(Today’s interview delves into a more personal aspect of my life than my usual organizational and business-related topics. However, I believe that sharing this story will resonate with many of my followers, and for those who may not be familiar with it, this is a traumatic and yet beautiful story that changed my life.)
Tracy is interviewed by Meridith Foster from The Unfolding Podcast. She shares about her life after college, her decision to move to California on a whim, and what happened there that changed her life.
Tracy graduated from college and made the bold and impulsive decision to move to California for the summer with a friend. Her friend’s family warmly welcomed her and introduced her to their church family. Among the members, one of the kind-hearted ladies took Tracy under her wing and offered to mentor her through a process of spiritual growth and guidance known as discipleship. Though Tracy was initially unsure of what it entailed, she was open-minded and willing to learn, eagerly saying “Yes!” to the opportunity.
During her stay in California
Tracy was blessed to have the guidance of a compassionate woman who shared with her the profound message of salvation through Jesus Christ. She explained to Tracy how God, in His infinite love for humanity, came to earth as a man, died on the cross to atone for our sins, was buried and rose again, and now sits at the right hand of the Father. Tracy acknowledged her own sinful nature and humbly prayed for forgiveness through Jesus, inviting Him to be the Lord and Savior of her life.
As the summer came to a close, Tracy landed a job opportunity in Kansas City, moved there, and met her future husband. Together they settled down to start a family and raise their four children. Years went by and one day, while cleaning their basement in preparation for a remodel, Tracy and one of her daughters stumbled upon a book that neither of them recognized. Intrigued, Tracy set it aside to read later. The book was “Sacred Romance” by John Eldridge.
As Tracy delved deeper into the pages of “Sacred Romance”, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that God was pursuing her. The book helped her reignite her devotion to God and experience the depth of God’s love for her. She fell deeply in love again with her Savior. During this time, the song “I Will Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle became her anthem, as she felt an unshakable conviction that she would trust in Him no matter what life threw at her.
Being unknowingly prepared
Little did Tracy know, but the Lord had been preparing her for a difficult trial. On January 8th, the family went to a basketball game, but upon returning home, they were met with a growing sense of unease as their 15-year-old son, who was supposed to be home, had not yet returned. They received a devastating call, informing them that their son and his friends had been involved in a severe accident. Without hesitation, Tracy and her husband jumped in their car and raced to be by their son’s side.
When Tracy and her husband arrived at the scene, they were met with the frantic activity of emergency crews working to extract their son from the wreckage of the car with the Jaws of Life tool. The other two boys who had been in the car were standing by, with minor injuries, watching the rescue efforts. It took some time before they were able to extricate their son from the vehicle and transport him by ambulance to the hospital.
With a heavy heart, Tracy rode in the front seat of the ambulance, desperately listening as the emergency medical service personnel conducted a series of neurological assessments, asking their son, “Can you feel this?”, only to hear the devastating response of “No.” each time.
Upon arrival at the hospital, a battery of tests, X-rays, and scans were performed to determine the full extent of their son’s injuries. The medical team worked diligently and quickly to assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment.
Listen to the rest of the story on The Unfolding Podcast Episode #85 here:
You can also read Tracy’s four-part story on her blog:
My Son’s Traumatic Accident – Part 1: God Prepared Me
My Son’s Traumatic Accident – Part 2: Tragedy
My Son’s Traumatic Accident – Part 3: Rehab
My Son’s Traumatic Accident – Part 4: Life At Home
And Tracy’s beautiful Facebook entries of their time at Craig Hospital in Denver (along with a recent wedding update) are HERE.
God is writing a great big story and you have a standing invitation to be a part of it. Every week, host Meridith Foster sits down with a guest to share their chapter in God’s Unfolding story. Listen along on the Christian Music Broadcasters The Unfolding Podcast.
