Giving Up?
Recently I happened across a comment on a Facebook support group by a lady with ALS who basically said, "I don't mean to be blunt, but I'm not getting a feeding tube. When I get to the point that I'm confined to a wheelchair that's when I'll be done." I don't know her situation and know it's a personal choice, but that comment made me feel so sad.
I think of all the many joys and blessings I would've missed out on if I had given up 2 1/2 years ago when I got my feeding tube! When I look back through the pictures and memories since ALS I'm so thankful for each one, and each day of life. Of course the greatest recent blessing has been being here for my sweet grandson's birth last September and to enjoy each smile and achievement. What a tremendous gift!
It also brings tears to my eyes knowing that I wouldn't be here without my loving family and their faithful care for me! The fact that they still want me here and surround me with love, care and acceptance each day amazes me! I know intense, constant 24/7 caregiving is a heavy load. Yet they untiringly, faithfully continue on, even when I can't give back much, and have drool running down my face! It is all a powerful demonstration of Jesus and His love for me. More tears.
Thank you dear Lord for your many blessings to me, especially my loving family! Grow us all through this journey to have the strength we need and be a greater witness and blessing to others. And help me have wisdom to know how to encourage others who are struggling, discouraged or tempted to give up.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NIV
What a beautiful smile!
ReplyDeleteI have subscribed to the “United Prayer” and they are sending me testimonies and prayer requests. It happened that I’ve read your testimony entitled “Trusting God in the Midst of a Devastating Diagnosis” (that’s why I found your blog). I was moved and inspired on how you put your trust in God despite of the difficulty you’re in. I pray for your health and your family. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a faithful God we serve. He truly lives within you and us! May you continue to draw strength in His promises and may your family see His goodness through it all. God bless 🙏🏾 Thank You for your encouragement and your zeal.
ReplyDeleteHow God leads us each day through various ways, thank you for your encouraging testimony that amidst the sad diagnosis you still have the faith and trust in God, though not the same condition that I have also been also diagnosed, I am now encouraged to trust in God too
ReplyDeleteMay the lord that we serve and trust continue to give you grace, and courage as you go through the journey of fighting this dreadful diagnosis. Just continue to trust and believe that He lives within your heart! One of my favorite hymns that I also as an Adventist grew up singing 🎵
ReplyDeleteOh Shelly! I had no idea of this cross you are asked to bear! You don't know me, but your father baptized me in 1964. Your family has always been special to me! Thank you for the wonderful words I just read in the United in Prayer testimony you shared with us. I've met your son when he attended my church before COVI|D hit. God has been gracious. I long for that day when all the pain and suffering of sin is eradicated from the universe, and Christ is the ruler of all. I know there is a better place, and we are close to the coming of that time. God bless, and I'm praying for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI just found my new favorite blogg....thanks so much for writing this,I have been challenged by your faith....maybe God bless you
ReplyDeleteYour testimony is so encouraging. To reflect each and every day trusting in God is such a beautiful relationship to have. I am sure your testimony will be an encouragement to every one, especially those who are saying, "where is God?"
ReplyDeleteWhat a testimony, I was feeling sorry for myself because my husband has Parkinson’s disease and I am his caregiver. Often I am overwhelmed because it feels like I am locked in time. But today after reading your journey. I count all joy to be there for my husband and for God providing me with strength. Thank you so much. Psalm 46:1 is one of my favorites.
DeleteI praise God for His mercies and the wonder of giving you and others new skills for sharing His love and the understanding that joy comes from above.
ReplyDeleteMay you continue to find healing, peace that pass-through under and growth on your sharing.
I am truly encouraged by your testimony.
I just read your testimony in the United Prayer email. Praise God for your life dear sister in Christ! You are a living example that God uses us in all our frailty. What an encouraging testimony! Thank you for the painstaking effort that it took you to write your story for us. I pray for you and your family as you continue to walk through this valley of suffering. As as physician I have seen enough to know that it is not easy. I am so glad that God had given you meaning and ministry even in your present circumstances and pray that God continues to bless you and use you as you continue to trust in Him.
ReplyDeleteWith whatever time that God allows each of us, we have the precious words, .“In the twinkling of the eye, we will be changed”. Oh, how we look for Him to come “tomorrow”. May He ever draw closer and closer to you and each family member.
ReplyDeleteI have been so encouraged and blessed by this wonderful testimony this morning. I to have been living with an walking impediment. But I know that God's grace is sufficient for me and that I have grown to trust and depend on him, being constantly thankful for his grace and goodness in my life. Keep faithful my sister. Jesus is coming again soon. All of this pain and sickness will soon over. I look forward to meeting you in the kingdom. Blessings 🙌 always.
ReplyDelete"ALS" is caused by tick-borne infections. Blessings
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your testimony with United in prayer that's how I got to your blog. Wow am so amazed at how strong you are encouraging others in the Lord. It made me realise how I take many blessings for granted. Your testimony came at the right time as I am going through some trials, after reading your testimony I felt revived. May the Lord continue to bless you with your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this amazing testimony! What an inspiration! As a pastor's wife of many years, I feal ashamed of the many times I have lost patience, been proud and willful, been filled with anxiety, trusted more in myself and my hard work, than in Jesus. Your witness gave me new inspiration. God continue to bless you as you struggle through each day with the help of that wonderful family!
ReplyDeleteI was reading your article that came to me via the "Revival and Reformation" website last Friday. I was part way through when I realized that I was already somewhat familiar with your story. Your son, Nathan, was at the same Scripture Singer filming as my daughter, Sarah, in 2020. Sarah knew some of your story from Nathan and shared it with me. In October of 2022, Sarah and I visited Ouachita Hills College and saw the sidewalk that was added so you could more easily move about the campus in your wheelchair. With this "inside" information, it made your story more real to me. Your faith and positive perspective inspired and encouraged me greatly as I read your article. Thank you so much for taking the time and immense effort to write and share your experience! Praying that you will have peace, knowing that God will uphold you by His righteous right hand, strengthening you each day to give glory to Him as you continue to trust Him!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I didn't mean for my message to be anonymous. My name is Jane Foll and I look forward to meeting you sometime, either here or in heaven where we will also meet our amazing Savior, face to face!
DeleteI also read your story in United in Prayer. Your faith and grace as you travel this road is an inspiration to me. I know Jesus is coming soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your faith journey with us. Am encouraged and indeed you have A Loving Savior. May you continue trusting in Him
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful testimony! Like others, I’m blessed to read about your journey. May God continue to walk with you in this journey as you bless others along the way. You inspire me. Thanks for sharing. 🤲🙏
ReplyDeleteIm so thankful to God for what He has done and still doing for you. It is so nice to see the loving suport you have from your friends and family. May God continue to give them the strengh to continue with you on this journey. I too have been having some of your early signs and been going to doctors and still not a diagnose. Im still going through the process trusting God to lead me. I pray as He continue to use you, others will be drown closer to Him as He is indeed is A Loving Savior. Praying for you and your family God bless.
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