Today is the 20th anniversary of my own stroke

It was 20 years ago today – the day I nearly died.

You can click here to read some details about my stroke on May 8, 1998, or here to read more about my treatment.

To this day, I thank God for everyone who helped me survive that day.

I always approach my stroke’s anniversary with mixed feelings. As I’ve said before, this blog isn’t about me, but about faith and stroke awareness. So I try not to dwell on that anniversary every year.

I even gave a great deal of thought about retiring this blog today. I certainly have slowed down in my posts here. Life has the habit of getting in the way.

But instead, I’ve decided keep this blog around, at least for a time. No promises on how frequently I’ll post.

And again, it’s not really about me. So I invite you to share your own story in the comments.

This millionaire’s stroke led him to a life of philanthropy

Interesting thoughts from a stroke survivor, a millionaire whose stroke led him to a life of philanthropy:

The stroke changed you physically, but how did it change your outlook?

I was scared. A stroke is very difficult because it’s physical and mental. It’s an attack on the brain. But I had a lot of support: my wonderful wife and a lot of friends. But I also had to turn to my faith. When I was sitting there that night after I came out of the coma, I didn’t ask God to let me go back to work or play basketball again. All I said was: Give me the strength to deal with whatever you send my way. That was different for me.

Had you been very religious before that?

My view back then was that Sunday was God’s day, but the other six days I was in control. This was the first time that I realized that God was in control every day. I would not have recovered had I not relinquished control.

The point is not to imitate him in detail - we're not all millionaires - but to do what we can. I need that reminder.

Stroke and faith - a survivor's story

Photo from Sean P. Anderson via Flickr

Another story of a stroke survivor, and a reminder that strokes pay no attention to someone's station in life, occupation, wealth, notoriety - when a stroke hits, it hits.

Kevin Sorbo recounts place of faith in stroke recovery:

"I was a broken man," Sorbo said. "But I have been revived, redeemed and most certainly I have been reborn. I have been reborn through faith and the hope that comes from that faith."

His testimony included the story of his battle back from three strokes in 1997, the background for his book True Strength. Sorbo described his journey from his TV portrayal of Hercules — the strongest man in the world — to his realization that he was just a mere mortal.

"When those strokes hit me, I went from what I thought was a physical specimen to a guy who couldn’t even stand up without falling down," he said. "My life changed forever in the snap of a finger, or the crack of a neck, in my case. This is where faith and hope come in."

'Now faith is the assurance of ... "

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

-Hebrews 11:1

What is faith to you?

The writer of the New Testament book Hebrews - and we don't know with certainty who wrote it - knew his or her own answer.

So what do you hope for? Ultimately. In the short term, I hope to keep up this blog, to spend time with my family, to keep connected to my church, to ... . You get the idea.

But what do I really hope for? How about this: I hope to retain my conviction of things not seen. Faith gives the assurance that one day, those convictions will be seen.

Ancient stories still make sense? Yes, if you actually think about it

In my personal tradition for Lent, I've been listening to selected books of The Bible while running. Now, if you're unfamiliar with The Bible, hang on with me  - the best is yet to come. This year, I have gone through 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles and about to get through 2 Chronicles.

From flickr by Adam Dimmick

Those are very interesting books from, in Christian-speak, the Old Testament. In short, these are the stories of God's people, their constant pendulum of accepting and following God, moving away and ignoring God, then back again. And again. And again.

Much like real life.

The first time I went through these books of The Bible, I came away confused but intrigued. To me, having some knowledge about these years of kings and kingdoms helps explains so much the teachings of Jesus and his followers that came later. Get even a little grasp of the Old Testament, and the New Testament makes a lot more sense, in terms of location, groups of people, what people do and say and why, and much more.

One book that helped me a lot in my journey on this is the book "Making Sense of the Bible: Rediscovering the Power of Scripture Today," written by United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton. I downloaded the audio version from my local public library and listened to it several months ago.

Here's just a brief sample; click here to read the longer post (and find links to some of his previous posts):

'May your love and faithfulness always protect me'

Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.

-Psalm 40:11

Ever at a loss for words? When trouble strikes? When someone is ill? What do you say? What do you pray for?

I struggle with this. Then, if I'm thinking clearly, I remember words like those from these verses, carrying a simple but powerful message. God loves you. God is faithful to you. God is here for your protection.

Does that mean Christians are to expect an easy life in this world with no challenges or suffering? No.

God's protection can be big-picture protection. When all earthly efforts fail, God is holding you in his protection. In love. Faithfully.

Today, let's pray that no matter what, recognize and feel God's love, faithfulness and protection.

Happy New Year, Godzilla!

Resolution for myself: Don't be too judgmental.

So, with that in mind, a confession: Last week, I recorded several old Godzilla movies, stretching from 1954 into 1992. I've enjoyed most of them, including this dancing Godzilla scene from "Godzilla vs. Monster Zero," which goes by other names as well, including "Invasion of Astro-Monster."

I must admit, most of these movies are pretty bad. Dancing monsters. Monsters imitating soccer with boulders. Young monster befriending a child (in all fairness, it's in the child's dream). Unlikely flying saucers. Aliens wearing slightly modified cones that you see for pets after surgery.

Now, what's that got to do with being too judgmental?

600 blog postings - and, God willing, more to come

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

-Psalm 46:1

This is the 600th blog posting for Stroke of Faith, which began eight years ago this coming Saturday. Click here for the first posting.

For several years, the blog was updated only sporadically. Then, in 2008, I decided to either abandon the blog or update more often. So, since then, it's been updated generally two or three times a week.

I also recently re-read the verse in Psalm 46, and I think it makes a statement about one of the reasons for this blog:. When I needed help, God was my refuge. When I had no strength, God was my strength. And even to this day, when trouble invades, God is my ever-present help.

'Testing of your faith produces perseverance'

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

-James 1:2-3

Trials come in lots of varieties and sizes. Recently, our home has been hit by harassment and vandalism by unknown people. It started with late-night doorbell ringing and escalated to tomato-throwing at our garage and front doors a few days ago. It happens off and on, sometimes as long as two weeks without incident.

Especially after we cleaned up smashed tomatoes off our doors in the middle of the night, I've had a lot of uncharitable thoughts about the culprits and have sat up late more than once.

After reading these verses from James, perhaps I need to adjust my attitude. So I've pledged myself that I will pray daily for the vandals.

Will it stop? I don't know. Will I still stay up late occasionally? Probably. Should they still held accountable? Yes.

Will testing my faith help me produce perseverance? Yes. And that's what it's about.

Separate us? Never

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-Romans 8:38-39

After a stroke, it's easy to feel separated. In my own experience, with a difficulty to read and speak, I spent time seemingly apart - even in a crowded place.

Paul's words serve as a reminder that despite what life throws at any of us, we can't be separated from God. His love is always with you.

Does that mean that post-stroke life is rosy and always ideal, always easy? Certainly not. Life will not stop giving out  challenges on a daily basis, large and small. But through at all, no matter the outcome on this life and on this earth, that love abides. Always.

A story about faith and stroke recovery

My trusty Google alert sent me this story - mixing stroke awareness, young stroke survivors and faith. It's about how a former basketball star is growing church and changing lives in Indiana:

“I remember him telling my family that I had had a stroke and that I needed to have surgery, but there was a 50/50 chance I might not make it off the table,” he said.

But [Chad] Hunter didn’t simply rely on modern medicine to get him through his physical ordeal. He took something much greater with him into that hospital room in February 2008.

“You have to have faith and trust God to help get you through the hardships of life,” he said. “With prayers things change.”

 Now, Hunter leads a congregation, giving back gifts from God.

Never get tired of Isaiah 40:31

[B]ut those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

-Isaiah 40:31

These words in Isaiah can be powerful reminders that with God, your strength is not just your own, your source of strength is beyond your own. God renews that strength.

I run, and I can tell you, this human body does grow weary. But Isaiah isn't talking about the mere human condition, the human body. He is not talking about strength that can be counted by the pound. No - he's talking about strength in faith. It's about strength in faith that will carry stroke survivors and caregivers and yes, they will soar on wings like eagles.

'Qualities in increasing measure'

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-2 Peter 1:5-8

A logical chain of growth - you take one step, master one level, move on, continue to climb.

Stroke recovery is often that way. For years after mine, from time to time, I felt something changed from time to time, like another piece clicked into place.

And faith is a matter of progress - sometimes, slow progress - as well. Let it happen, even slowly. In your stroke recovery, in your faith journey.

Story of faith and stroke recovery

'Joyful ... patient ... faithful'

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

-Romans 12:9-12

"Be joyful in hope ... ."

Paul went through some dreadful, awful, torturous experiences during his ministry. But again and again, he wrote about hope.

I can't imagine the life Paul had - he turned turned from society's "in" crowd and took the path of the often persecuted. Perfect? No. But that was not required for Paul and it's certainly not required for Christ followers.

So when human afflictions seem overwhelming, I hope you can find comfort in Paul's writings. He, too, was afflicted but found peace.

Finally, God awareness

So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. "It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I'm here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you're dealing with."

-Acts 17:22 (The Message)

Paul's message to this group was about God awareness. His audience was learned, like Paul. He used the group's own intelligence to pique their interest, then instructed in God awareness.

This month, I've faithfully posted about Stroke Awareness Month - and will do the same thing next year, God willing. It's important to know about stroke prevention and stroke symptoms. But even more important was Paul's message of God awareness. So to all: Be aware.

Seeking God, seeking answers

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

-Hebrews 11:6

This month, I've posted a lot of items about Stroke Awareness Month. Awareness is a key to prevent strokes, get stroke patients help as soon as possible, and assist people who are recovering.

But as the author of Hebrews noted, God awareness is a lifelong occupation. So keep the faith - no matter what.



(Image from www.heartlight.org)

A note in passing...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 4:6-7

It happened 11 years ago today. At least, that's when it happened to me.

On Friday, May 8, 1998, I found myself hit by a stroke working with a colleague who was smart enough to get me some help. The rest, as you might say, is history.

I was a devoted distance runner at the time and remain so. I will likely run 10 miles without stopping tomorrow (Saturday). Why do people run? Now, for me, it's an act of worship, thanking God that he gave me two strong legs - one of them twice.

This blog is my feeble attempt to provide help for fellow stroke survivors and those who care for them - in any capacity. I've prayed for those who have contacted me or I've heard about concerning their own circumstances or struggles. Anyone reading this can e-mail me anytime - jeff.porter@gmail.com - and you'll be in my prayers, too.

Do I completely understand what happened those 11 years ago? No. But as Paul wrote to the Philippians, God's peace surpasses understanding - leaving me under God's protection. It's there for you, too.

Praying for this ability

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect ...

-1 Peter 3:15

One lingering - or at least, I think it's lingering - outcome of my 1998 stroke is that I'm not quite as quick on my feet in speaking as before. So whenever I get a question about faith in person, it seems that I always stumble.

The other day, I found this verse and it makes sense, as the Bible tends to do: Prepare an answer. If someone asks why, give your prepared answer. Unless you're a highly educated theologian, don't even try to answer every detailed question. Think simple and straightforward. Or at least, that's my personal plan.

Any suggested answers for the why-do-you-believe question?



(Image from www.heartlight.org)

'Do not be ashamed'

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time ...

-2 Timothy 1:8-9

The world wants us to be "ashamed" of our faith, "ashamed" of testifying about our Lord.

But Paul knew better then, and Christians need to remember they know better now. Paul suffered with beatings and being imprisoned - but never ashamed. Just keep in mind who "called us to a holy life."

Remember, then, the power of God, and share your story and faith.

From Korea 2006