GrahamCooke.com

The online home of speaker and author Graham Cooke

An Update Regarding Graham's Health

Dear Friends,

 

Thank you so much for your prayers, comments, cards, and humor. I am feeling better after the initial health attack but have not recovered fully in my brain and body. I am operating at around 50-60% of normal. My concentration is poor and my thinking is slow. My physical strength is limited and my energy levels are very low. I can work a little in the mornings but am exhausted by noon.

 

I am currently writing the 3rd book in the Prophetic Equipping Series – Prophetic Wisdom. It is slow going due to my concentration levels. I hope to finish it by the end of December.

 

I believe this situation was yet another attack against my voice. It is perhaps no coincidence that I am sidelined immediately after the “Raise Your Voice” Aglow International Event in Kentucky.

 

A virus attached itself to my brain and attacked my motor skills. I found movement difficult. I lost my sense of smell, taste and the ability to speak. My hearing was a little impaired but is now improving also. It was a hard fight; all the more difficult because it came out of nowhere.

 

In the Emergency Room, I could think as well as normal but had no power to articulate. I remember saying to the enemy that: “If my physical voice does not return, I swear that I will beat you with my writing voice. I will ask for the anointing of A.W. Tozer, C.S. Lewis, Paul Billheimer, Tom Marshall and John Piper (these guys have travelled in my brief case all over the world). I will triple my efforts to have any voice I possess, heard in abundance.”

 

Just threatening the enemy made me feel better. I gave myself to rejoicing, always the best medicine. By the next day my voice had returned and I could give the doctors a hard time. They let me leave after only 24 hours.

 

So I am diligently (and sensibly) working my way back to normal output. My focus and concentration are taking the longest to return. I can write well for an hour but then need a break (or I’ll just be writing rubbish). Previously I could write for several hours and it flowed.

 

I am happy; useless to be despondent, there is no reason for it. I always, always prefer fellowship with a positive rather than the opposite. The Father is always super positive with us (it’s why He put us into Jesus!) and I adore that part of His personality.

 

Theresa is back (hooray!) from Africa. I have missed her terribly but am so proud and pleased with all that happened in her with the Holy Spirit. It is good when we come into a new place, and I am looking forward to seeing the impact on her life and spirit in the coming days. No doubt she will be writing some thoughts on the trip and what has changed for her.

 

Even if the entry point was surprising I feel that I have entered a new space also in the past few weeks. I will be processing it carefully with friends.

 

Watch this space. Thanks again for standing with me.

Graham