Tuesday, April 9, 2013

G...God, Faith, and Sanity

Sometimes, I swear the only thing that keeps me sane is my faith in God and my belief that my body and this earth is only temporary. Living with a chronic illness--especially one that involves a lot of pain and other life-altering symptoms--can make life drag on endlessly. Although I want to live a long, happy life, the idea of having to live a lifetime with my fibromyalgia is overwhelming. I’m at a point in my life when I can only take small steps at a time. I can’t look at the whole journey because right now, it seems far too daunting and impossible.

Still, it’s a wonderful idea for us to always keep in mind where we are actually headed. Life is so short and death so unnatural that I’ve always felt there must be something more than this existence here on earth. And as I grew to discover God and His promises, I began to realize that we really are meant for so much more than what we do while in this life.

I still haven’t a clue why God would allow such pain, fatigue, fibro fog, and my other fibro symptoms to affect me to this degree. Yet, I have faith that there is a higher purpose or reason why I have been lead down this difficult road. I would be lying if I said that the why isn’t important to me anymore. It still is because I am only human and would love to understand my plight.

Despite this, I have come to realize that even though I don’t know the why, I DO know what God generally wants me to do with my fibromyalgia-ridden life. Even though I am plagued by chronic illness, it is still my duty to (1) love the people around me, to (2) give openly and freely to those in need, and to (3) remind others that even in their darkest moments, God still is there.

A few months after fibromyalgia started taking over my life, I realized that I couldn’t let my condition make me bitter or selfish. Even though the days of pain and discomfort seem to stretch on for eternity, this life is very short, and I should be preparing for the life after this. No one really knows exactly what lies at the other side of death. All I know is I want to leave this earth knowing that I lived well, loved harder, and left a positive mark on the world.

8 comments:

  1. That is the great hope we have. It doesn't take away the pain though. It only hopes us endure. I don't know what God you are talking about but I'm glad you have him or her. My faith is in the risen Christ.

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  2. You have such a wonderful attitude. What a great way to look at things!

    #atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

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  3. i agree! live a positive, godly life, follow His example, and you will be remembered well

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  4. He is the hope of our life here and the one beyond. I admire your outlook on your situation, having suffered from fibro myself, and I know that your attitude doesn't change the pain or disappointment of living your life this way. Take care, following His example, and know that someday you'll dance in Heaven pain-free.

    Blessings to you,
    Sherrey at Healing by Writing

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  5. I really like the picture. New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge and I look forward to visiting again.

    Sylvia
    http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

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  6. Awesome attitude. Staying positive is much healthier for you and yours. Hope you have a fabulous vacation there in SC. No doubt the beauty there and warmth of sun will make you feel better. A-Z

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  7. I also have Fibromyalgia. I try not to let it rule my life but some days it's best to just give in to some Ibuprofen and a nap:) Love your attitude!

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  8. Amanda, I am so impressed with your blog I just found last night and am still reading. Our Lord Jesus Christ is in the only way to get through this life of ours. Though I had to step away from a very successful career, losing many "so-called friends", and becoming isolated in my own home, circumstances have allowed my immediate family to re-bond after years of struggle and disappointment, some of which was due to my illness prior to knowing I was ill. Many of my reactions and responses to events were not appropriate due to pain and frustration of the disease that have over-shadowed my body all my life. The Lord has allowed me to be creative and available for my daughters, one of who has recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as well, in a way I could not have been if I was still over-working!! I actually could die happy today knowing our relationships are so strong and solid and they are leaning on Christ for their strength, Praise God!

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