When you battle chronic illness,
strength can take on a different form.
The meaning to me no longer connotes
a Xena or Hercules statuesque frame. Throw
out the nunchucks, throwing stars, and pointy javelins.
Those who suffer pain are stronger than those who inflict it.
Strength is…
- Creating a healthy meal, even though your energy reserves will be siphoned from the process.
- Praying instead of trickling downward into a spiral of self pity.
- Getting out of bed, even when you feel like a swelled up injured elephant.
- Dressing your best with a smile included when you would rather melt into the couch with your comfy P.J.’s
- Refusing to bite at someone who demeans you while brain fog eludes you.
- Facing tomorrow with hope when today brings pain and tears.
- Forcing yourself to a time of rest, even when your type A ambitions tell you to move into action.
- Shopping for needed groceries, when every one step feels like a triathlon race.
- Thanking God for placing breath in your lungs, even when they are labored.
- Refusing to allow the bitter darts of words take hold from those you love criticize when they ‘just don’t understand.’
- Praying that God will use your pain to reshape the souls around you, including your own.
- Counseling someone in crisis when you feel like you are on the verge of your own.
- Being vulnerable to a safe confidant; allowing them to mourn with you, even when it’s difficult to let some one into your heart’s abode.
- Saying goodbye to denial and denial’s friend of dangerous escapism. Pretending you don’t have issues doesn’t strengthen your resolve, for your nagging subconscious still knows reality exists. No, strength is recognizing your vulnerabilities and relying on the One who promises to be the strength in your weakness, and the calm and the squall of your storm.
Related Post: The Strange Dichotomy Between How I Look and What I Feel
This is so powerful in a world that glamorizes easy living over simple truths of love and genuine strength found therein.
You have given me much encouragement with your words so well spoken. Thank you.
Thank you for having the courage to share these insights, Sarah. In my own difficulties, I especially relate to:
Counseling someone in crisis when you feel like you are on the verge of your own.
Being vulnerable to a safe confidant; allowing them to mourn with you, even when it’s difficult to let some one into your heart’s abode.
The love of Christ pours into our hearts, as we pour into others, giving us renewed strength and He loves us through his people. It’s a beautiful cycle of life. Praying for you dear sister that you will experience supernatural strength day-by-day.
You have reminded me of a place I was long ago. It was a hard & dark place. God was with me through it. If I could have run away from the body I was in, I would have. But that was a time for me to trust in God & his word. Each day was a struggle but I had family & a daughter who needed me. I came out of the pit very slowly. God was healing me spirit, soul, & body. He is true to his word & so loving. He is the Good Shepherd & He knows what each one needs & what will make each of His children valuable in His kingdom.
Sometimes we need to look back & see where God has delivered us from. Your post made me contemplate how great our God is. He is with us in the midst of the storm.