ADVERSITY…

I was 9 years old when I was first diagnosed with an autoimmune kidney disease and I’ve been managing the symptoms since then.

I was 10 years old the first time one of my knee caps dislocated and my knee pain has been constant ever since.

I experienced physical and sexual trauma in my childhood.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2010 and lived with life limiting pain until my hysterectomy in 2018. I still manage the lasting damages endometriosis did to my body.

I was finally diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder-Recurrent (MDD-R) in 2014 after many years of under-managed signs and symptoms.

Some years ago an anesthesiologist required a pre-procedure clearance because of my extensive medical history. When he walked in the room he joked that I looked amazing considering my medical chart.

And on, and on…

Often during my work in the hospital I encounter others like me, with a laundry list of mental and physical illnesses, who wonder, “Why me?” “I was raised in church and have been a faithful person all my life,” they often say. “I’m saved. I pray. I read my Bible. I don’t understand why this is happening to me,” they lament.

My friends, faith doesn’t insulate us from adversity. Life is full of trials and problems and we are all going to get our share. This is just the way life goes. If you’ve been taught faith will prevent you from going through the difficulties of life, I’m here to help correct that harmful theology. In the Christian tradition God promises to be with us through everything. That means we are going to go through some of everything.

Faith is not a fire insurance policy or a get out of jail free card. Faith is a foundation on which our lives can be built. Faith is where we may find the deeply held beliefs and values that give our lives meaning in the midst of difficult times. So how then do we overcome the adversity in our lives and continue to live a life of meaning and purposeful movement?

As I said. Faith is a foundation. When our lives are built on a sure foundation, we can overcome any adversity or obstacle that comes our way. Adversity provides us with an opportunity to confront our harmful theology, to clarify our beliefs and values, to reconstruct as necessary, and to practice, as an old hymn writer wrote, “Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

Whatever your religious tradition, your faith in the God of your understanding, the universe, the ancestors, etc., is what will help you remain hopeful and steady when adversity knocks on your door. And if it hasn’t knocked yet, you have time to prepare yourself, because it will. Remember, that is just life.

When you are going through difficult times you may want to isolate, but that is often the worst thing to do. Lean into your community. Let the people who have proven they can hold space for you know you need support. Never assume people know what you need. Even the most well meaning and compassionate among us cannot read your mind. Use your words. Let people know how they can help support you when you are struggling through life’s difficulties. It is so important to remember that you are not alone and we can get through anything together.

If you need individual spiritual care or support right now please use the button below to book a session with me, and let’s find ways to provide you the additional support you need.

I love you!

I mean it, mean it, mean it, MEAN IT!