“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character; hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5: )
I took a step backwards emotionally when I became frustrated that my body wasn’t recovering more quickly from a respiratory infection. I was angered and sad because I was going to miss my daughter’s school play. I decided to try one last thing to see if I could attend. I prayed and then took a nap.
When I awoke, I decided to go at intermission. I said a prayer, entered the auditorium and found two chairs, one to sit on and one to elevate my feet–which is something I need to do to stabilize my labile blood pressure. I was freezing even though I was dressed in a warm jacket–a sign that my body was having trouble stabilizing. Please, God, help me,” I prayed. I made it through the next sixty minutes and watched my beautiful eighth grader perform her lines. It was joyous, wonderful, and perfect.
Driving home I said a prayer of thanksgiving and then marveled at the fact I had enough stamina to watch the production. I’ve missed many things during this two-year illness. It is depressing at times but this time I persevered and had sixty minutes of joy–and I’m going to grab on to that and hold tight.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for allowing me the strength and wisdom to deal with the challenges presented to me. Thank You for always being by my side, even when I don’t realize it. Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband and three kids. She recently retired from her job as an elementary school counselor. She is writing a book about her struggles with dysautonomia–a neurological condition in which the autonomic nervous system breaks, affected such things as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature regulation.
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Are there times when you feel hopeless and are tempted to not even try to participate in an event, but somehow persevere and things work out well for you? How does your faith play a role in your success?
Thank you for your personal story, it helps me with my patience. I have not completly accepted my pain or lack of energy and your words help me to grab on to the good days!
Gwendolyn, That is exciting to hear you are going to try to grab on to the good days, even when it is difficult. God bless you. Laura
Oh thank you Laura for sharing your pain & persistence stories…..such an encouragement to me.
Your situation is very similar to mine, despite different illnesses…..your previous job, the timing, number of children, things you’ve missed!! Like you say, persistence comes into play at times like this!
I was soooooooo grieved to miss my youngest son’s 21st last year. It devastated me! So when one of my best friend’s was getting married in April this year I prayed, prepared for the way my body would punish me & then persisted!! I also sensibly decided to go to the service only. The joy of getting there & seeing her marrying a man with deep faith who loves her despite her illnesses was precious indeed! I cherish that memory.
Praise God for His help in our daily journeys. Bless you in your writing. Thanks again Laura.
Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, How wonderful that you enjoyed your friend’s wedding. Your story made me smile. Thank you for sharing it and for your blessing. Laura
Thanks Laura. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Hi Laura! My brother, Bruce Mitchell, sent me your article and the website. I have had MS for 18 years and sympathize with your burden. Bruce, or “Goober ” as I have called him for 60 years speaks highly of you. He told me he has always considered you one of his favorite people from Armour School!!! I have a strong faith in God and His mercy has seen me through some tough times. Thank you for sharing your words of faith and for the gift of your friendship to Goober! God bless you and your journey to good health.
Beth Mitchell DeMartino
Beth, Bruce and I came in to the district as counselors together and are leaving together….and refer to each other as best friends in the district. He has spoken of you often in the 19 years I have known him. I am so glad you found me and this site, perhaps you will enjoy it – I have. I will see Bruce Tuesday at a retirement party and will tell him we have been in touch. Blessings. Laura
How cool is that Beth & Laura!! What a blessing for you both to connect. Lotsoluv Kerryn