On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Two weeks ago when I learned my friend, Debbie, had tested positive for Covid and was symptomatic, I was concerned. My 65 year old friend’s health has not been optimal. On the plus side I knew that she had overcome many physical challenges and that she would be covered in the prayers of her large circle of family and friends.
This week I learned Debbie was a Covid survivor and I thankfully put a capital H next to her name on my Covid prayer list. She posted her Covid experience on Facebook and I found it to be a powerful testimony. She gave me permission to share it with you, unedited.
Debbie’s Story
Today I tested Negative for Covid!
But being home alone these past 18 days has shown me some things:
-God loves me! Be still and Know that he is God!
-I can survive being alone because God never leaves me.
-If you really listen you can hear God- maybe not in a human voice but in the silence around you- a bird singing, rain drops, wind chime blowing, leaves blown across the grass, music from a passing car, a train whistle and just the stillness of late at night.
– Its ok and Good for you to allow others to help you.
– There are many things to do with time on your hands: read, write letters, color, clean out drawers, sit outside and listen to the birds, pray for others.
On day one I cried all day – scared of Covid and scared to be quarantined !
I know that sounds crazy- I am 65 yrs old- widowed for 19 years- being by myself should be normal. It wasnt- it was a Normal I never embraced!! I surround myself with people- even at times unhealthy relationships just to keep from being alone. I have tried to work on this at different times but no luck.
Well the Lords timing is always perfect!
The first 6-7 days I was so sick- I prayed and slept and cried!
Once I got over that first hill I started seeking God for comfort and peace
With being stuck inside!
Daily God would show me how to use
Time to heal my body and soul. He used my family and friends to call at just the right time not at a time I was broken or lonely. Those were the times he ordained for Me and Him.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Side Note:
The night of Our accident that killed Doug- we had been reading a daily devotional- the Bible reference was Romans 8:28. The devotional was about Bad things and good people!
Yes this is the truth- so for years I have not really liked that verse and I associated it with Doug’s untimely death. This quiet time that I did not choose to go thru has opened up a new understanding of this verse:
This verse is speaking to Christians , believers -“those who love God,” and “those who are called according to His purpose.” This promise is for Christians: for saved believers, who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). No matter our feelings , loving God is part of what it means to live in Christ. That’s who we are. Each of us is also called to fulfill God’s purposes.
Old Things R New 
A very powerful message. Thank you for sharing it.
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I am thinking of collecting recovery stories. I read another one today and I hope that sharing them will be an encouragement.
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