Not Once Did His Promises Fail
After leaving work on the evening of Friday, October 7, 2011, just before a holiday weekend, Marvella’s life was suddenly and dramatically changed by a near-fatal brain aneurysm. This life-altering event set her on an unexpected journey she could never have imagined. The story begins in a church, then moves through her hospitalization, time in a rehabilitation center, and finally her return home. Until she arrived home after rehabilitation, Marvella had little understanding of everything that had happened to her.
Life after rehabilitation proved to be extremely difficult, affecting her mental, physical, and social well-being. Not Once Did His Promises Fail was written after strong encouragement from family, friends, and acquaintances who believed Marvella’s experience was a story that needed to be shared. Many, including medical professionals, view her survival and recovery as nothing short of a miracle.
Through this book, Marvella hopes to encourage readers facing their own challenges by reminding them that they are not alone. Her story offers comfort and hope, showing that with faith, resilience, and determination, adversity can be overcome. The narrative centers on themes of hardship, love, trust, faith, and complete dependence on God through personal prayer, communal prayer, Scripture, and the example of biblical figures. It also highlights the importance of a strong support system made up of family, friends, and a faith-filled community.
The book also shares the many losses Marvella experienced, including challenges with mobility, coordination, balance, hearing, speech, memory, health coverage, therapy, employment, career, and income. Because of ongoing medical complications, she was forced into early retirement. She also struggled with vertigo and tinnitus, and faced moments of despair, discouragement, and the looming threat of depression. Disappointment, despair, and depression are real struggles—but throughout her journey, God’s love and mercy repeatedly appeared in miraculous ways, turning the impossible into possible.
Today, Marvella continues to live with long-term effects from the aneurysm, yet by God’s grace she remains steadfast in her faith. Rather than asking “Why?”, she continually thanks God for His goodness and love.
