My brother, Dr. Mike Sims, has served as a family practice physician in Columbus, Georgia since the mid-1970’s. For many years his practice included obstetrics– the delivery of babies. Mike often expressed to me how much he enjoyed participating with God in the divine miracle of birth. Mike has always been pro-life and has never wavered. Obstetrics only strengthened his conviction that life begins at conception.
Sadly, sometimes even the best of care and the most effective medicines cannot prevent miscarriages. In the early 1980’s my brother was in the midst of a one of those crisis moments with a young expectant mother, when something absolutely unexpected occurred. Here is the incredible story.
Twenty-four weeks is barely over half-term for a pregnancy, and Dr. Sims’ frightened patient was in full labor. Things were not looking good. In the early 1980’s the survival rate for a premature birth at 24 weeks was only about 35%. In addition the chances of severe complications for those babies that did survive was enormous– lung and neurological development problems were the most common.
Nevertheless, Dr. Sims’ and his nursing team worked hard to save both mother and child. But when the baby girl was finally delivered she was lifeless. He had feared that would be the outcome since they had first arrived at the hospital. There were no signs of life. Brokenhearted, Dr. Mike cut the umbilical cord and gently laid the tiny child’s body aside on a receiving table just behind him and to his left.
Stillborn births are difficult to deal with for both parents, and for the obstetric medical team involved in the delivery. That which was expected to be such a joyous occasion is forced to take on a whole new emotional reality. Still, the physician must not allow emotions to cause a loss of focus on the Mom and her successful recovery. As usual, Mike and his team did their job well.
A moment later, for no obvious reason at all, Mike felt compelled to look back over his shoulder at the stillborn child. It was as if there had been an invisible tap on his shoulder, or a gentle whisper from behind. Just as he turned his eyes to the baby, he witnessed a tiny gasp– a slight sign of the little girl’s struggle to survive. God was giving him notice–the child was alive after all!
A rush of adrenaline shot through Dr. Sims’ system. Barking orders to the attending nurses, all attention was drawn to the little one gasping for precious breath. Allowing assistants to continue helping the Mom, Mike worked with the newborn as she bravely defied death. “Oh, Death, where is your sting? Oh, Grave, where is your victory?”
It’s been over thirty years since that brave little girl took her first gasp. It was a tiny gasp; a weak gasp; but a determined one just the same. It was just enough of a gasp to get my brother’s attention. And as a result her life was spared– and it continues today.
Five years my senior, my brother Mike has always affected me profoundly. Even today we share the stories of life and death which we encounter within our chosen professions– Mike as a physician, and me as a pastor. When he first relayed this story to me many years ago, it help me understand this deep truth about our Heavenly Father:
God is a pro-life God. He sees us– even when all we can do is gasp. His constant eye on us is looking for a sign, a cry– even a feeble gasp for eternal life. And when He sees our silent call for help, He responds. He is there, ever working to save us. We are the apple of His eye, and the constant focus of the great work of the Great Physician.
In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help. Psalm 31:22
Beautiful story
Incredible story! My sweet granddaughter (Billy’s daughter) was born in October at only 25 weeks, weighing only one and a half pounds. She has been in the hospital ever since (and currently is at Children’s). Although her twin sister (Nissa) was stillborn, we rejoice that she (Melodie) survived, and everyday we see God’s hand on her. She is indeed a miracle! I give thanks for her daily! I also give credit to the doctors and nurses who have spent so much time working with her to see her healing that will eventually be complete so that she can come home. And I believe that one day she will be making “melody” to the Lord!
I grew up in the small town of Ashland, AL with Mike, Mark, and Donna Sims. They are still 3 of my favorite people! Their parents, Marilyn and Coolidge were like my parents and I loved them dearly! We all grew up together in church and school! I miss the simple, but good life we shared! I still love you three and so enjoy these posts! ❤️ Jana
Life was good growing up. Not perfect, but good! I, too, thank God for growing up in small town America.
I love reading your blog. Thanks for dharing. Also love seeing the oicture of my former neighbors.
Thanks neighbor! God is good, isn’t he?
What a beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing. We love the Sims.
Mike has been our dear friend and Physician for 36 years! My trust in His doctoring abilities is implicit! We love his tender heart & rich spirit!
I have known Dr. Sims for years. God bless him and THANK YOU for sharing how God has used him and continues to use him for His Glory!
Dr. Sims is the best! He took care of my aunt for years, and she was a tough cookie, but she dearly loved Dr. Sims. Dr. Sims also has a lovely family!
Mark, you have out done yourself this time!!!! What an amazing story about Mike, this precious baby, Mike’s stand on abortion and God’s love for us all!!!
Mike has always been a tower of strength. Thanks Mary.
Thank you Mark fir this story, you and Mike have always been a blessing..
Mark, Lew and I were out of town when your precious Dad passed away. We loved that man as well as your Mom and Mike and Donna and you! A special family from good ole Clay County where we all grew up!
Lew is recovering from radiation therapy. He had his left tonsil removed in May 2016. Tested positive for squamous cell carcinoma HPV. Took 32 radiation treatments and lost 41 lbs. But he is tough and battled his way back. Gained some of the weight back and is back riding his Harley. Goes back to Oncologist on May!
Love to you, Mike and Donna!
Lew and Glenda (Brooks) Hassell
We will be praying for Lew. God hears us and loves to heal us.
Ezekiel 16:6 says “Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood and as you lay there in your blood I said to you ” LIVE!” NIV
Doctor Sims was My very first Doctor from Birth until i was 13 and I remember to this Day him as Donald Duck! Lol he is such a great doctor and im glad as i grew up he was my physician
He always loved that Donald Duck impression!!!
Dr. Sims was my Dr. for 25 or more yrs. when I lived in Columbus Ga. until I moved to Decatur Ga.. I really miss him and can’t find a Dr. at Emory as good as Dr. Sims.
I loved Dr. Sims.
This is a beautiful memory that you have shared. God is stronger that medicine, I do believe that is called hope and faith. Love to all the Sims clam. Susan