It's real life, folks! A guest entry from a Lyme Warrior!

You know someone with a chronic Illness, but may not know who! Many of the illnesses are invisible so these people can fly under the radar. Statistics report that 1 in 3 people (90 million in the US alone) have a chronic illness. Wowza - that's a huge number. Even with that alarming statistic, there seems to be a lack of awareness. 

I recently read a very vulnerable facebook post from a dear friend - someone who is one of the 1 in 3, battling her way through some difficult days. Today I am sharing her post with you in an effort to shed some light on what it's like living with a chronic illness. Many of these diseases are invisible and those of us who live with them tend keep the details private as we press on, which can lend to some normalcy but also to some isolation. These dreadful diseases that cause so much pain, fatigue, limitations and daily struggles affect the whole person, in every area of their life. The amazing gal who wrote this post has a very strong family and a very strong faith in a God. She is blessed that she is able to live with joy and gives complete praise to The Lord for His grace over her life, in a very difficult situation. 

The Facebook post below was written by Lisa Pelton, who has severe Lyme Disease. More importantly, she is a beautiful married mama, friend to many, a children's book author, a lover of life and The Lord! Her case of Lyme is very rare and complex because of co-infections that are resistant to treatment and what she deals with on a daily basis is hard for even me to comprehend. She uses a wheelchair, is mostly homebound and doesn't know any given morning what she'll wake up to. Will her body seize up? Will she be exhausted? Will she have pain? Will she be able to get her kids ready for school? Will she be able to cook? All of these unknowns lead her family to move in with her in-laws. Here's a snapshot of her world, from her own words: 

"It has been a little over a year since I started to really feel bad and was scrambling going to Dr's appointments to help figure out what was happening to me. This hit me hard yesterday, especially because Gary and I had a morning by ourselves. My parents took the kids overnight and all I wanted was to spend time with him, having a quiet breakfast, just the two of us. But, he knew I needed to get food in me quickly and offers to cook at home. "No, I sit with your parents every morning. They are here and I just need you", I told him. I needed to feel 'normal'. We decided to go to Stick Boy, just in town, but I was frustrated because it is not an easy place to get into with a wheelchair. Gary said to leave that problem to him. We got in the car and the tears started to flow. He looked over at me. "What's wrong?" "It is all so overwhelming at times." I responded. He understood. Then as we near town we look up and we see a road block. A physical roadblock to where we want to go. There was a big downtown event, and we needed to change directions. Our hearts sunk, once again forced in a direction, having no choice. Hungry, the new direction had us consider Starbucks, and thankfully they serve breakfast items these days. I was still teary as we sat and Gary lovingly squeezed my hand. I was so appreciative we were together. We then decided to go see my daughter at her gymnastics practice. I have not been able to watch her since I saw her compete in the State meet last December. It meant the world to her that I was there and I also got to see my co-workers and we exchanged huge hugs. How I miss them. I was exhausted by the time I got home and was in bed the rest of the day. All in all it was a really good day. I got to have a taste of my old 'normal', something I realized while driving into town I desperately needed to feel. I don't know what lies ahead, only God knows this. Sometimes we are forced to change directions, and it is not easy. Our 'normals' change from what we once knew. It is hard for everyone to adjust. But the thing that remains constant is our GOD. He is NEVER changing. So if you are in a situation where you find your circumstances have taken you on a detour or roadblock, always remember who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His grace will cover all the 'normal' that has changed even if the old normal becomes a new one. Be blessed! Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

First, I feel inspired by Lisa's attitude and faith, but then I feel heartbroken. As another one of the 1 in 3 that suffers with a chronic illness, I understand every word she said. So many people take for granted that they can hop in the car and drive with their spouse to a restaurant or movie theatre, walk right in, order some munchies, enjoy a movie and call it a night! Sounds easy enough, right?  You'd be surprised that for many people it isn't. We do crave "normalcy", but for most of us it's a new and constantly changing normal. 

Lisa said something that really warmed my heart. "God is our constant! He is never changing!"  The circumstances that cause change in our life have no affect on God. The uncertainties of life may shake us, but not God - a ROCK - He does not move!  

Psalm 33:11 "The Lord's plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken." 

God's plan is unchangeable. It existed at the beginning of creation and remains the same today...and you are part of His plan! Paul explains, "We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago" Ephesians 2:10

It's pretty amazing that in all of the uncertainty that comes with chronic illness, we can have everlasting security in God's unchanging commitment. Trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can be assured of eternal life. We may be in some pretty serious storms along the way, and those storms will certainly change, but God remains the same - reliable always. His grace is always sufficient!

If you are one of the 1 in 3 suffering with a chronic illness, I have a challenge for you today!  I challenge you to meditate on this verse:  “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2  Next, make a list of times God has been right there, unchanged, while you've been dealing with so many changes. How have you seen His grace pour over you? 

Then I challenge you to keep talking about your story, share your testimony. People need to know they are not alone and you never know who your story can help!

If you are reading this and do not fall into that statistic, I have a different challenge for you. I ask that you think about the people in your life who may be fighting their own battle. He/she may be as obvious as a person in a wheelchair, or they may have invisible illnesses, such as many autoimmune diseases or even cancer.  If you feel lead to, offer this person some encouragement, a simple hello message or a phone call. Just letting them know you care and haven't forgotten about them does wonders for the soul!  

We are all one in Christ!

Xoxo,

Linda