For years I was plagued with migraine headaches. I came by them genetically - my mother had them, my great grandmother had them - back in her day, they just called them "sick" headaches. My mother remembers Mamma Mattie retiring to her bedroom with all the lights off and a cool cloth for her head. Sounds like a migraine to me.
My migraines never came at a good time.... a time when we didn't have plans for the day - guess there weren't many of those days when our children were little! One such Saturday morning we had a fun day of canoeing planned with a group of friends. The evening before had brought terrential rains, so the river was too high to canoe. Our group met together and decided to head down to the Falls of Ohio - a great place to hike, to find fossils, and to enjoy a picnic. It was to be a great family day. or so we thought. Within moments of our arrival, I knew I was in trouble. The bright sun was my enemy causing me to quickly drop to my knees grasping my temples and trying to cover my eyes with a jacket. Frank was [sadly] accustomed to our protocol. With a little understandable frustration, the girls gathered our belongings, and we headed to the van. By this time, I could not open my eyes at all, so as was our norm, Frank led me to the car stopping just long enough for me to get sick about every fourth step.
Thankfully we had been at this a while, so we knew, if we could just get home, the needed medicine awaited. The radio was turned off, the kids were reminded to play the "silent" game, and Frank drove like a maniac. Frank was always so gentle and gracious as we arrived home - he ushered me upstairs and quickly retrieved my medicine. At that time the best option our doctor had for me was medicine administered with a syringe - quicker entry. Frank had become quite an expert at giving me the shot. Within thirty minutes I would have enough relief to lie down. The next several hours would be spent in quiet darkness. There would eventually be less pain, and then a day or two of slow recovery... until the next event.
We have been studying Acts each week, and today we walked with Saul as he was struck blind on the road to Damascus when he met Jesus. We agreed that a fear he had never experienced must have gripped him as he remembered the recent stoning of Stephen that he led. He didn't know the outcome of his moment of blindness. We know it lasted for three days, and then the Lord sent Ananias to pray with him and through the power of the Holy Spirit, heal him. From that moment his life was forever changed.
With each migraine I experienced, the medicine was sure; and with new research over several years, there were improved medicines. I certainly wouldn't dream of comparing my migraines to the Saul's conversion experience, but I can relate at least a little to the startled unexpected onset of the experience. As I walked away from our study this morning, I was struck to remember the relief and thankfulness I experienced each time I recovered and began again with a new day.
Saul's response to his experience was simply this: After he was healed, "He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength... and began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God." Acts 9:19-20
I can tell you that once I found a medicine that really made a difference in my migraines, I couldn't wait to share this good news with someone else who needed it - this good news had changed my life - truly!
The good news of Jesus has changed my eternity - everyone needs that news.
His grace is sufficient for all! His mercy endures forever!
You and I have spoken of these "sick" headaches, I appreciate the added perspective. Sending love to you and yours each day.
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