If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men (I Corinthians 15:19 NIV).

After giving birth to our twins, I learned the answer to a compelling question: Does faith in Jesus Christ make a difference when one is faced with death? The delivery room staff, seemingly unconcerned by my uncontrollable shaking, covered me with a blanket and transferred me to the recovery room. I begged Donn not to leave until I stopped shaking. When I felt nauseous, he suggested I ring for a nurse..

I didn’t know my hand never reached the buzzer or that under the blanket, I was quietly bleeding to death. When I regained consciousness, I was wearing an oxygen mask and surrounded by nurses. My doctor continuously massaged my abdomen to stimulate contractions to stop the bleeding. (Later, I would need four pints of blood to replace what I’d lost.) Amazing peace engulfed me as I prayed silently, “Father, if I’ve committed any sins for which I’ve not asked forgiveness, please forgive me.” (I didn’t know until some years later that out in the hall, my husband was bargaining with God.)

Then, through the nursery window, I saw two tiny infants in bassinets marked, “Baby A Townsend” and “Baby B Townsend.” Who would help Donn raise our babies if I died? The will to live surged up in me. “Father, if you spare my life, I promise I’ll raise these babies for your Kingdom.” As often happens when we face our deepest fears, fear of death lost its grip as I experienced the peace that only God can give.

Thank you, Father, that you not only spared my life but also showed me the difference Jesus makes when death is near. Amen.

Our twins, Angelyn Ruth and Robert Donn, in the hospital soon after their birth. (May 1973)

(Featured photo from twitter.com)