Q & A: If I Go to this Holiday Party, Should I Explain About My Chronic Pain?

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My best friend is having a holiday party and I would really like to go. On the other hand, I am kind of dreading it. All those people dressed up to the nines, carefree, without any problems in their lives. My daily pain, food allergies, broken down feet, all make a simple party rather dreary. I always feel like I need to explain why I am not real social. My friend says just to come and not worry about it, but I am not sure. Should I go? I understand it is not an easy decision to make. There are benefits to getting out and meeting new people, even when we don't feel all that great. But that doesn't mean we should sit around at the party and explain to people how hard it is to have some fun. Would we want to make the effort to have a night … [Read more...]

Eflyer: Are You Ready For Those Family Gatherings?

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PRODUCT LINKS: Why Can't I Make People Understand? | But You LOOK Good! | How to Deal With Annoying People | Coupons for the Family   … [Read more...]

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

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I give him a hug. It's been nearly 3 years since I've seen this man, my cousin, who is like a brother to me. He used to give me rides on his motorcycle, back when we were young and carefree. Nothing in the world could hurt us. We were in our twenties. Long conversations. Time. Before spouses, kids, illness. We were poor. Philosophical conversations were cheap. . . yet rich. Now I stop by his family's new clothing store while I am in Oregon. I've not even arrived, and I am disappointed. I have few expectations. His life is busy now. He's distracted. He is rushed. Always stressed. No time for talk. Oh, how I'd like to just go for a walk. Ask, "How are you really?" and have you answer honestly. Regardless of your … [Read more...]

Invisible Illness Theme Announced!

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It's that time! We've announced our theme for National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week 2011: "Deep Breath, Start Fresh." Founder Lisa Copen shares how to get involved in this video. If you are unable to view the video in an email or RSS feed see it here: About 2011 Invisible Illness Awareness Week.   After much thought and prayer, Lisa has decided to not have a virtual conference this year. "To be honest, the conference takes a lot of time, my energy and money. It is an exhausting 3 months of preparation, follow through, and recovery for me," Lisa shares. "At this time, I'd love to focus more on better meeting the needs of those here at Rest Ministries, such as the Summer Study, finishing up some Bible studies, and … [Read more...]

Q & A: I Don’t Seem To Fit In To Online Support Groups!

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Sometimes I feel very left out in the online support groups. I live with an incredible amount of daily pain and I just need someone who cares. It seems like everyone else in the group have people who support them and write them back. But when I share something from my heart all I get is a bunch of well-meaning advice. I don't need advice! Or . . . no one responds at all. What I need is someone who will listen and try to understand. -Sandy Hi, Sandy, I can hear the pain in your words. I am going to assume since you wrote to me you are asking for some kind of advice, so here is my best 2-cents. Ask yourself, "What would the perfect response to my post be?" When we say we want people to "listen" and yet we are typing our posts out … [Read more...]

New DVD From RM Helps Communicate Our Needs to Churches

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"I just wish there was a way I could help my pastor understand what it's like to live with a chronic illness." If you've ever felt this way, we have a new and fabulous tool we think you will love! I have been working on this since late 2010 and am excited it's all ready! … [Read more...]

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