KIMBERLY NOVAK

January 18, 2024, has become a date for which I am forever grateful. I consider it my second birthday and a gift from our Father in Heaven.  

A retreat I helped lead had concluded, and I had shared lunch with a few ladies before heading out.  As I prepared to leave, I was slightly delayed by a conversation with the retreat house priest, the conversation which saved my life.

Near the end of the conversation, I noticed a funny feeling on the side of my head. Though not painful, it definitely was something I had never experienced. Once the conversation ended, I picked up my belongings, and in doing so, all the sound drained from my ears. I could hear people, but it was extremely muffled. Again, there was no pain, and in my mind, there was no cause for concern.

I made my way through the library, and as I reached the lobby, I could no longer keep my head up. Holding my hands on my head and neck, I sat in a chair and notified the gals in the lobby to call for help.

The events that unfolded after that are blurry. I can tell you that only one hour after calling the paramedics, I had been diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, commonly known as a brain bleed.  I spent two weeks in the intensive care unit, during which time it was discovered that I also had a rare artery disease known as Fibromuscular Dysplasia or FMD. 

The diagnosis of FMD at first didn’t register; it wasn’t until I saw the specialist months later that I learned how fragile my arteries are.  Though there is no cure, I can prevent future aneurysms and dissections by lowering blood pressure, abstaining from jarring movements, and following up with regular ultrasounds and scans.

My time in the hospital feels like two days rather than a couple of weeks. The memories I can recall, though, are both inspiring and frightening. One day stands out to me in particular: the day I looked at the face of Jesus.

I began hearing music playing in my ears; however, I was the only one hearing it. The music was by Christian Artist Phil Wickham. I often listen to his songs while writing. I have always found his voice and lyrics to be a prayer as I sing along. I have no doubt that God allowed me to hear that to keep my attention focused on God and His healing powers.

Suddenly, I began to see a red-crimson background around the room, and hovering over it was a crown of thorns. This vision floated all around me and the room.  I mentioned this a few times to those in the room, but no one else could see the vision.  I was awake, and I knew this was not a dream.

The vision gave me peace and comfort as if Jesus were hugging me. I knew that through the vision, I had looked at the face of Jesus. Again, I was sure this was God’s way of keeping my attention and keeping me alive all at once.

I believe in my faith and my God. I know that the power of prayer works, and our prayer warriors prayed over time during those two initial weeks, for which I am forever grateful.  I believe the Lord will never leave or forget me. I know that God made Himself known through the vision of Jesus’ crimson crown, and I will always surrender my life to Him.

God has allowed me to continue my writing for His glory! Though I have had to put the sequel for Bella’s Beautiful Miracle on hold, I have been able to complete smaller projects.  The first of which is Bella’s Fruitful Adventure. It is a story based on Bella’s storm and introduces the fruits of the Spirit to children ages 4-8. 

I patiently wait for the Holy Spirit to tap me on the shoulders and tell me that it’s time to begin the next chapter in my life and Bellas.

God Bless all you wonderful angels!  Please comment if you would like more information on how you can donate to FMD research.

Courageous Butterfly

Kimberly Novak