In His Hands: Journeying through One Man's Miracle via His Reflections, Confessions, and Progression

By Richard D Sanders and Candace Cole-Kelly

Dr. Richard D. Sanders is a graduate of William Carey University, having received degrees in English literature and general and educational psychology. He received his doctorate from St. Stephen’s Theological Seminary.

Dr. Sanders is Vice Chairman of the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.;

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sunday School Publishing Board
• Release date: Nov 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781939225672

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Swift Transitions

The circumstantial shifts of life—that’s a phrase I coined several years ago in an effort to describe the unexpected turn of events that interrupt what we know to be the normal flow. What I find to be unique about these shifts is that they don’t always have weathermen forecasting a change in seasons or climates. They just happen. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve been asked since my two open-heart surgeries, Did you have any warning of a heart attack? Had you been ill? Did you feel any strange pains in your body that morning? Were you under any stress? The truth of the matter is that the answer to every one of those questions is no.

But the answer to the following question is yes: Were you following your diet? As for the question How were things at the church? the answer is Fine. My doctor said, It could have been one of two things: everything you’re doing or nothing you’re doing.

That morning was one of those He-woke-me-up-this-morning-and-started-me-on-my-way mornings. I was glad to be alive. I was ready to praise and preach. Those who know me well know that, even though I’ve been preaching for forty-five years—and some say I do a fair job at it—I usually don’t look forward to it. The task and responsibility have caused me not to be in such a hurry to mount the pulpit. But on this particular Sunday I wanted to preach. I wanted to tell God’s people that there are rewards for being obsessed with the kingdom of God. In addition to that spiritual anticipation, I was looking forward to attending and participating in a tribute for my good friend Edna Tatum on that evening. Also, I made plans to fellowship with my CAMP fraternity immediately after that service. This group is comprised of pastors who are also like brothers. We had not all been together since August 25, 2008.

So I woke up to a day full of promise, praise, and potential. I did not have a pain in my body, mind, or spirit. Even as I shaved that morning I had a unique, but useful, experience. I was listening to a televangelist I watch from time to time. Sometimes when surfing channels, the Holy Spirit will say Pause or Freeze, and I do. There have been times when this particular preacher blessed me with his gifted approach to the Word. His message was for me and my season. If you THINK you MIGHT need a miracle in your life, sow a seed, he said. He asked for a seed offering and I sowed it without hesitation. I never do that!

Why did I mention this incident? This is just another illustration of how open, happy, and content I was on the morning of January 26, 2014. I believe what I am saying affirms this lesson: we don’t have to have a warning concerning life’s unforeseen tragedies. We don’t have to be in pain. Storm clouds can be invisible. Signs and signals of danger and doom can go silent. Our mornings can be filled with blind hope. Joy can be the order of the day, and what lies ahead can be totally unpredictable.

Then the evening comes with a shift. Out of nowhere, change blindsides us. The continuation of our plans is halted. Therefore we must make the most of our mornings, and not procrastinate in allowing the evening to come in our view. Understand that in this life, simply put, stuff does happen. Without reason or warning, painful, life-threatening stuff happens. Sometimes it’s not our fault. We may not eat chitlins, pig’s feet, pork chops, cobbler, and yams—tragic stuff still happens. We can stop smoking Kools, can stop drinking Jack Daniels, and can set aside other vices, and still find that death and/or its shadow is looming over us. The circumstances in life shift! Let’s do the best we can, while we can, until we can’t.

Theological Summarization

I remember reading in Mark 4:35-37 that the disciples were instructed by Jesus to go to the other side by boat. They obeyed. But then a storm arose and water got into the ship. That is to say, danger got into the ship. The passage does not contain record of any transgressions, wrongdoings, or misconduct on the disciples’ part. A storm came and threatened their lives while they were in the process of being obedient. Stuff happened on that ship that had nothing to do with who or what they were presently. It had everything to do with an object lesson that Christ had prepared for their future.

The circumstances in life shift! Let’s do the best we can, while we can, until we can’t.

Interview with Bishop

Dr. Kelly: I cannot tell you what a shock it was for me to hear of your tragic and almost fatal incident. I was actually in a plane coming from Kenya when you were being transported to the hospital. (Pause) Now tell me, why do you want to write a book about your experience?

Bishop: (Resolved) Because I grew so much from the experience. I came to know God in a different way. First of all, I want people to know that miracles are real, but I also want people to understand that just as interesting as the miracle itself is the post-miracle period. Things you learn about God, yourself, and other people are transformative. My new outlook on life is amazing, because I see life so differently.

Dr. Kelly: You mean your perspectives are different?

Bishop: Your perspective and priorities certainly change after an experience like this. Also, I wanted to write the book because everybody I shared this story with encouraged me to tell my story. My experience confirmed what God had already told me to do after the anesthesia wore off. Then, after I invited you to meet with me, you walked into my home and in less than ten minutes, out of the blue, asked me, So, when are you writing your book? We had not even discussed why I requested the meeting with you. Then I said, Thou art truly a prophetess.

Dr. Kelly: Yeah, I was just led to say, out of nowhere, When are you going to write your book? I must admit, I sensed something very heavy—didn’t know what, but it felt like your life had gone through something major.

Bishop: Oh yes, it sure had.

Dr. Kelly: One can never take life for granted from one second to the next. I also believe talking through this awesome health scare and reflecting on it in real time contributes to your internal healing as well. So, Bishop, it was the beginning of the year 2014; where were you?

Bishop: At the beginning of 2014 I was preparing to cast my church’s vision along with the theme for the year: Obsession Kingdom! You see, we know how to do church as Christians. We do that part well. I was using the Model Prayer text thy kingdom come, thy will be done and seek ye first the kingdom as the theme passages. (Bishop lights up with joy.) I was ready to encourage members that we are moving from doing to