Get Up

I heard the words ‘Get up!’ so clearly from God while in worship tonight at church. His words were compassionate and understanding. His words were fierce and undeniable.

It’s been a while, so this may be a long one… (fore-warning).

May 12th, 2021… My husband and I had moved into our new home and were getting it ready for our legal ceremony the next weekend. The walls needed some touch up paint, but we were having a hard time finding the right color. That evening I went to Home Depot twice. The second time I came home the sample paint can was a twist off top and it was on TIGHT!

In all my glory, I decided I could get this lid off. So I went and got the wrench and attempted it. After manipulating the can, the wrench and my body multiple times, it happened. Something gave in my neck. Needless to say, I did not get the can open. I should have waited for my husband.

I saw the doctor the following Monday. I was immediately diagnosed with a pinched nerve. We were all just unaware it was not a cervical nerve as we thought for 12 weeks. Medication, home remedies and time were not doing the healing. My head and upper body hurt all the time. I finally had an MRI done and was prescribed physical therapy for Occipital Neuralgia 7 weeks ago.

Therapy has helped with the pain that was in my shoulder and my lower neck/upper back pain. I am only sore there now. For that I am thankful. But the headaches… To say that I have felt so much more physical pain these past 4 months than I have my entire life combined wouldn’t be a lie.

I hurt. All the time. And yet, how do you describe nerve pain? Well… electricity. Hot, painful jolts of unexpected electricity that pierce so deep you can’t breathe. All day. Every day.

As time has progressed, I have become discouraged. I am exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even my soul was getting weary. Because I wasn’t getting better. Certain areas were getting better, but I was not. Wednesday, I will be seeing a therapy specialist that I am told has ‘Voodoo hands’ and will be able to pin point and treat my pain. I am optimistic.

But I’ve been in pity party mode for a few weeks. It’s been bad. I’m honestly thankful my husband loves me so deeply.

September 2, 2021… Worship music is my jam so I love singing at church. During our second set of worship tonight, after the pastor had preached on worshiping in spirit and in truth, we sang the one song I can NOT, not lift my hands to while singing, ‘All hail King Jesus’. During the song, as I lifted my weary arms in praise, I noticed by doing so, my head did not hurt. So I belted out my praise and raised my hands as the tears flowed in gratitude from my eyes.

Then came the next song, ‘Gratitude’ by Brandon Lake. I love this song because I feel it so deeply every time I hear it. I am so thankful for everything the Lord has done for me. Even in this, He has never left my side. For my family and my friends and so much more. I am grateful and wish I could give him more than just a song I worship to in the kitchen making dinner. The bridge declares:

So come on, my soul
Oh, don’t you get shy on me
Lift up your song
‘Cause you’ve got a lion inside of those lungs
Get up and praise the Lord

Immediately after I sang ‘get up and praise the Lord’ I heard Him say, ‘Get up, Leslie! I know you hurt. I know you are tired. But get up and praise me and see if I am not faithful.’

And so I am. Because I know He is. Because even in the darkest nights, He has never failed. And I am healed by His stripes. I may be weary and faint, but He has plans for me to soar. ‘For the sufferings of our present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ‘ Romans 8:18

So I challenge you as I am challenging myself: Trust in His mercy and love, because He will prove Himself faithful. Take up your mat. Get Up! Get up off the floor. Dust yourself off. And let the Lion out!

I’m roaring with you…