Chronic Illness: Are you walking in the storm alone?

Right now Tropical Storm Ana, the first named storm of the year, is barreling toward the Southeast coast. It's headed right for my area. In fact, Joe Cantore of The Weather Channel is reporting from one of our beaches, and you know if he's here . . .

In Christianity the term "the storms of life" is common and as I prepared our home - tipping over chairs, securing anything that could become a projectile, etc. - I thought of how it relates to living with a chronic illness.

Do you ever think of your illness as a storm of life? Is it like a slow moving hurricane or a deadly tornado strike? However we think of it, one thing is certain - it leaves behind a destruction of sorts.

The destruction of dreams and plans is one thing, but as so often happens, an extended illness can devastate our families and quality of life.

Matters are made worse when we have an invisible disability such as Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease and others. How many times have you heard people say, "Well you look fine to me." or "You're just using this as a way to get attention."

Ouch! Sometimes this hurts worse than the disease itself.

If that's been your experience, a group like Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) can be a lifeline. I stumbled upon it while writing an article for another publication. I promptly became a member. They offer encouragement, education and even have a social media program that allows us to connect with others - it's kind of like Facebook.

What a relief it is to hear other people's stories and participate in discussions with those folks who really "get us."

Storms come in and out of our lives, but disease can last forever. I don't mean to sound discouraging, this is just reality.  Coming to healthy acceptance helps prevent emotional devastation. I DO want to encourage you to reach out to IDA or another support organization that meets your needs.

It's not safe to walk in a storm alone.

Now you:  If your disease were a storm, how would you describe it?      

When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.
                                                                                                                     Proverbs 10:25

Ugh weight gain! Is it time to renew your thinking about it?

I used to be one of those women who could eat anything and never gain a pound. I was the constant envy of friends everywhere. And also the butt (no pun intended) of many jokes and jabs about my weight.

It didn't matter to them that I wasn't healthy, all that mattered was that I could scarf down a dessert or two with no apparent consequences. I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy eating junk food at will - I did.

So sad . . . the word did.

But I wasn't healthy. I never worked out (because it hurt too much) but that's also a lack of discipline and is nothing to brag about.

That's changed now. It seems that every new medicine has me packing on the pounds or maybe my body's heading into menopause land. Either way, now I'm busting out of my weekend jeans and find myself having to carefully choose outfits that will hide my fluffy muffin top.

Have I mentioned that usually I love fluffy things and muffins - especially fluffy decorated muffins also known as cupcakes?

The other day I was standing in my closet staring at the many things I can no longer wear when it occurred to me that maybe my weight gain is a sign of health. Instead of lamenting those skinny days gone by, maybe I should celebrate.

Except not with cake!

Ephesians 4:20-24 says: But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

The truth is, in my old life, I was a glutton. I am a glutton. Now, I have to change the way I eat and move my body so that whether I eat or drink or whatever I do, I do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31)

Changing the mind about eating habits is not easy, as hundreds of yearly articles in women's magazines shows. But I aim to start this phase of my life as a renewed thinker with a healthy body and spirit.

Now you: Do you have anything you need to renew your thinking about?

Two new resources for pain sufferers

Look what I found!

I went to Barnes and Noble the other day and came across these two magazines so I bought them and wanted to give you a short preview.

The Pain Pathways magazine is geared toward patients and doctors and is a resource for their waiting rooms. However, it's chock full of information and has scads of great websites for chronic pain sufferers and their caregivers.

Stress and demands on caregivers are often overlooked, and as a caregiver myself I greatly appreciated reading something for us!

In addition, the back of the magazine has a resource guide for professional pain organizations and advocacy support groups for pain conditions caused by various cancers and too many disorders to count. I'd highly recommend snapping up this magazine wherever you can find it.

The Family Circle magazine contains one article on pain that didn't really surprise me as far as cures go. That's only because as a sick person, I've tried almost everything by now - except acupuncture. Because my disease is actually in the nerves of the skin, sticking needles in there is a no-no as far as I'm concerned.

The good news though is that chronic pain is getting some press so if you're suffering or have a loved one who is, these would be a great help.

Now you: Have you got any resources to share?

7 Scriptures to help with loneliness

Living with chronic illness can be lonely, heartbreakingly lonely.

At times our friends call less, our family struggles with acceptance and people who don't know us very well pass judgement.

I've struggled with loneliness all my life, but when you add "sickness" to the mix it takes on a whole different level of discouragement and sadness.

If anyone can relate to us, it's Jesus. He faced all of our struggles and feels all of our pain. When he was arrested in the olive grove right before his crucifixion, all his friends left him.

But he was never alone. 

And neither are we. Our God is always with us - at all times, in all circumstances - even when we can't feel his presence. Here are some scriptures to encourage and help you if you're struggling with this powerful emotion . . .

I hope you will write out the ones that spoke to you and carry them in your pocket when you need a little pick me up.
                                                                                      Be well, love well.

One amazing God: A story of heavenly help

By Erika Rizkallah

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of righteousness will arrive with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:2

God never ceases to amaze me.

Yesterday afternoon I had my first reflexology massage by Kathy, my amazing massage therapist. Fibromyalgia and my condition, Small Fiber Neuropathy, causes pain to move around in my body. Don't get me wrong, it's always present but somehow it has a mind of its own. This week it's been in my back and feet.

Sometimes I can't find words to describe what it feels like, but imagine having a migraine in your feet and your back at the same time. It's hard to function, especially for a mother. I'm always on my feet, but this time the pain won out.  For part of the week I could only sit or lay down. Such a bummer.

Kathy thought I should try reflexology to see if it helped.

So there I was in her studio. Soft lighting and soothing spa music put me in a relaxed state. My feet were bathed in a warm water bath - you know, the kind with soothing vibration - which had fragrant and healing essential oils added.

Then I hopped up on to the table and she began the treatment. In about fifteen minutes, my back pain ramped up. Burning. Searing. Tears streamed down my face as I gave in to a good (silent) cry and oh how I prayed. I begged God for help over and over as I tried to talk myself off of the metaphorical ledge.
   

I've often heard women suffering from Fibro say they've actually prayed to die. I understand and sympathize. Unrelenting suffering can cause depression and feelings of hopelessness.

But here's the amazing part, all of a sudden, I felt a cooling sensation. Like a cold compress was being pressed onto my back, exactly in the spot that burned. I told Kathy and we both praised God out loud. It lasted the entire length of my massage and gently faded away on the drive home.

                          Jesus heals.

I am so grateful to belong to a God who hears and cares about each one of us.

I hope you feel encouraged to pray - pray with all your heart - when you need God's comfort.

Your turn: Do you have any miraculous stories of comfort or healing?

Love and Limitations: Jesus comforts in affliction

By Erika Rizkallah

I know in my last post I said something about embracing my limitations. Well, maybe embrace was too strong a word because at some point in the week I'm pretty sure I broke down and cried a little.

On the plus side, my condition comes with memory loss so I can't remember it very well.

I think instead of embracing my limitations, I'll just give them a pat on the shoulder for now. You know, like we do with those awkward people we don't really want to hug.

Also, I want to share something that happened this week. In my sorrow, Jesus comforted me. Days after my little meltdown I was lamenting about my inability to serve him like I used to. During my prayer talk, I was filled with a warm love. It didn't come from within me, but was aimed at me!

His acceptance and kindness rushed over me like a waterfall.

I felt in my soul, that he loved me simply because he created me.

                                   It's true for you as well!

He doesn't care that we're not well enough or strong enough to do things for him. He doesn't need us to do anything for him. If anyone knows about our suffering and affliction, it's Jesus. He is our healer and savior and gives of himself freely and generously.

My prayer for all of us this week is that we simply accept his gifts and enjoy his presence.
                              May you be filled with his peace ~ Erika

Saturday: Slowly by Slowly

By Erika Rizkallah

For several years my church has been helping the people of Lagutu, Uganda rebuild and restore their village which was ravaged by the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army).  In this incredible human tragedy, thousands of parents were slaughtered. Their captured children were forced to fight as soldiers by the rebel invaders.

Progress and healing is slow but the Ugandans have a popular saying:

                                  Slowly by slowly...

Slowly by slowly - in its own time or in God's timing - things will get done.

Living with Small Fiber Neuropathy , chronic pain and Fibromyalgia has forced me to change my pace. And the way I think . . .  about everything.

I've decided that this year, I will adopt the Slowly by Slowly motto for myself. Instead of despairing or being perpetually frustrated, I will embrace my limitations. I will consider it a gift from God that keeps me grounded and present in each moment.

And I will take pictures of my progress along the way because my illness robs me of memory. Slowly by slowly, my children will grow and mature and things that matter to me will get done. These small accomplishments will remind me that, oh yeah . . . I did do that!

So here are my first small Saturday: SbS pics for this day on January 17th -

Tidying up my little porch area

Bringing life (hopefully) to some weather beaten pansies

Your Turn: Do you have your own Slowly by Slowly accomplishments to tackle?