Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Surrounded by Greatness
As is usually the case following a hospital stay, I'm stuck at home doing IV meds with way too much free time to sit around and think. It's difficult to keep my thoughts on positive things sometimes. I find myself turning to God's Word at random moments in my day just to find something reassuring that I can hold onto. I'm glad that I was raised in a home and church where familiarity with the Bible was a big part of life.
I've learned so many verses over the years; so many words of comfort and encouragement. Hebrews 12 has always been my personal "go-to" chapter. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
I'm reminded that although I'm very much isolated from the real life CF community because of cepacia, I'm not alone. There are many people with whom I can connect online and over the phone who know what it's like to be propped up with pillows and trying hard to breathe evenly. What's more, there are people in my life who may not have CF, but they share my same faith. When I'm in need of some encouragement, I can get in touch with practically anyone in my spiritual support system.
I'm surrounded by greatness on all sides. Take my husband for example. He willingly sacrifices sleep in order to administer my IVs early in the morning. I'm amazed by how quickly he has adapted to the CF lifestyle, and the continual grace with which he handles it all. Other examples of greatness in my "great cloud of witnesses" are my friends--the friends I've known the longest. These are the people with whom I don't even have to utter a word, yet they'll keenly pick up on my mood. They have the incredible ability to read between the lines of my emails and send a reply that is just what I need at that particular moment.
There's nothing on this side of eternity that can make me understand the reasons why God allows CF to reside in this, my earthen vessel. Nonetheless, He gives me a measure of His peace, and that transcends understanding.
I've learned so many verses over the years; so many words of comfort and encouragement. Hebrews 12 has always been my personal "go-to" chapter. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
I'm reminded that although I'm very much isolated from the real life CF community because of cepacia, I'm not alone. There are many people with whom I can connect online and over the phone who know what it's like to be propped up with pillows and trying hard to breathe evenly. What's more, there are people in my life who may not have CF, but they share my same faith. When I'm in need of some encouragement, I can get in touch with practically anyone in my spiritual support system.
I'm surrounded by greatness on all sides. Take my husband for example. He willingly sacrifices sleep in order to administer my IVs early in the morning. I'm amazed by how quickly he has adapted to the CF lifestyle, and the continual grace with which he handles it all. Other examples of greatness in my "great cloud of witnesses" are my friends--the friends I've known the longest. These are the people with whom I don't even have to utter a word, yet they'll keenly pick up on my mood. They have the incredible ability to read between the lines of my emails and send a reply that is just what I need at that particular moment.
There's nothing on this side of eternity that can make me understand the reasons why God allows CF to reside in this, my earthen vessel. Nonetheless, He gives me a measure of His peace, and that transcends understanding.
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Oh, Lauren, what a blessing this post is. Thank you for your steadfast testimony of His grace in your life and Brad's.
You certainly are not the only one who is not physically connected with the CF community. I've talked to many CF folks, and of those all but one are online. And the one I've talked to in person is post transplant. I think that with the way we are usually put in isolation in the hospital and how the doctors discourage face to face contact that online communities are often our best assets. They provide us with a way to be in contact without spreading our bugs. I discovered online groups a few years ago and since i have learned much and the support of the communities have been very helpful.
Hi, Lauren,
I've been thinking of you as I've read your posts over on the other website. I hope that you are doing better and get squared away.
I've been thinking of you as I've read your posts over on the other website. I hope that you are doing better and get squared away.
Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and praying for you. You have a great husband! (I know you know that!)
Aspiemom
Aspiemom
Hi Lauren,
As a fellow CFer and Christian, I can relate to this post. I also particularly like Hebrews 12. One of the things that causes me the most joy, comfort, encouragement and peace is to meditate on God's sovereignty...something you allude to.
I'm interested in following how you do--may God bless you for serving him in this way!
As a fellow CFer and Christian, I can relate to this post. I also particularly like Hebrews 12. One of the things that causes me the most joy, comfort, encouragement and peace is to meditate on God's sovereignty...something you allude to.
I'm interested in following how you do--may God bless you for serving him in this way!
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