About a year ago I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. No matter how hard I've tried to erase it or keep it out of my life... It always comes back and somehow contributes to the person that I am today.
I'm just now realizing... (After two rounds of physical therapy, over six months of occupational therapy, about 20 visits to the rhematologist, three "x-ray days," one MRI, a kidney ultrasound, a biopsy, close to twenty "labwork days," literally passing out countless times, and hundreds of follow ups/med checks...) that this is NOT a bad thing.
In fact, I am now willing to accept and be okay with my diagnosis. I look at how much I've grown in faith, I look at how much I've grown as a person... And I realize...
It's a huge blessing.
Who would have ever thought a year ago that those words would be coming out in this blog post?
"How can you say that?" "You really believe God planned for you to be sick?"
Those are probably the two most common questions I get asked. And so today, I'm answering both of them once and for all.
1.) I can say that my diagnosis is a huge blessing because I've met incredible people throughout my journey! Some of my doctor's are my best friends and the blog/Twitter friends I've found who deal with the same things encourage me on a daily basis to get up, get moving, and do something that matters. Because of my health journey, I have a more determined spirit. I'm more thankful for the little things in life. I realize just how blessed I am and realize that things could be so much worse.
2.) John 9:1-3 says this:
As he went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." Jesus said it right there... He created me with a plan in mind. He bought me with a price. I truly believe that in Heaven, I will be healed. But because I am here on earth to help build His Kingdom, there will be struggles... And because I will overcome those struggles with the help of my Savior, He will use me to speak to and help others along the way and through their own journey. That's not called punishment, that's called purpose!
A year ago, this wasn't my attitude at all. But, it feels so good to say that I've finally accepted my purpose, answered my calling, and am in the midst of working hard to become the best me I can be. My realization... I can be changed by the obstacles I face... But I REFUSE to be reduced by them.
I'm making HUGE strides in my physical fitness right now! Last summer/fall I wasn't allowed to run... THIS summer/fall, however...
I realize that to some, this isn't a big deal... But to me, it's incredible progress and I'm learning how to be proud of the new me. The changed me. I'm learning to be comfortable in my own skin, and finally, I'm learning how to push the limits just the right amount. Little by little, one day at a time.
10 comments:
You are so strong! Thank you for sharing! You are making such an impact on people's lives including mine! I love the quote by Maya Angelon! I'm sticking it on my bathroom mirror! Have a wonderful day love! -Kristen
You are so sweet girl - thank you! I'm so glad I can be an encouragement! Hope your day is fabulous! Xo!
I would just like to say that I love you and I am extremely proud of you. :)
Jayce! I love you! Thank you for the sweet comment. :-)
You are amazing, Kenzie. I am off to google your type of arthritis. My husband has Crohn's and RA, so I know the challneges you must face day to day. I think it's great that you are so positive about it.
I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!
I love hearing from you Holly! You're one of my favorite bloggers. :-) I don't want to say it's "cool" that your husband has RA, but it's reassuring to know that there are others out there because sometimes I do feel so singled out.
Thanks so much for the encouragement! XOXO!
First it is so fabulous that your name is Kenzie, like me, and that you love horses, like me! That is so neat :D
Secondly, it is wonderful that you can turn your diagnosis into a blessing, I don't know anyone who could do that. You sound like such a strong woman and you don't take anything for granted. I love that you don't blame God, but have strengthened your faith in him. I would love to one day be as faithful as you! I've been slowly working on it, but feel like I am moving in circles - same goes for exercising and working out.
So glad that you found my blog!
I'm so glad you stopped by! Two Kenzie's can only mean loads of fun... And maybe a little craziness. :-)
It's taken so much time to get where I am with God. Been at the highest of highs and lowest of lows... But one day, I guess I just looked back and realized He was always there. I owe all my gratitude to Him!
Can't wait to get to know you more! :-)
I didn't know you when you were diagnosed, but I can tell that God is leading you and you are following Him in what he wants for your life. You are truly an amazing young woman and I know you will do great things in your life with God's help.
Thank you so much Cate! Your comments mean the world to me - you are SO thoughtful! God is good. :-) XO!