On 6/30, Vicky G. movingly shares what is her personal cross to bear and how she in faith takes it up and follows Christ (Matthew 16:24-26).
It’s not death I’m afraid of, rather pain. Being born with a progressive condition with no cure and no treatment means one body system lets another body system down to where, like dominos, each fall against the other and the suffering comes on many fronts. When someone complains about breathing (COPD, asthma, allergies, sinus trouble) I listen and understand beyond because my muscular dystrophy has me dependent on a ventilator at night and sometimes during the day as well. When someone complains of headaches/migraines I listen because high CO2 levels produce blinding sometimes vomiting head pain. When someone complains of poor eyesight I listen because I am blind in the right eye with poor obstructed vision in the left. When someone complains of back pain (or leg, arm, shoulder, hip) I listen because the scoliosis produced from lack of truck muscle to hold up my spine causes spasms to where I sometimes am in a fetal position and can’t care for myself even for a drink of water. I read here everyday I can, but my posting is less frequent than it used to be because of all this. And this post isn’t for a pity party but to encourage those of you that experience pain, and not just physical but mental pain as well because the pain of our mind (which enduring long term physical pain can produce but also those suffering mental illnesses) can and are for the glory of God, for how many people around the suffering are given opportunity to emulate Jesus. I am an opportunity for others to heal, to support and to pray! I have the responsibility, through my sufferings, to touch caregivers and friends, doctors and nurses, office clerks and insurance representatives with the hand of Christ through my words, my actions, my faith. There is rest from this everyday on the other side but today the Lord asks me to endure and sometimes I ask Him to make it a bit easier and even ask Him “really? and statistically why haven’t I won the Powerball?” because He’s given me humor to cope and to reach others in this condition. But in the end it is about asking “Take this cup from me but if it is your will…” because I know that’s what it means to follow Jesus.
Wow! Vicky, thank you for posting. We’re praying for you and that we aspire toward your admirable faith and trust in the Lord! And please, anyone who reads this, offer a prayer on Vicky’s behalf.
