Dear Friends,
It’s not easy to put into words the emotional rollercoaster that comes with battling an autoimmune disease. For the past six weeks, my life has been a whirlwind of illness, recovery, and a profound sense of uncertainty. Being a mostly health conscious , regular gym going vitamin eating young woman I had always prided myself on my resilience. I am a young 30, I was an athlete in my (younger) youth and have spent most of my life practicing healthy habits.. but autoimmune struggles have a way of testing even the most fortified of bodies. .
During this challenging period, I turned to my family, my friends and (what most people I know turn to in times like this) I turned to God’s word. One verse that I turned, is Romans 12:12, a simple yet powerful reminder: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” These words became my guiding light, reminding me that even in the depths of despair, there is room for hope and faith.
Though the evidence of having an auto-immune disease is largely physical, one of the most difficult aspects to me of having autoimmune diseases is the mental space they occupy. The constant battles within our bodies often spill over into our minds, breeding doubt and despair. I remember when I was first diagnosed I contemplated the selfishness of having a child and the likelihood they might inherit an illness. I thought about what type of burden I would be to a young man if he decided to spend his life with me. Over the years, I have grown to combat my mental struggles with spending time in gratitude. It wasn’t about ignoring the pain or denying the difficulties but rather about acknowledging the small victories and finding beauty in the midst of chaos.
Gratitude became my lifeline, helping me see the world through a different lens. Instead of focusing solely on what my body couldn’t do, I started appreciating what it could. Each day, I took a moment to be thankful – for the breath in my lungs, the warmth of the sun, the unwavering support of my loved ones. In these moments of gratitude, I found peace.
Philippians 4:7 became my daily affirmation: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In practicing gratitude, I discovered a sense of peace that no amount of physical discomfort could take away. It became a form of self-care, a balm for my weary soul.
To everyone fighting similar battles, I want you to know that it’s okay to acknowledge the darkness. It’s okay to feel the weight of your struggles. But amidst it all, try to find that sliver of light, that grain of hope. It might be in the drawing of a niece, the warmth of a cup of coffee while talking with a sister, or the unconditional love of a snuggly pet. Hold onto it and let it grow. In gratitude, there is strength. In hope, there is healing.