I have an autoimmune disease.
I don’t like saying it or talking much about it because for me, a seemingly strong woman who stays in control, this feels like an excuse of some sort. But whether or not I want to talk about it, my condition is still truth.
Only recently have I been able to accept it and look into healthy ways to help manage it through lifestyle changes. This is all part of my journey to better health. I didn’t think God cared about something that seems so trivial, like carrying extra weight, when the world has so many problems. But the Made To Crave Bible Study goes deeper than just carrying extra weight. The extra weight is only a consequence of me filling my body with something other than HIM to ease an immediate “want to.”
So today I am EMPOWERED. I am empowered to accept my limitations. I am empowered to accept that I cannot eat what everyone else around me eats if I want to feel my best and give my body what it needs to manage my symptoms. I am empowered to make good, healthy choices for me, to pray and ask God what those choices need to be, and to listen to my body to help determine when a choice is not the best thing for me. Its not about “allowed” vs “not allowed” like a lot of trendy diets. Its about what’s best for me. What’s beneficial for this body that God gifted to me. How can I be as healthy as I can be so I can do all the things God wants for me? Enjoying life is not a selfish request. Not when the JOY of the LORD is my STRENGTH!
Lord, I reach out to touch the hem of your robe and BELIEVE I can be healed.
I have an autoimmune disease as well, RA and Lupus. It's nice to know there are others who feel the same way. I will pray for you daily. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jeanie, that means a whole lot! My aunt suffered with systemic lupus for many years. I am familiar with the way that can take over. I will pray for you as well. I find it pretty difficult to sift through all the info on autoimmune diseases and trying to find the best treatment. Praying for you.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing this! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's (aka really bad Hypothyroid) a few years ago and I feel like I can at times use it as a crutch for the reason that I pack on weight. Girl I feel your struggle!
ReplyDeleteTiffany, Hashimoto's is mine as well. It can definitely be tough. I'm praying for you today, that God guide us to how we should best manage it. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI too have an autoimmune disease, RA and Fibro. I struggle daily with everything. I can totally relate with what you are going through.
ReplyDeleteOh Heather, that is tough. I'm praying for you today. God will see us through.
DeleteI also have an autoimmune disease- psoriatic arthritis. It is much like RA but it also attacks my ligaments and tendons as well as my joints. I also have type 2 diabetes. I know a healthy life style will help my joints and might even reverse the diabetes. I am so thankful for all of you! We can encourage one another in this difficult journey!
ReplyDeleteI have food allergies that have led me on a big fat roller coaster the last few years. The Lord has started to show me that He has more life for me than what I choose for myself when I eat my #1 allergen (1 minute of joy followed by a week of recovery). It's hard to say no, but sometimes I think my vision of what's beautiful and what brings joy is too small. Praying for you that God will help you and me see this ever more today.
ReplyDeleteI have fibro and struggle daily with feeling like it is a weakness! I know God gives me the strength to deal with it all. Thank you for your words, they are inspiring many women!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne B (P31 OBS small group leader)
Paige, thanks for replying. You inspired me because you are not letting your autoimmune disease stop you living your life to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteWow! This hit home. Thank you for sharing your struggles. A few years ago I found out I have celiac disease with several other food allergies which really limit my food choices. You've reminded me that God has empowered me to make the right choices for my body so I can use it for Him. Many times this is a very lonely battle! Thank you for helping me remember there are others in the same boat.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. Reading your words was like reading my own thoughts. I have several autoimmune issues. Fibromyalgia, Hashimotos, Sarcoidosis and endometriosis. Food is ONE of my triggers. Sadly when I think of something not be allowed for me to eat, I only crave it more. So instead, my new mantra is: 1 Corinthians 10:23 It may not be sinful in itself and others may be able to eat it with no problem, but it may not be beneficial for me. Prayers for you and everyone here that the symptoms stay at bay so that we can focus our attention 100% on God.
ReplyDeleteHi Paige. Loved your blog today! You made so many key points that spoke to my heart & situation. Here's my 3 favorites:
ReplyDelete1 - The extra weight is only a consequence of me filling my body with something other than HIM to ease an immediate “want to.”
2 - I am empowered to accept my limitations. I am empowered to accept that I cannot eat what everyone else around me eats if I want to feel my best and give my body what it needs to manage my symptoms.
3 - Its not about “allowed” vs “not allowed” like a lot of trendy diets. Its about what’s best for me. What’s beneficial for this body that God gifted to me.
GIFTED! Yes! Needed to hear your words today. Praying God would continue to use your journey to draw you to Him & to reach out to others who can relate.
Katrina Wylie (OBS small group leader)
I really appreciate what you have written, I've recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I'm in the process appealling my insurances denial of treatment and have come to the conclusion rather then fret over this I am doing what I can--eat clean and move as much as I can. I feel so inspired and BELIEVE that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless, Nancy Silvers (Small Group Leader/Prayer Warrior Team)
You ladies are such an encouragement to me! Thank you so much for sharing your hearts! So many of you are on a much harder road than I. And still believing and leaning on God. It was hard for me to hit "publish" on this one, but you all have made me feel completely supported.
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ReplyDeleteI, too, have Hashimoto's disease and know about weight gain and the struggles. He created us with this disease. He knows our hearts’ desires. I made it my utmost desire to desire him and him only...and not use my disease as an excuse anymore to eat blindly and mindlessly. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Philippians 4:13 Draw near to him and he will draw near to us!
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