Ten years ago, almost to the very day, my husband tore his rotator cuff, his bicep muscle and the tendon in his right arm (his dominant arm). The company he worked for at the time had no disability policy and he was displaced. We went from two incomes to one at the snap of a finger. It was scary, it was unnerving and we lost countless nights of sleep over it. We literally lost everything we had. It was a silent battle that Jerry and I fought alone because we were ashamed of our situation. We knew others had it far worse than we did and we chose not to tell many people what was happening. Even our own family members.
We were at church on a Sunday and our Pastor was talking about spiritual gifts. At that very moment Jerry felt called to be a barber. He tried running from the Lord for a short period of time for financial reasons. He got an odd job here and there. None of them worked out, because he was not obeying. Jerry finally decided to "give in" and follow God's call for him. He made it through barber school (it wasn't easy but we were faithful and God was faithful to us). He's had a successful business now for over seven years. During which time I was displaced from my job and I have been fortunate enough to stay home and raise our children.
My very profound seven year old said to me the other day "Mommy, some wishes come true and some wishes don't. Isn't that right? That's real life, right Mommy."
Oh, how wise you are my son.
Deja Vecu: The feeling of having "already lived through' something
There is no "feeling" needed here. We HAVE lived it. We HAVE done it.
Jerry "hurt" his arm a couple of months ago and the look he had on his face was one I've seen before. He said to me then "I pray I didn't just tear my cuff again". He has been living in constant, unmanageable pain for two months now. Jerry had an MRI and we received the results. Not only is it torn, but it is torn so badly, that if it tears a fraction more, it will be IRREPEARABLE and Jerry will LOSE partial use of his arm. That was absolutely frightening to sit and listen to. Also this time, we are going from one income to NONE. I am working diligently to get a job somewhere. I know it will only be enough to supplement part of our income; however, God was faithful the first time and He will be again.
The only difference this time, is we're choosing not to remain silent about this. We're not looking for charities, but we do ask for prayers.
God never promises that your life is going to be easy. He does promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you. And Jerry and I have experienced that through every trial, heartache and joy in our lives.
God brought us through the first injury with my husband being a successful barber, me staying at home, and three beautiful children. I can hardly contain myself to see what He has in store for us this time, for He doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
Much love,
The Hudlers
