How many times during your life have you been really scared or afraid? Have you ever fallen and felt like you couldn’t get up? Has the phrase, “I can’t” ever passed through your lips?
If you are pondering thoughts or reflecting on trials related to these questions, please share your experiences. Where did you find the strength to rise and overcome?
While driving through a small town, I saw a church sign that read, “Faith is having the ability to not panic.” Until then, I don’t think I ever associated the word, panic with faith. But after some thought, I agreed, there are circumstances which do reach levels so overwhelming or devastating, they can induce panic.
Having the ability to not panic is the layman’s term for faith, which is typically followed by the words, believing and trust.
While we can look up the word, “faith” and find similar descriptions or definitions, defining it according to one’s personal beliefs, varies. To me, faith is key to my foundation. It gives me strength when I’m not strong and comfort when I’m scared. Without it, I would not exist.
Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
Beginning with the first day of this year, I was on the receiving end of one of the toughest health challenges of my life. As the needs arose to make decisions, I did what I had to do, along with putting complete trust in my faith. As the days approached my most recent operation, I was able to see how past experiences intertwined and just how far the ripples of my life touched others, and vice versa.
My eyes have been opened for a very long time and I’ve been able to see a higher being’s hand at work, while not fully understanding, but accepting that there is a plan for me. With recent experiences, I’ve witnessed trials that have gone full circle and found great comfort in being able to see there really is a reason for everything. Even though it’s difficult to face the challenges, and sometimes even harder to take the steps forward, I am grateful beyond words for these opportunities.
When I decided to have operation number 32, I relinquished all control and for the first time ever, I completely surrendered myself and had faith in a higher being to rescue me according to that higher plan and not my own. By doing this, I experienced yet another unbelievable feeling of comfort, making every step of my journey worthwhile.
Merry Christmas, Annette. And thank you for your blogs, which allow me to think a little deeper about my arthritis, but also my life.
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