Since it is MS awareness month, and since I have been involuntarily thrust into the MS club, I figured it was appropriate for me to do a long overdue MS post! Even though sharing my journey through multiple sclerosis was a huge reason why I started this blog to begin with, I have found that I don’t really like posting about MS. I’m not really crazy about repeatedly sharing the not-so-uplifting details of life with MS. The fatigue, the altered identity, the symptoms, the uncertainties, and fears of what my future could look like. I have decided that I don’t like fanning the embers of negativity. I have ended my relentless googling of MS sob stories, which flood the internet. The good thing about sharing our experiences with vulnerable honesty is that it helps others to know they are not alone. But we also need to consciously lift one another up. Redirect each other’s line of sight, and remind one another that there is more to life than MS! So much more! J

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

We now know more than ever and studies have proven that negative thinking can actually have a detrimental effect on our health. So imagine the power of positive thinking. Taking it one giant leap further, imagine the power of godly thinking. When we align our thoughts with the truth of God’s Word, there is so much more taking place than simple “positivity.” We are engaging the power of heaven within us and waging war against the doomed-by-Christ forces of evil.

There is a “higher power” to connect with and draw strength from.
He is the only one whose name is above every name. At whose name “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord.” There is only One who defeated death, sickness and sin; and who stands in the gap for us as the way to reconnect with God, our creator. This higher power, this game-changer, this redeemer and source of all hope is Jesus Christ. Because of HIM I am hopeful. I have strength for today and security for tomorrow. My strength isn’t due to powerful self-will. In and of myself I am ridiculously weak. But it is Jesus who is my strength. My ever-present help in time of need. Fixing our eyes on Him is our life-line through all the mighty waves that the storms of life throw our way. The ability to lock in that gaze requires a muscle that we have to build. Every storm we face is an opportunity to strengthen that muscle more and more. Yes, we can get really secure, really immovable in our faith, and really good at seeing Jesus in the midst of the storm.

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

In closing, I would like to share some ways that MS has enriched my life. Romans 8:28 says that God uses all things together for the good of those who love him. I am so thankful for this! I can honestly say that God has already used this trial for my good. Here are just a few ways that God has enriched my life through MS:

1. Perspective – Through MS, I have realized that uncertainty is a part of life. There are always many who have it worse. The things we think matter so much, don’t. The things we think we can’t live without, we can. This life is temporary, and through belief in Jesus we have eternal life in Heaven to look forward to. In Heaven there is no sadness, sickness or sin. Because of this, I know I win in the end. So I can’t lose, no matter what I face in this life

2. Purpose – God has used MS to take me to a new level of confidence in my purpose. I don’t know how much time I have, so I’m certainly not going to waste it worrying about what people think. If today is all I have, then I want to live it with significance. God has totally used MS to help click my sense of purpose and my determination to walk in it into a higher gear. He has also given me greater clarity on my purpose, which I feel is people, and the building of their faith.

3. Relationships – God has enriched my life with some incredible new friendships through MS. Kim Moran, Anna Crum, and Caroline Lewis are three remarkable girls who are fellow MS-fighters. I cherish their friendship and would have never even met them if I hadn’t been diagnosed with MS.

4. Faith – I am all-the-more dependent on the truth that my life is in the trustworthy hands of God. What I have always claimed to believe- that God is good and Jesus heals- I am now experiencing the opportunity for that belief to be stretched and proven. This world will fail me, by body will fail me, but my trust is One who never will.

5. Gratitude – I am thankful for the life I have. I am thankful for the energy I have. I am so thankful that I can walk, and even run. I am thankful that I can see! I am thankful for my physical independence. I am thankful for my children and for the fact that I can play with them. I am thankful for my family and for my friends. I am thankful that I can pursue my dreams. I am thankful that I have been blessed to know Jesus personally; and I am thankful that when it is all said and done, I will be with him.

Below is a free downloadable wallpaper to help remind you to “Fix your thoughts on what is lovely!”