Second Chance

I had to share something deeply personal that happened on April 10th, 2025, a day that could have been my last. I came face to face with death, and I truly believe God spared my life for a reason.

I’ve been a devout follower of Christ and a minister at Restoration Family Worship Center in Inglewood, CA, for 21 years. I’ve led many a Wednesday Night Bible Study, and Adult Sunday School class, and have preached about God’s grace and the saving power of the Gospel, but this time… I became the living proof of it.

That Thursday started like any regular day. I wasn’t feeling my best; I was just a little short of breath, which I chalked up to lingering sickness or maybe some new COVID-19 variant going around. After work, I texted my wife that I was going to pick up dinner and started walking through the parking lot toward my Jeep. But by the time I got there, the shortness of breath had become overwhelming. I placed my hand on the back window to steady myself. That’s the last thing I remember.

The next thing I knew, I was facedown on the pavement by the driver’s door. My Apple Watch was vibrating and flashing, it had detected a HARD FALL and started calling 911. In my confusion, I stopped the call (not my finest moment, don’t do what I did! Lol!). I managed to crawl into the front seat, trying to catch my breath. Thank God, and I mean that sincerely, “Thank you Jesus!” emergency services called me back immediately. Minutes later, the fire department and ambulance arrived.

Doctors at the ER discovered massive blood clots in my lungs, including one that was blocking oxygen to my heart. The ER doctor told me it was a miracle I survived, that it definitely would have been fatal had I not received prompt treatment. Another doctor at the hospital later said I had, had a 50% chance of not being here, the fact that I was alone, unconscious, in a parking lot late in the evening.

But I wasn’t truly alone. My Savior was with me. I believe it was the hand of God that used technology, first responders, doctors, and especially an Apple Watch to preserve my life. That night, I lived out the truth of John 3:16–17:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

Jesus didn’t come just to save us eternally; He came to meet us in the middle of life’s most desperate moments. And that night, He met me in a parking lot. Not to condemn me, but to rescue me… Again.

I believe I’m still here because my work for His Kingdom isn’t finished. God gave me a second chance, not just to live, but to love deeper, serve stronger, and share this testimony with anyone who needs to know that Jesus still saves. Whether through a pulpit or a Reddit post, I’ll keep proclaiming the Good News.

Because the same God who gave me breath that night wants to give you everlasting life.