Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Relationships
Dealing With a New Physical Normal Reach Out to Others
All praise to the God and Father of our Master,
Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel!
He comes alongside us when we go through hard times,
and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else
who is going through hard times so that we can
be there for that person just as God was there for us.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5 (THE MESSAGE)
Look for opportunities to use your disability or illness to reach others in a similar situation. Humans naturally seek out those with similar desires, passions, situations, and hobbies. There’s something special about connecting with those who are also suffering physically. You can build each other up, guide one another through medical scenarios, creatively find ways to adapt to life and understand each other in ways that able-bodied folks cannot.
Even the Bible speaks, in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, to comforting one another with the comfort we have received. There are ways you can connect with other people who are suffering via social media presence and specific social media groups, support groups at hospitals, friends of friends, and in-person connections. These people do not have to be in the same situation that you are in but can be anyone who has physical challenges.
You can learn from one another and edify one another in wonderful ways. This can provide great purpose to the suffering in your life as you lift each other up and encourage one another in your faith. I started a social media page where I educate people and have connected with so many people in similar situations who battle medical conditions. I have made very meaningful, long-lasting relationships with fellow warriors and caregivers alike. Using my illnesses and disabilities to help and love others has turned something terrible into something purposeful.
So speak encouraging words to one another.
Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this,
no one left out, no one left behind.
I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:11 (THE MESSAGE)
Written with permission from the blog of Abi Gordon
(Sign up for Abi’s Blog at EphemeralandFaithful.com)
On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky
