A Shadow of Death
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Chapter 5
Game On
Was now the time to worry? In my mind, a simple fix-me-up was all it would take, but boy, I was in for a big surprise. The room seemed to be getting smaller as I lay there waiting. I don’t wait very patiently. The repetitive beep from one of the machines, I’m not sure which one, became a normal part of the environment, and at some point, I stopped hearing it all together. The oxygen that came from the nasal cannula seemed to be burning my nose. I thought, When are they going to let me leave? Doctors and nurses would observe me through the window from time to time and then disappear for a while. I felt like a lab rat they were using to test theories and check for results.
After a few hours, I figured I should settle in, so I asked for my gray blanket, a gift that my sister gave me a few Christmases ago. It was what I slept under in my chair on the nights I couldn’t sleep soundly in my bed, which was often. It brought me comfort, and I was in desperate need of comfort. I wondered if I’d left it in Patricia’s car because it was nowhere to be found. Fear entered the room and crouched in a corner. It was waiting on the perfect opportunity to pounce upon my emotions.
After a while, I fell asleep, although I’m not sure if they administered medication or I fell asleep on my own. All I know is that I woke up a hospital room and kept going in and out of consciousness. My bed was surrounded by several doctors and nurses with worried looks on their faces. They took off my clothes, wiped me down, and put me in a hospital gown.
I was in good spirits and went along with whatever they wanted me to do. I felt no pain, and I was at peace within myself.
I guess all this should have been a clear sign that I was not going home any time soon. It might have been the time to say, “Let the games begin.”
My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! (Psalm 119:25 ESV)
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
My journey with the LORD has been one with massive twists and unexpected turns. It was a life consumed with lack of commitment, passion-driven, reckless behaviors, and so on. I knew of Him, but the noise I kept around me drowned out His guidance and correction. Out of frustration, my life made a significant change in 1999. I cannot say it was because of one thing, but the sum of my choices backed me to a wall, focused my attention on reality, and I could no longer patch the situations I had created for myself.
A Shadow of Death shares a part of my journey that launched me into a deeper understanding that God has always been with me, He is with me, and I am confident that He will always be with me. My journey continues but with a different outlook.
I pray A Shadow of Death causes you to reflect upon your choices and current situations in life. Then, accept the challenge to ask yourself the question: Is He with me? Who’s leading and who should be following? Do I want to change and have a better life, or have I become content with current circumstances?
May the LORD guide you on this quest for answers, and may you know Him as LORD, Father, King, and Friend.
About the Author
Christina Pickett was born in Texas, the youngest of three, to Gloria Tukes. She has been involved in some aspect of missions, local and foreign, for over fifteen years. She has served in foreign missions (four different countries) and local missions (three different states). Christina is a woman who possesses incredible integrity along with an ever-growing passion for helping others to be the person God created them to be. Christina models the discipline and love she has learned and received through her God-fearing leaders and life experiences. The lessons Christina acquired throughout her journey will benefit many and reveal much truth to those seeking with eyes open and hearts ready to receive.