Life Stories
Shirley Kirby
We all have different journeys.
This is my story.
Whenever anyone asks me to talk about my relationship with God, one of the first things I like to make known is that God has been with me from the time I was born. Throughout my life, God has spoken to me in numerous ways, both big and small; and in looking back, I can see God’s imprint everywhere.
When I was only 31 years-old, I can remember as if it had
happened only days ago, the day I died. I had been
gravely ill with a gallbladder infection that had taken over my
body; no medication would work. While in the recovery room, after
surgery, Christ appeared; and as if by transference, a direct voice
said to me, “Are you ready to go?”
Soon we were floating through the clouds, and I then became aware of this sparkling Holy City in the distance with white alabaster buildings and elaborate gates of pearl. As I reached closer to the kingdom, I could hear this exquisite music with the most beautiful melody. Celestial whirling voices, as if in constant motion, were singing.
I became overwhelmed with this intimate feeling of peace, love and contentment, perfectly aligned with the Holy Spirit, as if the stain of sin had never touched my life.
The brilliant colors were unlike anything I had ever seen before.
After, I learned that at the precise time I was experiencing my death, I had gone under cardiac arrest and the hospital had issued the Code Blue warning.
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As it happened, it simply had not been my time to die and I survived. Indeed, Jesus had stopped my progress, even as I begged, “Please, please don’t send me back.” At that moment, the Lord reminded me of my earthly charges and said, “You have two little children.” At the time, my daughter Carol was only an infant and my son Bill was only two years older.
The Lord has always provided for my family and me.
My daughter Carol nearly died at birth; as an infant she
had a series of heart ailments. Every week, I would
take her to the pediatrician and when she was three weeks old, I
decided to have her anointed with oil. At the time, they told me
the anointment would bring forth no immediate cure but that she
would be healed in three months.
About twelve weeks afterwards, I took her to see her pediatrician. That day, as the doctor listened to Carol’s heart, he looked totally shocked. “Bring me another stethoscope,” he ordered the nurse. “I want a new stethoscope!” After listening to Carol’s heart for a minute or two, he ordered an EKG. Later, when talking with me after he’d had a chance to analyze the results, he said in total disbelief: “I cannot find a thing wrong with your daughter.”
But I know that with Jesus everything is possible. My
late husband Bill once was very ill; and one icy winter night, he
walked out of our home and drove off in his car. I later learned
that he had meant to end his life but something happened that
stopped him. He had driven to the docks in Annapolis where the
water had been like perfect sheets of ice. Not a soul or any cars
were around, as he contemplated jumping in. Before he had a chance,
a tiny dog with a Scots blanket and his master, a man with a
Scottish accent, surfaced out of nowhere. They hung around, as if
waiting for something or someone. When my husband asked the man
where he was headed, he answered: “We’re waiting for you; we’re not
going anywhere.” As my husband drove home and later recounted the
story, he was convinced that he had been saved by an
angel.
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"What this means is
that those who become Christians become
new persons.
They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone.
A new life has begun!"
2nd Corinthians 5:17
With my death experience, I now like to offer healing comfort to those who may be nearing the end of their lives journey. Not too long ago my cousin was dying from cancer. When I encountered her one morning I asked her how she was doing; and just as I started to walk away a voice told me, “Go! Talk to her about the healing power of Christ.” So I told her about my experience in the afterlife and how if it’s one’s time to go, it will happen. I also told her about what a beautiful place heaven is; and the love between God, Christ and the newly departed soul. “Once you get to heaven, you won’t want to leave,” I told her. She thanked me with these words. “This is the first time anyone has brought Christ so close to me.”
In looking back, I am forever grateful that Christ has been my
constant companion on earth. In fact, I often wonder how people
manage to survive without the healing touch of Christ in their
lives.
I am grateful for God’s tender mercy through Christ; and for that I worship and praise Him.
-Shirley Kirby
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