When My Heart Was Crying Out

“I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

What if, within the span of just a few months, your family came face-to-face with death—not once, but twice? We never imagined that would be our story. Yet in His sovereign providence, God used those days to remind us that every heartbeat, every breath, and every tomorrow belongs to Him.

Just a few weeks ago, I thought I had ordinary indigestion.

I had heartburn sensations that wouldn’t go away. A strange stomach ache would come every time I tried to run. Every now and then I’d feel an ache in my chest and instinctively press my hand over my heart, wondering what it was.

I never imagined those were the warning signs of a heart attack.

When my doctor listened to my symptoms, he immediately sent me to the emergency room. Soon afterward, I learned that my blood work showed I was having a heart attack. A few hours later, the cardiologist performed a heart catheterization and found that my left anterior descending (LAD) artery was 95% blocked. The artery that supplies a large portion of blood to the heart had become dangerously narrowed. By God’s mercy, the cardiologist was able to restore blood flow with a stent, but it was the Lord who ordained every moment. My life has always been in His hands.

Scripture reminds us that we do not live in Eden anymore. Sin entered the world, and with it came disease, decay, and death. Our bodies bear the effects of the Fall.

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.” — Romans 5:12

But there is another heart condition that is even more dangerous than clogged arteries.

Apart from Christ, our hearts are spiritually dead. No amount of exercise, healthy eating, or medical care can cure that condition.

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins.” — Ephesians 2:1

Only Jesus Christ can give life to a dead heart. He alone awakens the sinner to receive His saving grace.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

Just as my physical heart desperately needed restored blood flow, every one of us desperately needs the life-giving blood that Christ shed on the cross.

“And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” — Hebrews 9:22

He bore the wrath our sins deserved, died in our place, and rose again so that all who repent and trust in Him would have eternal life (John 3:16).

God graciously spared my life, just as He graciously spared Jeff’s only a few months earlier. On March 17, 2026, we never imagined Jeff would come within inches of death after falling from a third story ladder and landing on solid oak stairs, breaking many bones that required multiple surgeries and metal plates. Three months later, we had no idea my own heart was failing. Our lives truly are in His hands. Every one of our days has already been ordained by God, and every additional day is a gift to love Him, serve Him, and proclaim His gospel.

If my story encourages even one woman to seek medical care when something doesn’t feel right—or more importantly, to seek Christ while today is still called “today”—then this trial will not have been wasted.

May we never take for granted the One who not only keeps our hearts beating but gives eternal life to all who believe.

A Note to My Sisters:

If you’ve been experiencing persistent indigestion, unusual heartburn, chest discomfort, pain during exercise, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue or unexplained pain in your stomach or sternum—especially if something simply doesn’t feel right—please don’t ignore it. Women often experience heart attacks differently than men. I am so grateful my doctor took my symptoms seriously. His quick thinking, under God’s providence, led me to the emergency room. Had he not urged me to go immediately, I probably would not be here today.

I am deeply grateful to my Heavenly Father, who guided every step, spared our lives, and has graciously given us more time to live for His glory. We don’t understand all His providences or His timing, but we know this with certainty: Christ is on His throne. He is faithful, and He is coming again. Until He calls us home, may we steward the bodies He has entrusted to us, nourish our souls through His Word, remain faithful to the fellowship of His people, pray without ceasing, and press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13–14). One day we will see Him face to face, and every tear, every pain, and every trial will be swallowed up in His glorious presence.

Until then sisters, persevero!

Soli Deo Gloria.