My COVID Story- Part 1

Hello, friends! Here is part one of my COVID story. I hope this retelling of what happened to me encourages you that even when life doesn’t make sense, even when the unknown future is terrifying, even when you feel lost and alone, our great God sees you and is working to do the immeasurable (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Here is God’s miracle story (Romans 8:28):

On Sunday, October 31, I was sitting in church when a small “tickle” formed in my throat. At first, I thought it was because I needed to cough or it was just my allergies. However, the “tickle” never left. By that afternoon, I was coughing, tired, and unsure if I had overworked myself that week before.

As the next day came (Monday), I was sure I was sick as my fatigue continued to worsen. Though I was sure I didn’t have COVID, my sinuses sure reminded me of what my mom had told me hers were like when she had COVID in December of 2020. Monday came and went, and I was still able to do school, make dinner, and prepare for co-op. Though, by Monday night, I felt dizzy, mentally exhausted, and coughing seemed to be the usual.

That night I went to bed and soon woke up with a body that felt like it was on fire. I was hot, then cold, and very restless with body aches. When Tuesday morning came, my cough was worse. I was still congested in a weird way, tired, and I was running a fever.

I forced myself to think I was “fine” to go to co-op. My mother, being the good mother that she is, took my temperature, and told me I was staying home. Because of all the “junk” that was in my throat, I developed the symptom of not being able to talk very well.

I spent the next few moments of my morning in the kitchen with my mother, who proceeded to explain to me what medicine I should take and when. At the mention of of me perhaps having COVID, my heart dropped and I began to faint.

The stresses of life seemed to catch up with me in that moment. In those moments, I remembered my show performance next week, and that I couldn’t have COVID. I just couldn’t.

Tuesday night came and it brought more restless sleep, body aches, fever, and a throat that hurt like no other! It hurt so bad, medicine didn’t take the pain away. By then I was convinced I had strep throat. When I awoke the next morning, one of the first things I did was whisper (because I hardly had a voice) to my mom, “I want to go to the doctor, and be tested for Strep Throat.”

By now, my castmates all knew I wasn’t feeling well. They were all praying and staying updated on the latest news of my health situation! I told them I was going to be tested for Strep and COVID, as the doctor would probably test for both. My mom and I prayed and hoped I had Strep. At least then I could get medicine and be back to normal in a few days, but our good God had other plans!

That afternoon, on the way to the doctor, I developed a new symptom, “hot flashes.” At least that is what I called them! These “hot flashes” consisted of my temperature rising and me sweating (yay)!

That afternoon I remember praying for God’s will to be done. I was anxious to be well for the show, but I also wanted to trust that God’s way and timing was better than my own. I tested negative for Strep, went home, and slept. When I awoke my mother informed me that she had received an at-home test for COVID (the doctor hadn’t been able to test for COVID, because he didn’t have the equipment). We then took my test and waited for the results. While we waited, I went outside to get some fresh air. My castmates were also praying for a negative test!

A few moments later my mom came outside and told me the test was positive. I was half expecting it, half not. I had no idea what to think, except that God must be doing something. I knew God had given me the role of Miss Brooks (the lead in the production), helped me to defeat “giants,” given me time and energy to memorize my lines, and so much more!

I cried out of the unknown future and my loss of control. I cried because for a few moments I was sure I was done playing Miss Brooks.

That night our family went into quarantine. The next few days would bring sickness to three other family members.

Thursday and Friday came and went, with me sleeping for hours and having no interest in eating. At times I couldn’t even bring myself to pick up a fork! I also missed my last rehearsal before my show week.

Through all of this time, I had been holding onto hope, and that God saw me in my struggle. I had friends texting me every day asking how I was feeling. I had brothers and sisters all over the country praying for my recovery! I really couldn’t have done that week without them!

My “go-to” songs became “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells, “Overwhelmed” by Big Daddy Weave, and “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns. I believe God also pressed upon my heart “This we Know” by Passion (all songs linked below). God continued to provide me with just enough strength to keep practicing my lines and character development. God certainly carried me!

By the end of Friday I felt as if my “old brain” was returning. Saturday was the day my mom says my fever finally broke. I don’t remember much of that weekend, except for the fact that I was beyond tired, had no interest in eating, and had developed stomach issues.

More than that, I remember being beyond excited. I was beyond excited because I knew I was going to see God work! I knew that in one way or another, God was going to answer all of His people’s prayers. Whether that was a “Yes, she will perform,” or “No, I have a better plan.”

To be continued….(Jeremiah 29:11)

Alyssa Rasor

Songs:

Hills and Valleys by Tauren Wells – youtube.com/watch?v=8iDuZv_5MQk

Overwhelmed by Big Daddy Weave – youtube.com/watch?v=F6oxXwRWFTo

This We Know by Passion – youtube.com/watch?v=4suFhWvLR-Q

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns – youtube.com/watch?v=9cKm_mYVPQE

(This is a song a friend sent me) To Good to Not Believe by Cody Carnes – youtube.com/watch?v=IKVX_XdaP04