I’m struggling today. I got up, exercised and cleaned the kitchen. I’m working on an upcoming sermon and, of course, writing this blog post. People look at me and see a strong, capable woman (I hope). They may not see the struggle it takes to be that. I got up after sleeping 10+ hours courtesy of the anti-psychotics I take. I exercised despite the pain because it helps motility and with gastroparesis, I need to help my digestion as much as possible. I cleaned the kitchen because it’s one of the few ways I contribute to our household. And I write, to get the pain, frustration, and depression I battle every day out of my soul.
I have an invisible disability. You may not see it by looking at me, but it’s there and it makes life very challenging. I am a strong, capable woman but it’s been a hard-fought achievement. Facing each day in pain, drugged, and discouraged is hard but I do it.
I’m not alone. Many of us – if not all of us – are fighting each day just to get by. We don’t want your pity. We’re not trying to give excuses. We simply want understanding. So, give each other some grace. You don’t know that the woman taking forever at the checkout just lost her spouse. You don’t know the man you’re honking at in his car just lost his job. And you don’t know if the person behind you in the pew got up this morning in agony after praying last night that God would just relieve her pain.
Remember, God loves you! Don’t give up! God loves me! I won’t give up! God loves all of us! So, stop wasting energy condemning others and just love each other. Be the person that makes someone’s pain bearable just by showing God’s love. We all want it. We all need it. We all need to do it!
Photo by Anastasiia Krutota on Unsplash
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