Ben Dale’s Stroke on August 17

an ICA dissection and resulting stroke

I survived a stroke resulting from a left-side ICA dissection (tear) Tuesday, August 17. I was in the ICU in Seattle for two days and spent 6 days in the hospital. I am at home now learning how to rest and follow precautions to lessen the likelihood of another stroke as the artery heals and the two blood clots hopefully dissolve. The cause is unknown, but I do know – because the Bible teaches – that we praise God because He is worthy to be praised. I have been focusing on verses like these from Psalm 113:2, 5, and 7:

Blessed be the name of the Lord From this time forth and forever.

Who is like the Lord our God, Who is enthroned on high,

He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the needy from the ash heap,

In closing, I would like to offer a word of encouragement to all of us.  As I stood to leave from a recent appointment, the doctor said I am a walking miracle. And although he is referring to my ability to walk and talk (almost all of my words are back), we as believers are walking miracles!

“God chooses to live in us and work through us for His glory and His purposes-- and that is truly amazing.” 

Apparently, God still has good works for me to complete (Ephesians 2:10).

Ben Dale, ben@childrenministries.org