An antiseptic smell I couldn’t quite place permeated the air. Perhaps it was a combination of Pine Sol and Clorox. Industrial carpet woven in blues and reds needed a vacuum. A lone ant traveled by my foot. I took the damp tissue in my hand and squashed it. A few fluorescents created shadows which revealed the starkness of the room. The barren environment mimicked the fact that I was the only occupant waiting.

It was the middle of the night, and I lay curled on my side wondering if my husband was going to live through surgery.

I also–possibly selfishly, yet realistically–wondered if my body would allow me to make it through the ordeal. Having postural intolerance, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia severely limit how much time I can be out of bed each day. Normal, everyday activities for most people, like driving to a hospital and sitting for any length of time, are a challenge for me. Doing it for hours is virtually impossible.

My life had taken on a surreal quality since the midnight phone call. A stranger had informed me that Mike was being life flighted back home from Boy Scout Camp. Was I really lying on a hospital floor hoping my body would hold out until I could get information on Mike? Maybe I should call my sister to come sit with me, but we were arguing. What about, I couldn’t remember.

All I knew was I was alone—too alone. For moments I’d seem okay, like I was holding it together; then, the realness of the situation would come over me like the feeling you get when you jump into a pool on your first day of summer vacation. You know the water will be cold, but it’s still a shock. You can’t believe you’ve gone from dripping sweat to shivering violently in the space of seconds. I tried to make sense of the frigid water, but I couldn’t. I wanted back on dry land.

My bible lay open to Psalm 23, yet all I could do was scan the words as my mind flitted about. A bottle of Gatorade with salt packets I’d asked the E.R. nurse for sat beside it. I must have left my baggie of salt at home. My cell phone, a wad of tissues and purse surrounded me. The shawl I wore for writing was draped over my chest. It reminded me of home which helped to alleviate the uneasiness of my surroundings. How much longer would I have to wait? I was trying to keep from panicking; trying to keep it together. It was a battle I was beginning to lose.

I started flipping pages in my Bible. Okay, Lord, I need some help here. I’m scared. My eyes settled on Psalm 63:8 “My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.”

I am clinging to you, God. Since I am doing that, I am going to trust Your Word that says You will uphold me. You know how I struggle with trusting You. I am weak, but You are strong. I need You, Lord. I can’t do this alone. I know that all power in heaven and earth is Yours. I’m asking You to allow Mike to stay with me. I need him. The kids need him. I’m begging You. I also know that Mike is Yours, not mine. So, for me to have peace, I surrender the love of my life into Your hands. If You take him home, I will be angry and grief stricken. But, if that is Your plan, help me to accept it. I can’t do any of this alone. I’m afraid, Jesus. Amen.

As I opened my eyes, I noticed that nothing around me had changed. The waiting room was still bathed in glowing light. Disinfectant hung heavy in the air. There was not another person in sight. And, yet, I felt different.

A tinge of peace subdued my fearful thoughts. The burden I’d been carrying on my own had eased. I felt a little freer, a little lighter. Talking with God had transferred the enormity of the situation from my limited, human hands to His powerful ones.

Honestly, I was still scared, still anxious. But, I didn’t feel alone anymore. I didn’t feel so overwhelmed. I knew God was in this with me, and that He would help me face whatever was to come. So, I did the next thing I could. I took a deep breath, gathered my soggy tissues, and went to find someone who could give me an update about Mike.

By the way, my story has a happy ending. I was able to stay at the hospital until Mike was admitted to a private room following surgery. Since that time, he has made a full recovery.

Dana Kennedy is a survivor, encourager, wife and mother. She writes a devotional column for Glory and Strength e-magazine. It has taken Dana the better part of 17 years to begin to understand the gifts God has hidden for her in chronic illness, especially Himself. Dana welcomes your contact at dtearosee@earthlink.net

Has your “healthy” spouse had a medical issue, such as a stroke, cancer, an accident, that left you reeling, wondering how things would “work out”? How did you handle the uncertainty?

“I wanted to share from a different perspective. Most of the blogs or websites I read seemed to have a negative mood and mindset to them. I understand why, but I also know when facing an illness this kind of mindset is less than helpful. I wanted people to know they can thrive, and not just survive. This ties in with me being a pastor. My whole life wraps around God, and who He is. I believe that God desires people to be healthy, strong, and live a vibrant and whole life.” Chad goes on to explain, “I believe part of my call in ministry is to extend this hope to everyone; this includes those who are sick. So through Living with Arthritis, I share practical things I have learned, and mix in God and the strength and healing He desires to bring, all with the hopes of sharing love and hope to others.

Related articles

• What is the Hardest Part of Living with Illness? Your Responses! (restministries.com)

By Debbi Farmer

This was a rough week for me. One of my close friends lost her battle with cancer. Shortly after this, I lost my beloved family pet after having her in my life for fourteen years. My business has been almost non-existent the past few weeks because of the bad economy, and my health has taken a serious turn for the worse lately.

I had so much I needed to say to the family of my friend. I had so much I needed to say to my family for losing their sweet pet. I needed to do more in my business, but my health would not allow it. I felt absolutely lost even knowing in my heart that the Lord was holding me and carrying me through.

When you find yourself needing to convey a message to a friend or family, but you need help with the words, well, this is where this wonderful website comes into play! I want everyone to meet a lovely lady named Nancy Beahm and I hope many will check out her website and find encouragement there for their unique situation.

Nancy offers a wonderful service by providing the words we want to say in a life changing situation to encourage another through her custom specialty greeting cards. The following is a clip or two from her website and more about Nancy and “Prayfully Yours”.

Welcome to “Prayfully Yours”!

We often think that we must go through difficult times alone. But that’s not true. Within God’s word is power and hope. It is the sustaining factor that still applies in life today.

No matter if you live with an illness or face a new life phase; have trouble asking for help or tried for a dream but failed, it all comes under the category of every day life, and no one is exempt.

We don’t have to just survive. By the power of God’s Words and Promise we can overcome anything; making no sorrow or trial ever be in vain.

Make a difference in someone’s life. Help spread the word and let people know that there are “Words of hope when life gets hard.”

~ In Christ, Nancy Beahm
Prayfully Yours is a Christian-owned and operated business

Nancy Beahm

Debbi: Please tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start this ministry.

Nancy:My name is Nancy Beahm and I am 55 years old, and celebrated 35 years of marriage this year to my high school sweetheart. Before my illness I had been a dental hygienist, both working in office settings and then teaching.

I then changed directions and found my way into the trucking industry where I spent the remainder of my working career before I started to become ill, which eventually led me to retire.

I accepted Jesus Christ into my life when I was in college, but didn’t fully surrender to Him for another twenty years or so. While I put God back on the shelf I attempted to heal myself of past wounds and mistakes. The more I was told to rely on God, the more I stood defiant and did the exact opposite.

Years of practicing this philosophy got me to suicide mode because I had used myself up. There was no joy, peace, nor laughter. I was empty. I ended up battling with God for my soul.

So it sounds like you were hitting bottom. What happened next?

After a very long and “messy” four days, I decided I couldn’t live my life on empty any more. I rededicated my life to Him, and for the first time in a long, long time, I felt compassion and empathy–pure joy and peace.
Nine months later I became ill and collapsed at home.

A combination of viral encephalitis, fibromyalgia, and arthritis, culminated into lack of brain and body function. For six years and eight months I couldn’t walk without using leg braces and crutches or an electric cart. My speech was so slurred few people could understand me. Reading and thought comprehension were nearly impossible. My body was in such overall agonizing pain I would vomit for days.

Medically there was nothing that could be done except for pain management.

I am so sorry about the suffering you have experienced. But I understand that God did something miraculous?

Yes! About a year before my total healing, I was woken up in the middle of the night because I felt something like “hot darts” piecing through the top of my skull. This happened at three different times throughout the year. In October of the following year, my brother and I were on the phone. During that conversation something incredible happened. To this day I cannot find the words to fully describe the sound of what we heard. It was like the the earth stood still for a second. The silence was deafening.

A week later my speech came back, I could walk and drive and think. I was healed by the power of God (and yes, a doctor has confirmed it!).

That is amazing. So often we are made to feel as though healing is dependent on our actions or how much faith we have. But you admit you aren’t perfect.

My decision to surrender my life to Christ has been one of the most important choices I’ve ever made. Following Jesus doesn’t mean that life hasn’t been hard at times, nor that I am without mistakes or failures. But it does mean that I’ve made a conscious decision to learn about, and to try as best as I am able, to follow His example. When I fail? God has taught me the importance about being brutally honest as I confess my shortcoming and then I start again.

God’s word is true and it is relevant. And when I earnestly seek Him, He heals everything that needs healing.

So, what happened next?

After my healing, I became a hospice volunteer, visiting patients and working with the family members. I became active at church and started to learn to play cello. Today, my husband and I retired to upstate Pennsylvania. I work part-time for a renewable energy/weatherization company, teach high school Sunday school, sing in choir, play cello, and I enjoy speaking to all types of groups.

Wow. Tell us about your ministry.

“Prayfully Yours” is a business that was developed in 2008 and it actually came to be because of the struggle to understand hope. I was such a driven person, but as my body began to fail me, and as I was unable to continue everything else that identified me as me (work, dance, hobbies) I found myself in a state of inability to control anything–and that I was not accustomed to. It seemed like every time I would dare to hope, the outcome of a situation, surgery, or doctor visit would not turn out the way I hoped for. So along with all the physical symptoms that were endured, I found myself getting angrier and more confused about hope. It was throughout this almost seven year journey of having everything I had and was as a person slowly stripped away from me that I eventually began to understand that hope has nothing to do with outcomes of any situation. It is the strength and motivation that gets you from Point A to Point B to Point C, etc.

What is it you most desire that others gain from your web site ministry?

One of the most difficult times during my disability was when I was out in public with people who didn’t know how to interact with me. I truly believe that most people really wanted to say the right thing, but out of either ignorance or fear, they just didn’t. I was always honest with people about what I was or was not capable of doing, but yet, they shied away or never attempted to accommodate my needs so that I could be apart of anything, even if in just a small way.

I cried often because of the hurt.

When I started writing the verses on the “Prayfully Yours” cards, I wanted to be able to give the general public a tool to help them be able to reach out to someone they knew with either a chronic or serious illness. The cards convey the reality of the difficult times, but always end up, hopefully encouraging and uplifting the person who receives it.

I have also tried to design a site where those who are ill and hurting can come and spend some time. Reading the verses, being uplifted, and finding encouragement that there are people out there who know what they are going through. That is just so important that people who are hurting know that there are people who understand and that they do not have to suffer alone. And that they know they can always reach out to someone who has not only been in their shoes, but can also keep the gift of hope for healing alive within them.

What made you chose your business name and how do you come up with some of the ideas for your card titles?

The website name was actually titled because of the “Prayfully Yours” Specialty line. I will write a card for just about any occasion or situation. After collecting information from the customer about the sentiment(s) they would like to convey, I take some time in prayer for God to lead me to write the words to touch the person who is receiving it. It is my intent that God gets all the recognition for any of the messages that are conveyed on a “Prayfully Yours” card.

Almost all of the original card topics came from my own experiences–either before, during, or after my illness. They convey how I felt at the time, and end up with the encouragement that I had wished I had received, but didn’t. I also love to get into conversations with people who are either dealing with illness and/or the caregivers so that I can keep abreast of topics that need to be written about.

Can you share a passage with our readers from one of your designs and let us know what makes them unique?

Definitions change when a person lives with chronic illness.
Getting out of bed every morning isn’t waking up,
it’s strength.
Accomplishing the necessary chores of the day isn’t housework,
it’s perseverance.
Needing rest isn’t taking it easy,
it’s recouping.
Doing this day after day isn’t a routine,
it’s overcoming
And because you prevail people see . . .
that God’s power is real.

I never liked the label of “survivor.” I truly believe that people diminish not only their strength, courage, and perseverance by using that word, I also believe that God’s healing power gets human confines put onto it. I understand that not everyone will be physically healed, and to this day I can’t even tell you for sure why I was and someone else wasn’t, but I now know that healing takes its shape in all forms; If not physical, then emotional, if not emotional then spiritual–and neither of these types of healing is any less because one may not be physically healed.

I needed to know that then, and didn’t, and my intent is to hopefully bring someone up from hating who they have become because of whatever chronic illness they now live with. People who are ill need to understand that although they may not do what everyone else can, it does not mean they are any less of a living testimony to those around them . . . and they need to be reminded of that.

The cards from “Prayfully Yours” are unique in the sense that they have a very specific niche. With intent, there is very little design and color to them so that the verse is the main thing. And it is also with intent that any major pop of color is on the inside of the card. It accompanies that last line that conveys and reminds people of God’s power and hand upon their lives. For most, these cards can be very intense.

But for those who live with chronic illness understand, that life is intent. I often say, “People either get them or they don’t.” But for those who do, they find such uplifting power in the fact that what they are feeling is actually printed right on a card.

Is there anything you would like our readers to know more about you and your site and/or why you feel your card ministry will help our readers at Rest Ministries?

There’s not too much more to say, except that the purpose of these cards is to pass on the Word of God and to encourage those who need the strength to get through very difficult days. For if I had gone through what I did and could not have found someway, some how to use that time in my life for God’s purpose and good, then my six years and eight months would have been in vain.

I hope those who visit the site, spend time reading all that is there. I hope that they return again and again whenever they find themselves needing a word of encouragement. I hope they lead others who are not ill to the site so that they can read what their loved ones are going through.

And of course, I would love for people to start spreading the Word through a “Prayfully Yours” card so that others can reconnect with their courage, their strength, their hope . . . and above all, God.

Thank you, Nancy. Your words of encouragement are such a blessing today. My prayer is that many will find encouragement from your website and your unique greeting cards.

Visit Nancy Beahm’s web site at www.prayerfullyours.com. You can find the illness-specific cards here. You can also find her on Facebook.

Part-time writer, Deborah (Debbi) Farmer is also a small business owner, wife and mom, and Christian Soldier, despite living with several chronic illnesses’. Debbi loves to find encouraging websites and “gems in the rough” that she can pass on to others.

It is the time of year when many people are setting fresh goals regarding their health. For one who is chronically ill, however, it can be discouraging and you can feel a bit helpless at the lack of options you have available. Well, due to technology, there may just be some new possibilities for you! Here are a few we have found below.

Many people do not want or cannot afford an ipad or an iphone to be able to use the apps in many new technological health advances. If these are something you are interested in, you may want to invest in an iTouch for less than $200. It has the ability to do everything an iphone does but make calls, and there is no monthly fee. You can only connect to wi-fi in a “hot spot” (like your home, McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc.). It is a great way to “get connected” to some useful tools without any monthly fees. Most health apps are free, others are $4.99 or less.

DailyBurn
This app is an exercise tracker but you can also use it to log what you are eating and track your sugar, fat, carbs, etc. This app will tell you how much exercise it will take to burn off those french fries you just ate.Free, as far as we can tell

Withings Body Scale or Blood Pressure Cuff
This is the first wi-fi-connected body scale. It records your daily weigh-ins and body fat percentages to a web site so you can track it, and the company also has a blood pressure and heart rate monitor added to their product line. You just plug the blood pressure cuff into your ipad or itouch and it uploads all the numbers.$159 for the scale, about $100 for blood pressure cuff.

iHealth Lab iHealth Blood Pressure Dock for iPod®/iPhone®/iPad®
Check and track your blood pressure on your Apple iPod Touch or iPhone with this unique dock from iHealth Lab. The armband connected to this dock allows you to check your pulse rate and take a diastolic reading. This item is on sale this week at Target for about $94.

UP
This is a “bracelet” by Jawbone® that you wear 24/7. It is the combination of a wristband and iPhone app that tracks your activity and sleep and inspires you to move more, sleep better and eat smarter. You snap a photo of your food and then a few hours later it asks you how you are feeling. It tracks how well you sleep, when you wake up, and will even wake you up when it thinks you have slept enough (is there such a thing? Enough sleep?) About $100

ReliefInsite.com
This is a pain management service operating on a web-based platform. It allows you to visually have a pain assessment and track it, showing your condition and pain level in real-time. It is like a pain diary and it organized your entries into reports that can be printed or emailed to your doctor. It also creates a history of your condition presented in charts and graphs that are easy to understand. Free

CureTogether
This is a great web site to hook in with if you have a chronic illnesses; CureTogether will assist you in tracking your symptoms, sharing your information, and finding what works to help you feel better. Free

Wii Fit
The Wii Fit is a great way to start an exercise program at home and just do what you can a little at a time. You can buy the Wii, including the Wii board and the Wii fit games for less than $150 on ebay. One woman has done a couple of videos that show how someone who cannot even stand can use the Wii Fit and the Wii Fit board to gain additional muscles and burn some calories, called A Guide to Wii Fit For Disabled People Less than $200 (Note: I purchased one a few months ago. So far I can do a few of the games for a few minutes, so am going to try to improve my balance and some muscle strength.)

Daytum
This app lets you track anything so you can set your own goals (and be reasonable) and then it will help you see your results visually. So if you just want to track if you take the dog for a walk or make your family dinner, you can see how consistent you are. Free

ShareCare.com
This is a new free interactive website that provides answers to visitors health-related questions This free website was created by Jeff Arnold, the founder of WebMD, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, a famous heart surgeon who hosts The Dr. Oz Show, who will personally answer some of your questions. It is quite extensive and a great first stop in looking for quality and trustworthy health information. Free

AskMeEvery
This is similar to Daytum. It will ask you whatever you want it to each day via text. For example, you can have it ask you, “How many minutes did you spend in prayer?” “How long did you read with your child?” If you are trying to start a new habit, knowing you will report in each day and can see your graphed results may just keep you motivated. Free

ViMi
Ever wonder what those different vitamins and minerals do for you? This app explains why you need them and where you can find them. It makes a nice addition of tools to one who is trying to eat healthier. Free

Moodscope
Feeling moody? Wondering what has gotten you down or if there is a pattern? This app will help you measure, track, and–if you want–share, your moods. You can see what causes those ups and downs by adding notes to your levels of moods. The site has a video that explains it well. Free

S2H Bracelet or Pedometer
I bought one of these for my son last summer and he loves it (as do it teachers and karate instructor) Last fall sales for the company’s new pedometer skyrocketed after being endorsed by Dr. Oz in . They are basically activity trackers. For every 60 minutes of activity (or 10,000 steps) you earn 60 points. Then you upload your point code to the web site and you can earn prizes or coupons (like $5 off $50 at Sears, etc.). The idea is fabulous, but they need better companies to join in and offer incentives for the points. They come in children’s sizes as well as adults. About $20

What are your favorite gadgets, tools, resources to help you get in the best shape possible, despite your illness and pain? Please share them with us in the comments below. For additional health and fitness apps see Health2Apps

About the Author:
Lisa Copen is an author, speaker, and the founder of Rest Ministries which serves the chronically ill. She lives in San Diego with her husband and 8-year-old son. She is currently writing a book for Christian moms who live with chronic illness. If you are interested in sharing your stories, feedback and confessions for the book, visit her Facebook page at http://MomWithIllness.com .

I’m not comfortable saying, “Hi there! No offense, but your perfume makes me gag! No, I can’t sit next to you!” If I were king, I’d lump perfume with cigarette smoke and ban it in public places! Sorry you perfume lovers– nothing personal. I am just trying to breathe and be healthy.
–Semi-silent sufferer, attending church on-line

Dear Semi-silent sufferer,

You are definitely not alone! Although many assume this is rare, unfortunately, approximately 14% of Americans (knowingly) have MCS.

I also live with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). The term, “sensitivities” is not a good description of what these chemicals do to me. I get an instant, disabling migraine, vertigo, weakness or paralysis in my limbs, swelling of the brain, spasms in my spinal cord, nausea and horrific pain all over.

What’s more, anyone can develop MCS by way of every day use and exposure to chemical fragrances and/or a sudden large exposure. Continued exposures often lead to increased sensitivities.

In fact, a large portion of the population gets some sort of adverse health effects to perfumes or other synthetically fragranced products. Many do not make the connection to their headaches, fatigue and/or asthma type symptoms. By the time most people realize what is causing their symptoms, they are out of control and often debilitating and isolating.

It is good that we don’t tell others that their perfume makes us gag or sick, because such use of words often cause people to take it personally. However, we should be able to be honest and do what we have to do to not be exposed.

We can do so by simply saying, “I am so sorry, I would love to sit next to you, but I get bad headaches from perfume.” That way the symptom is from the perfume and not them and it is not tied to a visual of us turning our noses up at them.

Another way is to share resources with them. My husband is the Founder and President of a couple of great non-profit organizations that provide pamphlets and information that can be shared with friends, family, employers and churches.

• Why Go Perfume Free to Church? Where Is God Ministries
• Is Your Church Making People Sick? Where Is God Ministries
• Why Go Fragrance Free? Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)
• Creating a Fragrance-Free Zone (Workplace). Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)
• Interview with Dr. Anne Steineman (Audio). The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign (Launched by IDA)
• Letter for Churches. The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign (Launched by IDA)
• My Invisible Disabilities Community (social network for people living with illness, pain and injury – with an MCS Group)

I am so sorry you are living with this, as it can be extremely isolating. I hope you find these resources helpful!

Sherri Connell has used her personal tragedy of chronic illness and pain to bring awareness and to be a voice for people who are living with debilitating chronic illness through the Invisible Disabilities Association with her husband, Wayne.

Related articles

• What Do You Do About Co-Workers’ Strong Perfume? (bellasugar.com)
• More People Are Making Their Own Natural Perfume (bellasugar.com)

This international Christian ministry has an updated list of churches around the USA who have shared their desire to create an environment that welcomes those who may be “differently-abled.”

To enter your zipcode into the search engine click here.

You may also want to visit our HopeKeepers map to see if there is a church near you who has a HopeKeepers group that serves the chronically ill.