in midst of one
scared me wake at 5am something to drop truck off which he misread.
Crawled in bed once got home. Whole
body twitching and dizzy. Almost asleep Joe scared me awake again. Almost
cried. Joe soothingly talked to me, apologized, and gently kissed me. Don’t
recall what I said to him.
Fell back to sleep for a few more
hours.
10:00a – whole body sore like I’m
beat up. Hands and arms numb and tingly.
10:40a- unexpected bloody nose.
Checked bp. Bp 135/90 hr 82. Feeling faintish like I do when I get bloody
noses.
Aug 16
8:00a- woke in a sweat. Bad dream
trying to escape from the evil men…hiding in all kinds of places…and not
knowing who I could trust…family no where around.
9:45a- tired, head hurts, feet achy
& tingly, low back aches, lft hand achy & tingly, stuffy nose
4:00p- worked on finishing bulletin
board at church
10:00p- took migraine pill to ease
migraine – head pounding.
Aug 17
8:00a- woke in a sweat. Bad dream
trying to escape from the evil men…hiding in all kinds of places…and not
knowing who I could trust…family no where around.
9:45a- tired, head hurts, feet achy
& tingly, low back aches, lft hand achy & tingly, stuffy nose
4:00p- worked on finishing bulletin
board at church
10:00p- took migraine pill to ease
migraine – head pounding.
The Greek word for longsuffering makróthymos (Strong’s #3115) is made up of two words makro
(long) and thumos, (wrath). Slow to wrath. The idea is to remain in a
state of emotional quietness in the face of unfavorable circumstances. Longsuffering is patiently enduring lasting
offenses or hardships.
James 1:19-20 –
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,
slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 14:29 – He that is slow to wrath is
of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Longsuffering is the ability of restraining oneself in the
face of provocation that does not quickly retaliate or immediately punish. It avoids quarrels, restores injustices, and cultivates
charity.
Numbers 14:18 – The
Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and
transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of
the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
Ephesians 4:32 – And
be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God
for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Longsuffering endures
the abuse and ill-treatment of others without growing resentful or bitter.
Ephesians 4:1-3 – I
therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with
longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Colossians 3:12-13 –
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another,
and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as
Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
You cannot be
longsuffering without also be willing to forgive others.
Romans 2:4 – Or
despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering;
not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
How do you respond to those who irritate you, get under your
skin, never let up on you? How does God
want us to respond? Longsuffering.
But how?
Exodus 34:6-7 – And
the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful
and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy
for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by
no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the
children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth
generation.
Just as God is merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and
abundant in goodness and truth. He does
not do unto us as we deserve, but rather forgives us. God uses restraint.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 –
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not
itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Take the burden of resentment and vengeance off your heart
and COMMIT your way unto the Lord.
Psalms 37:5-6 – Commit
thy way unto the Lord: trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as
the noonday.
Don’t worry about justice being served. God will take care of them.
Romans 12:19 – Dearly
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is
written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
We cannot obtain longsuffering overnight. When we continuously live in the Spirit and
daily place all our sinful tendencies on the cross, we will gain the virtue –
Longsuffering – little by little.
Galatians 2:20 – I am
crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of
God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Difficult days are inevitable and sometimes unavoidable; but
you don’t have to let them make you miserable.
The next time your patience is being tested, take time to quiet your
mind, remove yourself from the irritation, and call on God for His help.
Tips on helping to become more longsuffering:
Purposely and consciously yield your life to
Christ. Don’t fight it or run from your
trial. Allow the trial to be your
teacher. Ask God to help you learn what
you need to be taught.
Practice patience. Focus on a solution. What must you do to take steps in the right
direction? Ask God to show you the truth in love. James 2:14
Become more disciplined in studying the Word of
God. Ask God to help you understand what
longsuffering actually involves. Read
the Book of James. Ask God to show you
all His promises and give you wisdom, peace, endurance, faith, healing, and
protection.
Find the “golden nugget” because there is a
greater purpose. Your trials often
become triumphs for others. Jeremiah
29:11-14
6:50a- rough night…had to keep
telling Joe to move over. Lower back throbbing, woke up with both hands numb
and tingly, rt side hurts.
10:40p – should sleep well tonight.
Wore out from days activities. Hands aches, toes frozen. Hands keep jeekinh.
Sides cramping and ache
Aug 13
Rt hip hurts, lower back hurts,
slight headache. Get dizzy when I get up too fast of move head too fast.
Bp 103/65. Called Dr. Bp possibly
too low. Watch for dizziness, lightheadedness, & fainting. Cut bp pill in
half. Must take bp daily to keep eye on it.
Forgot to ask which one. Only
remember her saying it’s not a big dose. Told her I’m on three different ones.
Aug 4 – Slept a little better. Up every 3 hours. Still have a slight headache. Bp down to 153/102.
Hands swollen and achy. Lower back throbbing like tooth ache. Rt hip hurts. Neck aches and hurts to move. Feet and ankles hurt. Extremely tired and sleepy. Slightly dizzy.
Aug 6
Update: Bp was 184/113 at Dr’s
office today. Dr scratching his head. Changing morning blood pressure rx.
Pharmacist informed me that Rx is on recall. Waiting to hear what new Rx will
be.
Nurse called to let me know that I can pick up new bp rx at Dr’s office no charge.
I’m so hurting!!!! Burning stinging
pain in upper back and middle of chest. Feet throbbing and tingly. Hands
swollen and achy. Sleepy.
Aug 7 – Bp down to 135/89 this morning. Feeling a little better and headache isn’t as bad.
Went to Maritime Museum with family
& ate lunch at bbq place in Saraland. Enjoyed ourselves. I rode in
wheelchair in museum.
Chest is hurting. Rt hip throbbing. Out of breath. Low back hurts. Hands ache. Slight headache. Took ibuprofuen. I’m exhausted.
Aug 8 – Woke at midnight sick to my stomach and my chest burning with indigestion. My body tried vomiting but only phlem came up. It hurt my whole body something aweful! My chest then had intense pain off the charts!!! Watwr didn’t help. I ended up sucking on a mint for a little bit. It took a while, but I finally fell back to sleep.
6:00a – Joe is getting up for work.
I still hurt all over like I’ve been in a fight. Chest still sore/aching, but
indigestion is gone.
10:52p – I have felt naceous all
day. My lower legs are throbbing. My chest hurts. Hands ache. Thinking about it
my whole body aches. Lower legs are cramping.
9.19 Face slightly flushed. Feels
like it’s on fire. Headache. Nose is stuffy, but feels like it’s dried
out.
Firey sensation is traveling down
shoulders and arms.
Aug 2
Nightmares. Muscle in upper left leg
twitching heavier than normal. Sharp stabbing pain in rt hip. Chest hurting.
9:00a – Headache is worse. Nose is
bloody.
12:00p – Nose decided to gush blood.
Ugh
3:00p – Headache has become migraine
& I’m cranky. Feeling very weak. Bp up to 174/101
5:00pm – learned bloody noses cam be
indication of blood pressure being too high.
11:00p – used petroleum jelly to
ease nose discomfort and within 20 minutes I was able blow nose without causing
major nosebleed. I’m so tired. Headache easing. Nose sore. Taking
Melatonin to see if it’ll help me sleep.
6:30a – up about every two hours…Nightmares but only remember part of one. Eyes twitching fast when I close them. Headache still here, but not as bad. Chest hurts. Keeps popping everytime I turn to side.
7:30a – it’s apparent that my
nosebleeds are indications of BP being very elevated. Bp is currently
160/110. Lord, please help lower my bp. I don’t want to go back to
hospital..
Nose stuffy & bloody. Eyes
watery and burning.
11:30a – took Epsom Salt bath
3:30p – bp still 160/110. Still have
a headache. Called Dr’s about taking 2nd bp & which one. Took 2nd relpax
pill.
3:40p – remembered I didn’t take the
am migraine pill. Took it.
4:11p – nurse called back. Dr said
if bp continues to stay up then start taking Clonidine 2x’s daily. Took 2nd
pill.
5:30a – woke up with extreme pain all over & diahrea to boot. Suppose I did too much yesterday (weeding flower bed, making dinner, & prepping lunch for today). I’m tired of hurting all the time.
I want to be better,
but my body is not cooperating.
Chest hurts sorely,
headache, pins & needles up and down legs, lower back throbbing, rt hip
hurts with pain shooting down rt leg, hands swollen & achy, feet
throbbing.
9:00a – not feeling
well at all. Lord, please help me make it through this day
11:28a – I hurt so bad
I want to cry.
2:00p – tried to lay down for a nap. Hurt too bad to get comfortable. Pian in center of chest began becoming icy. It spread midway and quit.
6:21 – chest hurts
horribly, feet ache, hands ache & swollen, brain a bit foggy, eyes feel
blurry, hard time focussing
July 30, 2018
9:44a-There will be
bumps and bruises along life’s road.
I may never be in
control of my circumstances, but I can rest secure in the One who is in control
of all things.
Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There will be bumps,
hiccups, and bruises along life’s road. We may not be able to control our
circumstances, but we can rest secure in the One who controls all things!
July 31, 2018
12.47p Livestrong.com
– exercises with therabands for back & neck pain
6.38p Didnt sleep well
last night. Legs hurt. Eyes hurt. Rt hip hurts with pain shooting down rt
leg. Lower back hurts.
Lord, can you give Joe a better paying, steadier job – one that he doesn’t have to wonder if he’s working the next day or not. Thank you, Lord.
9.22a Had trouble
falling asleep last night from the pain. Woke every 2 hrs.
Headache is gone. Neck hurts. Hands swollen and achy. Feet ache. Low back hurts. Brain hurts. Lights bothering my eyes. Bp stil up 164/104. Hr 54.
Family minus Joe went
to beach today.
Luke
12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten
before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not
therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
It is comforting to know that my God who created the
universe cares enough to know even the tiniest detail about me. Thankful that
He is in control of all things and by Him all things consist (Colossians
1:16-17).
July 27, 2018
2.56p Dr apt. Bp 149/101 hr 64.
Dr wants to get me on Aimovig. It’s a new drug for migraine sufferers. (Not sure I agree. Will have to look up information to make informed decision.)
July 28, 2018
Area between neck
& shoulder on left side is swollen & painful to touch. Lower back &
tailbone throbbing. Feet & ankles hurt.
11:58a – feeling
faint. Nose bleeding.
11:58p – center of
chest throbbing, hands tingly & aching, entire back throbbing,
exhausted.
Titus
3:4-7
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he
saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which
he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified
by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Thankful for intricate working of the Trinity to
exhibit their love and mercy toward us all. Because of their great love, we can
have the hope of eternal life.
11.25a Woke up with headache. Took Bp 126/84. Feeling quite dizzy today. Entire back hurts with lower back aching more. Left side aches like I got punch. Stomach hurts. Hands swollen and achy. Calves ache. 🙁
4:30 – I’m feeling
overwhelmed about my SSI apt tomorrow. I just want to cry.
11:30p- I’m hurting all over. Chest throbbing. Hands aching. Calves throbbing & cramping. Brain hurts. Toes tingly and aching. Gonna be a long night! Rt elbow throbbing.
July 23, 2018
7:00 – woke from a
nightmare. It seemed so real.
9:00a – can’t shake
the feelings I felt in the nightmare…alone and afraid. Began reading
Bible. Imagining myself leaning into the arms of Jesus for He is my safety and
strength.
10:00a- I hurt all
over. Rt hand aches horibbly just as it did in my nightmare when I got bit by a
snake. Once I realized they weren’t real bc of the extra eyes on tops of heads
when one bit me, I began throwing them & kicking them away from me to
escape whatever was going on. I was looking for an escape…had trouble finding
an escape route. Until someone passed by and asked to be my friend. I didn’t
know who I could trust so I hesitantly accepted. He said he could shew me the
way if I just trusted Him. That phrase made me doubt his credibility. I began
asking Jesus to help me.
The person led me to a
room. I then woke up. I don’t know where I was, but I remember feeling utterly
lost, alone, and scared. Just want to cry it all out.
John 11:9-10
10:24a – Entire body
aches like I’ve just ran a marathon out of shape. Rt hand swollen and aches.
Lower back throbbing. Rt hip aches. Upper back stinging. Feet ache. Toes
tingly.Headache.Eyes watering.Rt ear hurts a little.
John
11:9-10
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the
day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
Thankful for the Lord’s light to guide my path
because without Him I would surely stumble and fall.
July 24, 2018
10:36p Did too much today.
I have a migraine!!!
Took kids to mall
& field n stream. I think I walked too much. My whole body aches. My Bp is
up – 160/104!
I’ve taken 2 tension
headache rx, maltax neither has touched it.
Muscles in legs randomly twitching. Feet throbbing. Back of neck is throbbing.
6:40a – woke up
freezing, odd dreams, lft ear ringing, low back throbbing, stomach hurts,
headache
11:14p – headache most
of day – had ro take migraine rx to ease it. Brain foggy & blurry, lft ear
ringing, calves cramping, pms, hands tingly, lower back throbbing, tired, dizzy
today. Closed eyes a couple of times and I could see colidiscopes twirling on back
of eyelids
July 20, 2018
Had trouble sleeping
last night. Joe got called into work today.
6:15 – Lower back throbbing. Headaches. Rt ear hurts. Eyes hurt. Exhausted. Hands hurt. Trouble with focus. Memory problems. Having trouble losing grip and dropping things.
July 21, 2018
Today’s blooper
Dezirae tapped my arm
with Jakob’s charger while Jakob was asking someone to plug it into the
charger. Joe told Dezirae to say something don’t just tap Mom’s arm. I
reiterated by saying, “Yeah, Dezirae say something don’t just tap my arm
you’ll make me jump a mile hour.” Joe immediately cracked up
laughing.
I then knew I said it
wrong. LOL! I meant to say a mile high.
8:30 – had rough
night. Extreme pain. Nightmares too. Woke to chest hurting horribly. Low back
hurts. Eyes feel heavy & crusty. Toes tingly. Rt ear aches mildly. Tired.
Calves ache.
9:12 – Today marks my one year anniversary of my life-changing event of being struck by lightning. I am thankful to be alive! I continue to thank God for His faithfulness and that His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23. I have come a long way, but I have a long road ahead in my recovery. Still have a lot of things that I am unable to do without it affecting me painfully. God knows the reason and I am still discovering it one turtle step at a time.
Today marks my one
year anniversary of my life-changing event of being struck by lightning!!! I am
thankful to be alive!
I continue to thank God for His faithfulness and that His mercies are new every
morning. Lamentations 3:22-23
It has been a year of ups and downs that come with
the after-effects of the damage the lightning left behind – nerve damage,
traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and migraines are among a few of the daily
battles. This is something that you won’t hear on
the nightly news media. Until recently, the only time you heard of someone
being struck by lightning on the news was when a person was killed by the
lightning strike. I have yet to see them cover how a lightning survivor copes
with the injuries or struggles to find doctors that have dealt with this type
of injury in order to get the help they desperately need. Sadly, most survivors
struggle with depression after struggling to find either a doctor that is
willing to help or even keep a friend that understands the plethora of symptoms
that they struggle with on a daily/weekly basis.
We continue to pray that God will heal me
completely. While waiting for God to answer that prayer, I am doing my best to
learn how to use natural remedies as much as possible to aid in the healing
process.
I thank God for the loving support of my family and close friends. I also thank God for the new friends I have made through my Lightning Strike support group. God has already opened doors for new friendships and has enlarged my coast (1 Chronicles 4:10) beyond what I could imagine allowing me to be able to help others. I look forward to how much God will extend that coast in the near future.
