It's been a little over a year since I was first diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This blog is the place where I am hoping to share my Journey with Jesus through the Air of This Changing Season. Hopeful I strive to be, however the days have their own labels, and sometimes I am taken to places that are beyond my choosing. Pain-and-weakness is certainly not the path I would have looked for.
My "Rheumy" (as I've learned the shortened term for my Specialist,) continues to search for the right medication cocktail that will put this disease into remission. Will medications #7 and #8 be the combination that is the winning number? Whether remission comes or not, I have finally begun the process of accepting that my life will never be the same. Is there anyone else struggling to come that place of acceptance?
My Scripture Passage for the day says:
"But let all who take refuge in You be glad,
Let them ever sing for joy;
And may You shelter them,
That those who love Your name
May exult in You.
For it is You who blesses the
Righteous man, O Lord,
You surround him with favor as with a shield." --Psalm 5:11,12
A place of Joy is to be found in taking refuge in the Lord. And, being in that refuge--Is that where I will find the acceptance to embrace this Season too?
I pray that you will find Him too, as you search the paths of your own journey.
Oh Bettie, walking these hard roads via you and Tammy Mashburn has taught me so very much. Tammy won't allow me to ask her "HOW ARE YOU?" She's taught me to ask "HOW ARE YOU LIVING TODAY?" My compassion and empathy has grown 7-fold watching the two of you navigate this writing life in the lens of chronic illness. I admire you both greatly. (My complaining has decreased too!) xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteSusan, I am so thankful for your encouragement and all of your prayers! And I am so grateful for Tammy's words also! She always brings such a fresh perspective to this journey. I appreciate that "How are you living today?" question so much. That is what I want to focus on, and to keep pointing to Jesus along the way! Love you!! xoxoxo
DeleteI can testify to the life-altering effects of an illness. 22 years ago I was hit with transverse myelitis, when a virus attacks the myelin sheath around the nerves and triggers an autoimmune response which joins in the attack. RA was one of the many things they investigated on the way to a diagnosis. But I haven't had to deal with continual pain, though some with TM do. I think that would be the hardest of all. I hope by this time they've found that medicinal cocktail to give you some relief. And I rejoice that you're seeking Him in the journey.
ReplyDeleteDear Barbara,
DeleteOh thank you for sharing your understanding and support here! What an encouragement to know that the Lord has been with you through 22 years of walking with chronic illness, and you are here today speaking good thoughts! Yes, for a while the medications brought a lot of relief, but then this past spring another flare-up hit, and we have been in the process once again of trying to find the right combination. Blessings and prayers for you as you walk your path also!
God has been good. You are a great friend and ally in this journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Coming to you from Throw Back Thursday
ReplyDeleteDear Mandy,
DeleteOh yes God has been so good to us, hasn't He? I am so thankful for your friendship and support on this journey that we share too! Our Lord brings us blessings in the middle of the hard places.