{Be Devoted} Featuring Bethany Tyson

Back when I was in middle school, my church had a “girl’s night” that I attended. Bethany Tyson, that very evening, gave her testimony. Many years later, to this day it has stuck me with. The Lord really used her story to move me and encourage me. I now have the privileged to feature her amazing story today on the blog. I can’t even tell you how overjoyed I am! May you be challenged and encouraged by this dear woman.

Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Bethany.

Hi, I’m Bethany.  I’m so thankful to share a testimony of God’s faithfulness with you!  First off, let me introduce myself.  I’m 37 and live in the suburbs of Philly. I’m a full time mom and work part time at a Christian counseling practice. My husband is a talented videographer, and we have two boys ages seven and four.

Sixteen years ago, this December, I was in my junior year of college enjoying my studies, and time with friends.  I was also active in the campus Christian Fellowship group, and led a weekly small group Bible study in my dorm.  That particular winter I was asked to co-lead a Bible study at an overnight retreat which would be on the topic of contentment.  I remember thinking how ironic I ended up with this topic when it was an area of my life that I often struggled.  Maybe you can relate.  As God would have it though, I learned a lot through preparing that study.  At the end of the retreat I wrote the following in a journal, “Being content means to trust God in all situations, rest in Him, be still and know that God is in control, be satisfied in Him … Lord, show me what that means.”  That was my prayer, but that is not where the story ends.

Later that weekend, I was heading out with four friends to an end of the semester party at a nearby college.  It was a rather frigid night, and we ended up driving into bad weather.  Our car lost control and we thought we were ok when it hit the guardrail; but quickly realized we were not in a good spot and exited the car.   That was when we were hit by another car.  I remember those following moments vividly – I was lying on the ground unable to move, headlights in my face, people trying to help and then thinking, “We’re going to die!”  Thankfully, we all survived, and 3 of us were medevaced to local trauma centers.  I went into surgery right away and spent time in the ICU with injuries to both my legs–my right leg nearly severed. Eventually, they moved me to a different floor and my family and I were met by surgeons who gave me two options.  Option one-numerous surgeries (over a couple years) in hopes to repair my leg. Option two- amputation of my leg below the knee, and I would be up walking in no time.  I had an hour to decide because of the threat of infection.   As you can imagine, my family and I were heartbroken that it had to come to this. We discussed, cried, and prayed for clear direction.  I wanted to fight, and keep my leg- I couldn’t imagine losing my leg!  Yet, at the same time  I wanted to get on with life as I could, countless surgeries didn’t appeal to me.  I spoke with my pastor at the time and he asked me, ‘What do you want to do?” and my response was, “I want to do what God sees is best for me”. And with that, the Lord intervened and gave me my answer.  I can’t even explain it, but I knew my desires were in line with His as I tearfully told the Dr’s that I wanted the amputation.

My recovery over those following 2 years was painful and emotionally trying.  At times, I found myself feeling down and even angry at God at one point early on, but I praise God for how He kept me close and used family & friends who ministered to me in so many ways.  My mom would often remind me to look to Jesus, he’s the One who understands your pain unlike any other, and my dad would read Scripture to me during nights when I couldn’t sleep. What better place to be then before the Lord, and in His Word. The book of Philippians and many Psalms became very dear to me as I learned to walk & function with a prosthetic leg, my new normal.  By His strength, I pressed on to graduate on time, and started my career working with individuals with disabilities.  In addition, over the past 5 years I have been mentoring females as they go through the process of losing a limb.  It’s a great joy to minister to others in this way!

I may have lost a piece of me, and life wasn’t panning out as I had hoped, but what a blessing to have gained a whole new perspective on what it means to trust God- to find satisfaction, sufficiency, strength –contentment through His Son, Jesus.  As Joni Eareckson Tada puts it, “Contentment is not about what we have, it’s about Who we have.”  How true! May you be encouraged that you too can find contentment in Jesus Christ- and live for Him- no matter the circumstance.

This is a photo of Bethany during recovery.