The Power of Prayer
First of all, Karen Erdman is the winner of the lovely kitchen towel. Karen, please email me at author@bethwiseman.net to arrange shipping! Congrats!
Barbara's post really got me to thinking about everything that has happened to me in the past two years and how truly blessed I am. In August 2007, I was sitting in ICU at Texas Children's Hospital with my then 15-year-old son. I thought he might die. I was a broken woman, and it's taken me a long time to even talk about that whole phase of my life. Cory was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Isaac's Syndrome which caused all the muscles in his body to fasciculate (or ripple) and life-threatening high blood pressure. It was incredibly painful, and we were told that it is always caused by a tumor somewhere in the body. His case was so rare that doctors were brought in just to witness what was going on with him. The search began for the tumor, and we were told that he had a pheochromocytoma - the most havok-reeking tumor you can have, which is located in or near your adrenal gland. The doctors showed us the tumor on the MRI, then sent us home to wait until it got bigger and could be removed. So, we went home, and Cory was on 32 pills per day to control his symptoms, and I don't have to tell you how hard it was for us to wait for this pea-sized tumor to grow. Cory hit prayer lists all over the world.
I couldn't work at my job as a reporter. I stayed home with Cory. He slept a lot. I wrote. I wrote Plain Perfect. My entire life, I'd always told my mother "There's something I'm supposed to do with my life, but I just can't figure out what it is." From the time I wrote Plain Perfect, I never felt like that again. I knew I was doing what I was supposed to do.
Cory's symptoms began to subside, and we had periods where he would do better for a while, but we still made numerous trips to the ER when his blood pressure was sky high. My agent sold Plain Perfect during this time, along with two more books to be written to Thomas Nelson - a publisher who rarely takes first-time authors. Cory was better at the time of the sale, and we celebrated. But, of course...we had that larger issue hanging over our heads. Is the tumor big enough to remove?
It was nearly three months later when we went back to Texas Children's Hospital to find out. What we were told changed the way I feel about virtually everything in my life. Let me back up - one night when Cory was in ICU, the nurse told me that they made arrangements for me to stay in the McDonald House upstairs at the hospital - a room with a bed. I hadn't slept in days, and she said I wouldn't do anyone any good until I slept. That night, I dropped to my knees and prayed in a way that I have never prayed before. I think it was on this night that God looked down at me and said, "Now you are ready to work for me."
At the hospital, we were told that there was no tumor. It was gone. And the only explanation we were given was, "Sometimes things like this just happen, for reasons we aren't sure of. Medicine is not an exact science."
Cory went on to make a full recovery, and I went on to contract with Thomas Nelson for six full-sized novels and two novellas. Plain Perfect and Plain Pursuit both hit the ECPA and CBA bestseller list. We recently bought a beautiful home that we love.
Things aren't perfect. Cory had to get his GED because he missed so much school, and he continues to struggle with 'life', and has a bit of a 'Why Me?" attitude which I suppose is typical for a now 17-year-old.
As for me, I asked myself a thousand times "Why me?" Why have I been blessed in ways I certainly don't deserve? I'm very fortunate to have an editor who is also my friend. I told her once, "I'm so blessed, Natalie. And so undeserving." She said simply, "We are all undeserving."
But each time I receive an email or letter in the mail from a reader who says that my books have changed their life, made them want to be a better person, gave them a glimpse at how a relationship with God can be, etc....I am reminded that I am doing exactly what I am meant to do. And for that...I am eternally grateful. And I thank God each and every day for my children, my husband, my extended family and my friends.
Have a blessed week everyone.
Hugs and Blessings, Beth
Barbara's post really got me to thinking about everything that has happened to me in the past two years and how truly blessed I am. In August 2007, I was sitting in ICU at Texas Children's Hospital with my then 15-year-old son. I thought he might die. I was a broken woman, and it's taken me a long time to even talk about that whole phase of my life. Cory was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Isaac's Syndrome which caused all the muscles in his body to fasciculate (or ripple) and life-threatening high blood pressure. It was incredibly painful, and we were told that it is always caused by a tumor somewhere in the body. His case was so rare that doctors were brought in just to witness what was going on with him. The search began for the tumor, and we were told that he had a pheochromocytoma - the most havok-reeking tumor you can have, which is located in or near your adrenal gland. The doctors showed us the tumor on the MRI, then sent us home to wait until it got bigger and could be removed. So, we went home, and Cory was on 32 pills per day to control his symptoms, and I don't have to tell you how hard it was for us to wait for this pea-sized tumor to grow. Cory hit prayer lists all over the world.
I couldn't work at my job as a reporter. I stayed home with Cory. He slept a lot. I wrote. I wrote Plain Perfect. My entire life, I'd always told my mother "There's something I'm supposed to do with my life, but I just can't figure out what it is." From the time I wrote Plain Perfect, I never felt like that again. I knew I was doing what I was supposed to do.
Cory's symptoms began to subside, and we had periods where he would do better for a while, but we still made numerous trips to the ER when his blood pressure was sky high. My agent sold Plain Perfect during this time, along with two more books to be written to Thomas Nelson - a publisher who rarely takes first-time authors. Cory was better at the time of the sale, and we celebrated. But, of course...we had that larger issue hanging over our heads. Is the tumor big enough to remove?
It was nearly three months later when we went back to Texas Children's Hospital to find out. What we were told changed the way I feel about virtually everything in my life. Let me back up - one night when Cory was in ICU, the nurse told me that they made arrangements for me to stay in the McDonald House upstairs at the hospital - a room with a bed. I hadn't slept in days, and she said I wouldn't do anyone any good until I slept. That night, I dropped to my knees and prayed in a way that I have never prayed before. I think it was on this night that God looked down at me and said, "Now you are ready to work for me."
At the hospital, we were told that there was no tumor. It was gone. And the only explanation we were given was, "Sometimes things like this just happen, for reasons we aren't sure of. Medicine is not an exact science."
Cory went on to make a full recovery, and I went on to contract with Thomas Nelson for six full-sized novels and two novellas. Plain Perfect and Plain Pursuit both hit the ECPA and CBA bestseller list. We recently bought a beautiful home that we love.
Things aren't perfect. Cory had to get his GED because he missed so much school, and he continues to struggle with 'life', and has a bit of a 'Why Me?" attitude which I suppose is typical for a now 17-year-old.
As for me, I asked myself a thousand times "Why me?" Why have I been blessed in ways I certainly don't deserve? I'm very fortunate to have an editor who is also my friend. I told her once, "I'm so blessed, Natalie. And so undeserving." She said simply, "We are all undeserving."
But each time I receive an email or letter in the mail from a reader who says that my books have changed their life, made them want to be a better person, gave them a glimpse at how a relationship with God can be, etc....I am reminded that I am doing exactly what I am meant to do. And for that...I am eternally grateful. And I thank God each and every day for my children, my husband, my extended family and my friends.
Have a blessed week everyone.
Hugs and Blessings, Beth
Posted by Beth Wiseman at 8/24/2009 6:54 AM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: the power of prayer Plain Pursuit Plain Perfect Beth Wiseman Amish
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: the power of prayer Plain Pursuit Plain Perfect Beth Wiseman Amish
Beth,
What a wonderful story of determined faith and blessings. You'd told me most of it but when we "met" online when our novellas for Thomas Nelson sold but it's so nice to read it again and see the story of how your faith resulted in blessings again.
So glad you shared it with the readers here!
Barbara
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Beth, Thank you for sharing your story, I know its not easy. I have twin boys who will be 17 soon. Will was diagnosed with ADHD at age 5. at 11 he suffered his first seizure on the way to soccer practice. Two more seizures followed over the next 12 hours. Thankfully medication for epilepsy was able to keep him seizure free. Two years ago Will was found to be pre-diabetic and a diet was ordered to help keep the blood sugar under control and to stave off meds for this condition. WIll handles these problems well, I 'm the one who worries, I worry that he won't be able to afford medication when he is on his own.I worry something will happen and I won't be there for him. He is a very bright boy, who has an almost perfect GPA, even taking honors and AP classes. He has social issues as do most kids with ADHD. His brother and little sister are so protective. Twin brother Wes has only one issue, that I won't let him drive until he learns to keep his room clean. Wes is strong and athletic and easy going. I have learned so much about being patient with Will, it doesn't matter anymore that I have to call him to dinner more than once. I have also learned to pray for things most people would consider trivial, like moving up the doctors appointment to next week instead of next month. Having test results come back quicker than expected. I have learned my way aroung hosptial politics and isurance denials. I use this to help ederly friends who are having similar problems.I feel God gave me Will to teach me patience and give me purpose.I have not able to work much because of the need to be available to care for my boy. Will is my job. All my children love the Lord and I look forward to seeing the great things they will do for Him. I know how it feels when you think no one can love or care for your child the way you can. I have spent many hours in waiting rooms with an Amish book in my hand, this often opens doors of converstion that leads to me sharing the book with a stranger who is interested,(thankfully I keep several different books int the car). Thank you for writing books with good wholesome stories that touch my heart. Give Cory a big hug for me. I will be praying for your family.
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Iam sorry for the valleys you and your family suffered. God's love for each of you in your family proved itself true in the solutions He provided. How very good our God is! Thank you for sharing. I am so happy for Cory and encourage him to finish strong.
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Obviously prayer works - thanks for sharing that wonderful story of your real life.
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Hello Beth, yes your books do make a difference in our lives! I, like your self, have a child (daughter) who has uncontrollable seizures (Epilepsy), Bipolar and a sleep disorder. I have spent many night with her at the hospital. I have to say, my Amish fiction books have been a lot of help for me. I love the fact I coul get lost in another world, peaceful and living with God all around them. I sometimes feel alone with all that I have going on and then I pick up my books and remember!! I also have another daughter who has Bipolar (severly) to where she has been hopitalized and also put into a psychiatric treatment center for 8 months. She was constantly trying to commit suicide and self mutalation. This has also been extremely difficult. My heart feels like an old quilt, patched together over and over again, holding on my threads.
Yes I would like to thank you and every other author who writes all these Amish fiction books....all of you do help others in many different ways...Thank You!
Blessings, CarolG
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Wow Beth. What a great display of faith and strength. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
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I rejoice that your son is well and that God used it to show you your purpose.
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Beth, thank you for sharing this life-changing episode in your life and Cory's. Now I better understand why I feel so good when I read your books. The Lord is truly working through you!
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