Have you ever broken a bone?

What about 53…all at once?

This will likely not happen to you, but at some point we will all experience hard times.  Today, I want to tell you about a young man who experienced a rock climbing catastrophe and three amazing things he has taught me about God and tragedy.

I hope this post brings inspiration to all who read it.

The Fall

Jeffrey was a healthy 21-year-old cadet at the United States Air Force Academy. In high school, he was a cross country and track & field stand out. While at the academy he was a member of the triathlon team. If you were to put Jeffrey’s favorite activities on a list it would be:

• Running
• Running
• Running
• Do you see the point?

But one day, his life changed forever.

In February of 2009, Jeffrey and a few friends went rock climbing at a local park in Colorado Springs. At one of the rocks, while repelling down, something malfunctioned with the ropes and he plunged five stories onto a concrete sidewalk and slammed over on his left side.

As his panic-stricken friends searched for help, a man named Jesus Rodriguez (yes, a man named Jesus!), a former Army medic, was able to help until the ambulance arrived.

To spare an onslaught of details, Jeffrey suffered from 53 broken bones, four brain contusions, a partially severed spinal cord, and partial left leg paralysis. He endured a three month hospital stay and nearly a year of reconstructive surgeries. He could have been in a vegetative state the rest of his life, but through a series of numerous miracles, Jeffrey is alive today.

The most extensive damage is to Jeffrey’s left leg. He only has partial control and has to wear a full leg brace in order to walk. Unless God intervenes, he’ll never be able to run again- a crushing blow to someone who loves running. He can also never return to military service; essentially, his number one passion and his main goal in life were shattered that day.

Can you imagine?

Rebuilding After Tragedy

The first time I met Jeffrey was in 2012; three years after his fall. It was on a blind date no less and less than a year later we were married 😊. (But that’s a story for another day).

Even after three years, his life was still in the rebuilding process. He had to transfer to a local college which did not offer the degree he was pursuing at the Air Force Academy. He had to choose a new major and a new career path along with his new life.

After watching Jeffrey over the years, below are the three things I want to share with you about what he’s taught me about God and tragedy.

A Positive Attitude is Crucial

Despite being reminded of his fall every time he puts on his brace, Jeffrey has an unbelievably positive attitude. Jeffrey could sit and sulk every day about the fact he can no longer run and that he never achieved his dream of being an Air Force pilot, but he doesn’t.

I’m truly amazed at his ability to be positive.

When we first started dating, he referred to his fall as “my accident.” After a few months, he told me he didn’t want to call it that anymore because he doesn’t think there are accidents with God; so now we call it “the fall.” He even put a positive spin on what we call it.

If you’re experiencing tragedy, you must look ahead. Focusing on the past will only keep you from moving forward.

What 53 broken bones taught me about God and tragedy. Click to read! Click To Tweet

Be Thankful for What You Do Have

1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I know, easier said than done right?

But being thankful really does change your mindset. If you only focus on the negative, that’s how you will feel and it will slowly creep into every aspect of your life.

Jeffrey still wishes he could run and we still pray for God to restore his leg. However, he is thankful that he can walk. He is thankful he has a sound mind. He realizes what all could still be wrong with him and focuses on that most of the time.

If you find yourself being negative, make a list of what you do have to be thankful for. It will help change your mindset and lift your spirits.

God Works Tragedy for Good

One of my favorite verses is Romans 8:28 that proclaims, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Despite this terrible situation, Jeffrey’s love for God and has allowed Him to work this situation for good in the following ways:

• When people see his brace, some will ask what happened and it gives him the opportunity to tell strangers about God.
• He can truly empathize with those struggling with a major tragedy.
• He is an inspiration to those who have seen his journey and it has hopefully caused them to grow deeper in their faith (I know mine has!).

In Closing

In all actuality, 53 broken bones didn’t teach me anything, but observing the one who had to overcome it has taught me so much.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing tragedy in their life, just know that God is always there. He sees your pain and is with you. Call on him and he will answer you (Psalm 3:4).

I hope you found this post helpful. Please share it with anyone you think may need it.

Before I go, I want you to know that the background of this blog graphic is a picture of my husband standing by the rock he fell off of.

Love to all,

-Sarah

More about our Ministry

At Transformed4More, our goal is to help those who want to grow in their relationship with God, and we do this in two main ways:

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