John 10;10 says, “’The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” I have heard this verse many times throughout my life but I have come to understand it in a whole new way in the last few weeks.
On September 22nd, 2018 I was involved in a rodeo wreck that occurred in Pasenda, TX; the accident happened when the horse was bucking and ended up bucking back into the chutes, resulting with the horse flipping over on top of me. Instantly I knew I couldn’t feel my legs. My life was changed forever, for the better. As the horse got up, she stomped on my ribs putting me in the most excruciating pain that I have ever been in my life. Right away there was a calming voice that put me at ease. I knew it was from God. I knew after I heard that voice that everything was going to be alright. I immediately began praying for a miracle. They life-flighted me to Texas Medical Center, where I underwent surgery first thing the next morning. I ended up breaking T9 and T10, where they stuck two rods, eight screws and fused it all together.
JR doing physical therapy at the TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehab Center – courtesy of the family
I was in the hospital for eight days then they moved me over to TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehab Center the 1st of October, where I have been rehabbing the last two weeks. Some may wonder how it changed my life for the better. I have gained a whole new outlook on my faith, family, friends and life. I have always put my trust and faith in God but this has defiantly been my biggest test. Through this journey so far, one of the verses I have relied on is James 1:2-3, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Right away, I believed that God was not the one who intended for this bad thing to happen; it was the thief that came to steal and destroy. However, God intends for a satisfying life. With the help of God, my wife, my family, my friends, and everyone else that has pitched in to help us out, I have learned to search for the little miracles every day. I believe God is going to make a miracle out of this.
I have learned over the years to appreciate the little things but now I have learned to appreciate the most minute things in life. I never knew I would appreciate a simple twitch in my leg so much or even just getting to stand up. This has been the most humbling experience of my life. When I go to the gym and see someone on a walking machine, my heart fills with joy; knowing what they are going through and seeing them excel through each small step they take. Watching other patients have to learn to use their hands to be able to feed themselves again fills my heart with gratefulness. I feel so blessed to have full use of my upper body. Having so many friends visit, text, and call makes the days go by so much faster. Having family come down and stay with Shelby and I makes it reassuring to know that we are so loved at home and taken care of. Having so many people help us financially has humbled us beyond measures. Having my wife by my side every day since the day of the accident, lets me know I have a rock to lean on for encouragement through thick and thin.
I believe God is still in the miracle business. Miracles happen every day. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose for them.” I personally know people who are living miracles. Throughout our stay here we have met people who are healed and restored walking miracles. When times get tough, you can either throw the towel in and give up or you can put your trust and faith in God by getting up every morning and striving to be better than you were yesterday. Instead of putting so much focus in prayers on our problems, maybe we should seek the kingdom of God and see how to be used in times of brokenness. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. I have learned to trust the process, be patient, and let God do His work. His plan is always greater than we can even fathom. As I continue down this journey in this new season that I’m in, I will remain faithful in God’s plan, trusting in his miracles for my life. My prayer and hope is that God will use this situation in the future for people to see His power, turn non-believers into believers, and to be an inspiration to somebody all for His glory.
JR was featured in the November issue of Rodeo News. You can read the issue following this link: https://reader.mediawiremobile.com/RodeoNews/issues/203990/viewer?page=7
