May 11: Laughter After Sorrow

Theme: The Joy of God's Restoration

Anette Brown
Creek SDA

May 11, 2022—a day etched into my memory, marking the beginning of a journey I never expected. A journey through sorrow, uncertainty, and ultimately, divine restoration. 

As women of faith, we know that even as prayer warriors and devoted daughters of the King, we are not exempt from life’s bitter valleys. But we do know this: our Father holds the key to life and death, and He never wastes a tear. What feels like weeping in the night will, in God’s perfect time, break forth into joy.

I was scheduled to fly from my home to Orlando, Florida, with a connection through Charlotte. But that flight was delayed, and I missed my connection. I now believe it was God’s divine rerouting. Instead, I was booked to fly through Miami the following day.

On May 12, just forty-five minutes after landing in Miami, I experienced a seizure. I later learned I was seated beside a doctor and an EMT—two strangers who became instruments of God’s mercy. Their presence was not a coincidence—it was divine intervention.

Sensing something was wrong, I managed to send a message to the prayer leader at my church and apprised her about the emergency situation. She called me during one of the most challenging periods in my life, and prayer was ascended on my behalf. Other members of the church joined her in intercession, and during the prayer session, I went into cardiac arrhythmia and became unresponsive. I was resuscitated six times before I finally responded—and then, I slipped into a coma for seven days. 

But our God is a God of resurrection. He is the God of the impossible. 

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” —Job 8:21

On the seventh day, God whispered into my spirit, “Arise, my daughter.” I awoke from the coma. And by May 24, I walked out of Jackson Memorial Hospital on my own two feet. Nurses lined the hallway, applauding. One said, “You came in on a stretcher, lifeless—and now you walk out, without even a wheelchair.” Who could it be but God!

My God called me. My God touched me. My God delivered me.

He turned my sorrow into laughter, and I will praise Him all the days of my life. I am encouraging someone today to trust God, no matter the circumstances of their life. It does not matter what the diagnosis or prognosis is; our God is able and capable, and he will do it again for you. Just trust Him. 

Prayer

Father in Heaven, thank You for being the center of my life. Thank You for fighting for me and restoring me. I choose joy, and I choose to live by Your values, for Your glory. I will not be defeated, because You, my Defender, live in me. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.