It's the Heart That Counts

Several years ago, I was at my parents' house when I heard a huge bang outside. I ran out the front door and a large car was careening out of control, taking down mailboxes across the street. It slowly came to rest against a tree in our neighbor's front yard. Instinctively, I ran across the street and tried to help. The man who was driving was unconscious and the doors of the car were locked. Neighbors came running--two of which helped my mom and I bust the back window of the car so we could unlock and crawl in. Mom quickly realized that there was no pulse and two men helped us put the man on the ground while other frightened neighbors dialed 9-1-1. It was like some strange force took over my body and I immediately started acting without even thinking. I opened an airway, looked-listened-and-felt for breath, administered 2 rescue breaths, and started chest compressions. I don't know how long I was doing this, but eventually two paramedics got there and told me to keep going while they got set up to shock him. Then I heard, "CLEAR!" and backed away. "Keep going," the paramedic said and I continued the chest compressions. "CLEAR!" was said again and again I backed away thinking, "Thank God I watch ER and I know what this means!"

I wish I could report a happy ending, but this unfortunate man died right there under the tree in my neighbor's backyard. Walking back inside the house, I could still smell his cologne on my clothes and then I realized that was exactly how my Gramps passed away in Florida several years prior. A strange sense of pride filled my heart because I didn't freeze in the traumatic situation, even though the outcome wasn't what I'd hoped. Later, I learned that he had a history of heart problems and that there was little anyone could have really done. I suppose that when God wants you to come home, you are going home.

Today, I took a class to renew my CPR/ First Aid certification. What a wonderful way to contribute to society, I think. How many of us actually prepare for tragedy? Some would say that if you had a healthy faith in God, there wouldn't be a need to prepare, but I am not sure I agree. The Lord wants us to love his children. I think that by preparing to help others in this way, I'm loving my fellow man. I hope that I will never have to perform this procedure again, but if I do, I'm confident that with God's help, I can do my best to help someone who is hurting.

I would urge all of you out there to prepare for times of difficulty whether it be with a CPR class, creating a home emergency kit, or spiritually preparing by reading verses on comfort and loss. The Bible never says that we will be free from tragedy and challenge, but it does promise that if we try and believe in God, anything is possible.

How's your heart? Is it big enough and loving enough to step out to help someone in their time of need?