Book Summary#butGod, by Jeremy Freeman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of #butGod

The Freemans' history with tragedy and their faith journey leading up to Caleb's accident

The book segment explores the challenging circumstances faced by Jeremy Freeman and his relatives prior to the incident involving Caleb. Their faith has remained steadfast even through incredibly challenging times.

The family was engulfed in deep sorrow following the loss of two family members to an uncommon hereditary disorder.

The Freeman family has endured the devastating effects of a disorder commonly known as SCIDS, which stands for severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome. Boys receive this X-linked condition from their mothers with a fifty percent chance. The consequences of the incident had an unfortunate impact on the brothers and sisters of Emily, and as time passed, this also extended to some individuals in her subsequent family lineage.

Matt and Dan, the sons of the Freeman family, were born with a diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency, a condition that rendered them extremely vulnerable to illness.

Emily's family embraced Matt wholeheartedly as their firstborn son. Shortly after coming back home, her parents realized that things were not as they should be. His health remained poor, with frequent bouts of coughs and fevers continuing to afflict him. During that period, a team of pediatric immune deficiency experts was engaged in a study within the Oklahoma Children's Hospital, previously known as the Children's Hospital of Oklahoma. After a thorough assessment, it was determined that Matt had a condition known as SCIDS, which compromises the immune system and increases susceptibility to diseases. During that period, the typical treatment for SCIDS often entailed a transplant of bone marrow. In the best-case situation, should a perfect family donor not be available, it is still a feasible option to accept an organ from a parent who is a compatible, though not exact, match. Matt's transplant, which was successfully accepted after three attempts, involved a bone marrow donation from Emily's father. Upon learning of Matt's diagnosis with SCIDS, Emily's mother was already pregnant with Daniel. Despite the advice of medical professionals to terminate the pregnancy, Emily's parents stood firm in their decision to carry it to term. The amniocentesis revealed that Dan had SCIDS. The bone marrow transplant, utilizing marrow provided by the mother of Emily, began immediately. Despite each of the boys' miraculous survival, Matt encountered a notably difficult struggle with the illness and suffered ongoing complications. Dan's overall good health notwithstanding, he ultimately succumbed to an infection from the norovirus.

Context

• Symptoms typically appear in infancy and include frequent, severe infections, failure to thrive, and chronic diarrhea. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through genetic testing and immune function tests.
• SCIDS is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a severely compromised immune system, making individuals highly susceptible to infections. It is often referred to as "bubble boy disease" due to the need for extreme protective measures to prevent exposure to pathogens.
• A bone marrow transplant involves transferring healthy bone marrow stem cells to a patient whose bone marrow is not functioning properly. This procedure is often used to treat conditions like SCIDS, where the immune system is severely compromised.
• A bone marrow transplant involves transferring healthy bone marrow stem cells to a patient whose bone marrow is not functioning properly. This procedure is often used to treat conditions like SCIDS, where the immune system is severely compromised.
• Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCIDS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a severely compromised immune system, making individuals highly susceptible to infections. It is often referred to as "bubble boy disease" due to the need for extreme protective measures to prevent exposure to pathogens.
• Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, and is particularly dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems.

The Freeman family's young son Toby bravely confronted the difficulties associated with SCIDS, only to pass away at just 85 days old.

Emily's sibling, Jeannie, was the mother of a pair of boys. They were both born with SCIDS. Toby's condition deteriorated to the point where undergoing a bone marrow transplant was imperative. At first, the organ transplant appeared to be a success, but it wasn't long before Toby's health began to decline. He passed away after a month-long struggle. In their sorrow, Toby's parents declared their conviction that what is given by God can also be taken back by Him. Let us give thanks to the Lord, for it is He who grants and also takes away. Jeremy Freeman's son was battling the same illness in the same hospital.

Context

• Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCIDS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a severely compromised immune system, making individuals extremely vulnerable to infections.
• SCIDS gained public attention in the 1970s and 1980s with the story of David Vetter, known as the "Bubble Boy," who lived in a sterile environment due to his condition.
• Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCIDS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a severely compromised immune system, making individuals extremely vulnerable to infections.
• Despite initial success, complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infections, or organ failure can occur, leading to a decline in health.
• Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCIDS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a severely compromised immune system, making individuals extremely vulnerable to infections.
• The concept underscores a theological view that life and its...

#butGod Summary The Freemans were confronted with a difficult circumstance regarding Caleb's outlook, prompting them to react with deep and immediate reliance on their beliefs.

This section delves into how the Freeman family initially reacted to the calamitous incident that befell Caleb. You'll notice their unease, yet also their profound trust in the divine might.

Caleb sustained critical injuries from a catastrophic vehicular collision.

Caleb and his brother Clayton were involved in a significant collision with a large freight truck while en route to a basketball game at the University of Oklahoma. Within an hour of handing out the tickets, Jeremy Freeman received a call notifying him of a serious accident involving his sons.

Doctors gave Caleb only a 10% chance of survival and predicted he would be severely disabled if he lived

The neurologist conveyed the grave information to Jeremy and Emily, detailing how their son Caleb had sustained a severe and critical brain injury, identified as a diffuse axonal grade III. There was considerable swelling of his brain. The healthcare professionals are dedicated to ensuring his health to the fullest extent, but it's important to recognize that his likelihood of surviving beyond tonight is not anticipated. He further explained that it is rare for people with similar injuries to awaken from...

#butGod Summary Caleb's steady recuperation, along with the emotional and spiritual challenges the Freemans encountered, required them to steadfastly maintain their belief in the divine plan.

This section explores the challenging path to recovery that Caleb embarked on and its significant impact on his parents' faith. You'll observe their struggle with uncertainty and disillusionment amid challenges, yet they steadfastly maintained their conviction in the divine affection.

Caleb faced numerous challenges and moments of discouragement on his arduous journey towards healing.

After Caleb’s accident, he entered into a coma that lasted for weeks. The Freeman family was dedicated to finding a center that could offer Caleb extensive support, which would empower him to live a full and independent life.

The Freemans experienced waves of faith and doubt as they watched Caleb's slow, sometimes regressive, progress

The author narrates the agonizing duration of their tribulation, detailing his constant pacing in the intensive care unit, consumed by the yearning to heal his child yet completely devoid of the means to effectuate it. He sensed himself plummeting without any solid footing to grasp. During his profound periods of sorrow, he pondered, "What is the reason for God permitting such events in my life?" What was the reason for Him to allow such persistent sorrow...

#butGod Summary Caleb's existence underwent a profound transformation, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and direction in the Freeman family's ministry.

This segment of the story depicts the significant transformation in spiritual life and the thorough overhaul of being that followed Caleb's recuperation. God bestowed upon him a revitalized purpose and through his path to recovery, profoundly impacted those around him, leaving his parents completely amazed – #butGod!

Caleb underwent a significant transformation that imbued him with self-assurance and transformed him into an extroverted person, passionately eager to share the Christian message.

Caleb's profound transformation was sparked by the accident. His humility and unassuming nature had always been his defining characteristics. His outgoing and self-assured nature facilitated the creation of new bonds with people wherever his journey took him. He devoted numerous hours to conversing with individuals, recounting the dual restoration of his health and spirit through divine intervention.

He became a fervent proponent of his beliefs, relentlessly seeking opportunities to mentor and bolster individuals around him.

As Caleb recovered, his commitment to his ministry work grew more apparent. He made a personal commitment to learn every individual's name when he went...

#butGod Summary The phrase "but God" emerged as a powerful and far-reaching movement and message, originating from the experiences of the Freeman family.

Consider how the spiritual has influenced your own path and the possibility that your life's events can inspire and elevate your community. The enduring narrative of the Freeman family continues to serve as a potent impetus for transformative change.

The transformation in Caleb's life sparked a wider "but God" movement.

Caleb's existence powerfully testified to the divine's magnificence. His narratives resonated with many, setting off a wave of impact across the country.

The story detailing the experiences of the Freeman family has inspired numerous people to share their own accounts of God's unwavering presence.

As the Freeman family continued to share Caleb’s #butGod story, other people came forward, sharing their own experiences of God’s intervention and miraculous work. Through the testimony of a young woman who miraculously recovered her mobility against medical forecasts, to the many people whose belief was kindled by the profound influence of Caleb's life, Freeman underscores that these occurrences are the result of divine intervention, not simply coincidence.

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