Stephen M. Miller

Battle of the ventilator

BACK TO
BLOG FEED

by Stephen M. Miller

doctor checking on patient
MECHANICAL BREATHING. A Navy physician in a Baton Rouge hospital checks on a patient connected to a ventilator. My brother is on Day Nine with a vent because of COVID. Docs are trying hard to wean him back to breathing on his own. Photo by U.S. Navy/Wikipedia, CC 2.0, stylized by smm.

I HAD TWO BROTHERS at the beginning of the year. I don’t want to end with none.

My youngest brother died in July. Heart attack.

My surviving brother, also younger, is starting Day Nine on a Ventilator, fighting COVID.

Yesterday morning, they tried to wake him and wean him away from the vent. They cut oxygen in half and waited to see if his lungs could maintain a healthy level of oxygen saturation in his blood. High 90s percentage would be good. But it fell to 92%.

When the day began with waiting for this news, I went to work paraphrasing the Casual English Bible. Up next was Psalm 91.

I had no idea what was coming.

Maybe you don’t, either.

Here it comes. It’s still fresh. I haven’t even loaded it on the Casual English Bible website yet.

Psalm 91. Living under God’s wings

Casual English Bible

Those of you who live under God’s wings

Are safe in the shadow of the LORD.

 

I look to the LORD and tell him,

“You are my safe house and my storm shelter.

You are my God, and I trust you with all that I am.”

 

He’s the one who rescues you from predators

And from deadly disease and plague.

 

He will shield you,

Nestled in the feathers of his wings.

He’ll surround you with his care,

And it’s something you can count on.

 

You won’t be afraid of the dark

Or of dangers you face every day.

 

You won’t fear sickness that strikes in the night

Or violent devastation in the light of the day.

 

A thousand may die near you.

Ten thousand may fall at your side.

But you remain safe and untouchable.

 

Just watch and see what happens

When it’s time to punish the wicked.

 

You chose the LORD to protect you.

God Most High, he’s my protector, too.

 

Nothing bad is going to happen to you.

Disease isn’t allowed in your house.

 

God will put his angels on notice,

Giving orders to keep you safe.

 

They’ll reach out their hands,

Lift you up, and carry you away in their arms.

You won’t even stub your toe.

 

You’ll walk on lions and cobras,

And stomp them dead in the dirt.

 

The LORD has this to say for himself.

“You love me, and I keep you safe.

I lift you up, and away from danger

Because you know me by name.

 

When you call me, I will answer.

When you’re in trouble, I’ll be there.

I’ll come to rescue you

And to honor who you are.

 

I will give you a good, long life

So you’ll see what it’s like to be saved by God.

Casual English Bible
Bible Gateway

Comments

  1. Wayne Sacchi says

    My prayers are with you, your brother, and family. Some day I want to embrace you and weep out loud and also thanking God for blessings. My heart is so heavy. First losing mom, selling my home, rushing to another condo, stress and anxiety and then covid (I feel better). May God bring us through this horrible year!

  2. Glynda Wesley says

    So glad you shared this. I get updates from Mom or the facility where my Dad stays. One of us calls every day to get an update. He has dementia and we are not allowed to see him. It will be a year in March since I last touched my Dad.
    The reminder from this Psalm is something to read and reread often. Thank you. (I am sorry about your brother who is sick).

  3. Greg Burke says

    Your family has experienced more suffering than any should. Stay strong and we as a nation will soon prevail against this hideous disease

  4. CHUCK FORSYTHE says

    Stephen:
    I just read your post. My fervent prayer is that our gracious God will draw near to your family and you and bring peace to your heart. I pray your brother will recover.

  5. Holly Houston Jing says

    Steve you probably don’t remember me, I am Sam Houston’s daughter Holly from Barberton Nazarene Church. I just want to give my condolences on the loss of Cliff I remember him so well. God Bless you and your family.

    • Stephen M. Miller says

      Hi, Holly. Absolutely, I remember you. We worshipped together in the singingest church I’ve ever been a part of. Every church since then, by comparison, sings like they’re whimpering.
      Thanks for your kind words. If you didn’t see the video about Pam’s dream, don’t miss seeing it: https://youtu.be/TUgVlKdLQ54
      Peace to you, Holly. Say hey to Sam.