Here's the back story...
If you don't know us, we are animal people...best known as horse people. My dad owns and run his own boarding business and we live on their farm property which has been in the family for several generations. We live a very "country" lifestyle and I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams to get to raise my children like this. Currently, there are 24 horses on the hill, 1 miniature donkey, 2 barn cats and 4 dogs. Needless to say, there are very few dull moments because there is ALWAYS something to do or that needs to be done.
There is nothing like the bond between a person and their horse. There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a person. They are so majestic and gentle but are also very large and very powerful. The relationship is one of mutual trust and respect. The relationship is deep and the love is strong....
That being said,
Recently Krystin's 6 year old barrel racing horse Glory was injured. Nothing major we thought...it looked like a puncture wound to her right front leg. The vet came out, evaluated her...put her on antibiotic and gave directions for wound care. She did well, seemed to be healing as she should but couldn't seem to get over the limp. Two weeks after the intial injury, Dad decided it was necessary to have her re-evaluated. He feared a fracture in her leg....which is NOT what you want to hear in a horse. Especially a very competitive, very FAST barrel horse who's barrel season was supposed to begin this month. The day the vet was to come out, Krystin and I went into Glory's stall and laid hands on her and when I say we prayed- I mean we PRAYED and prayed, and prayed, and PRAYED. I prayed in the spirit, I prayed with understanding, I declared healing and wholeness...I did all I knew to do and I believed without a doubt that the vet was going to tell us it wasn't a fracture.
And then we got the news...a phone call from my Dad told me that the leg was, as he suspected, fractured. I immediately burst into tears (on a side note...Krystin was not with me at this point, she was at cheerleading practice so she did not see me breakdown). I couldn't believe what I was hearing...BUT I PRAYED! It was in that moment that my dear friend, Jill Earwood, shared a very dear life lesson that changed the way I will think about prayer forever. She said, "Kerry, if you're going to pray to Him, you're also going to have to trust Him...no matter what." In that moment I realized that it may not have been the answer that I had wanted, but, it was in fact an answer and HE is in control. HE knows best, and there is always a reason for his answer...even when it's not the answer I want.
Even still, my heart was breaking...because I knew that this was also going to break Krystin's heart. I had so badly wanted to give her good news and tell her that God had heard her prayers and healed her horse. I had hoped for this to be a faith affirming moment....and it would be, just not in the way that I had planned.
The fracture is in the outer splint bone, just below the knee. According to the x-ray the bone is in pieces and Glory would need surgery to remove fragments and place a screw in the remaining bone in order for it to heal properly. The vet explained that as far as fractures go in a horses leg, this is the best scenario. The outer splint bone is non-weight bearing and the prognosis for a full recovery is very good with the surgery, proper care and time to heal. The surgery was scheduled for mid-week of the next week at the University of Georgia.
I must tell you about the type of people that surround us and share this life with us.... we are so blessed to have such godly, caring, loyal and selfless friends and family. When the news circulated, prayers started going up for Glory, and for Krystin. I must add....Krystin has handled this situation with such maturity and grace...she is so strong.
My parents made the 3 and 1/2 hour trip this past Wednesday to the University of Georgia. The surgery was scheduled for Thursday. When they arrived, Glory was evaluated and more x-rays were done so that a "plan" could be formulated. (Meanwhile, here at home, we PRAYED)
About 1pm my Dad called....he says to me "Hey Sis, we dont need to tell Krystin yet but....(my heart sank as he paused as I braced myself for whatever news I was about to receive) we are bringing Glory home. The vet says the surgery is not necessary. The bone is healing well on it's own."
I could not believe what I was hearing....and in that moment God spoke VERY clearly to me. "See child, I promise you, I'm listening and I know what I'm doing...trust me, I'm handling it." He revealed Himself so clearly....just because he didn't answer our prayers for Glory how I thought he should, didn't mean he didn't answer.
It made me think...how often do people miss the answer to their prayers because it isn't the answer they are hoping for? How often do we blame God when things don't go our way yet we forget that He works ALL things together for our good. HE KNOWS BEST and we have to trust Him and HIS plan, not our plan.
So for now, Glory is home safe and sound. The expensive surgery has been avoided for the time being and I am believing and praying that the bone will continue to heal as it should. That there will be no "floating fragments" remaining that will have to be removed and that she will be free of infection in the wound. She is restricted to stall rest for 4-6 months but is allowed unlimited walking on lead rope. We have our fingers crossed....
For this year there will be no barrel season but I believe that this too is for a reason.
To my sweet sweet girls,
Don't ever let this world or the experiences of this life jade you. Keep your eyes set above and always be observant to what God is doing. Don't ever think God is not listening... he is ALWAYS listening, even when you are not speaking with your mouth he is listening to the desires of your heart. Stay close to Him and trust that He truly is working ALL things together for your good. He is in control and he rules from a seated position...He doesn't get excited or worried because he already knows the outcome. He loves you and wants the best for you. And always remember....if you are going to pray, you are also going to have to trust. He knows best, period.
Hugs and kisses,
Mommy
