Extraordinary Grace Through Trying Times
“When I was diagnosed with a blood disorder last year, I didn’t know if I would live or die,” said LaSheka White of Salisbury. I was so afraid of leaving my husband and children. Then our house was destroyed by a fire and we lost most of what we had. It’s been a trying time for us. But I thank God for what we have. He’s been with us through it all and we keep trusting Him.”
LaSheka’s illness began with blurred vision. She went to a local hospital and was referred to a specialist at Baptist. A rare blood disorder was soon diagnosed and treatments began. While in the hospital Lasheka faced many difficult days. God reached out to her through the faith of a nurse. “She came in and told me I was going to be ok, that God was not finished with me yet. She got down on her knees and started singing Amazing Grace. She sang to me during every treatment. God has His way of bringing strength when you need it.”
As LaSheka and her family were adjusting to her illness, financial pressures began to build. She and her husband worked hard to provide for their children, but her income suffered. “I had just started a new job and didn’t have any sick time. I had to miss a lot of work, and with only my husband’s income it was hard. The bills were piling up, coming in every day, day after day.”
The bill from Baptist Hospital came on top of all their other bills, and the pressure was unrelenting. With no other resources available, they were left to face the burdens alone. Dealing with the complications of her illness and financial struggles at the same time was nearly overwhelming. “My faith was getting stretched. I knew God could do anything, but would He?”
“My husband is one of the associate ministers at our church. He said, ‘If God can take care of the birds of the air, He can take care of us.’”
God’s watchful eyes were on LaSheka and her family. He extended His hand of love through North Carolina Baptists and their gifts to the Mother’s Day Offering. When she learned that her hospital bill had been paid by Baptists in the name of Christ’s love, she said, “My soul cried out Hallelujah! This had to be from God, living in His people. There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude. We didn’t have to worry any more.
“I want to thank North Carolina Baptists for this gift, for loving me when they didn’t even know me. They helped my family be mended in my time of trouble. Through the Mother’s Day Offering God showed us He still lives; He lives through his people.”
Extraordinary grace indeed!