Lyme Life Monday ~Hold Hope

Lyme hits some people suddenly. For others years of undiagnosed health deficiencies; pain, fatigue, weakness, headaches, stomach problems, skin problems, fevers, tremors, paralysis, and more might be experienced. In time it becomes difficult to hold hope up before us.

Either way, Lyme is devastating.

The losses are compounded by the medical community’s split response. Anyone acquainted with Lyme is most sympathetic and responsive, but those who listen to the CDC are callous. The general frustration of Lymies is that the disease process is erratic, spastic, random and unpredictable, and treatment is inconsistent and costly.

Family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances may or may not be able to understand. Few will be able to help in any way. Most will abandon relationships that are strained by such an intense illness. This can mean literally being left alone. For people who enjoy getting things done, the combination of incapacitation and isolation magnifies the lost relationships.

Spending so much time alone can be very good or very bad. When we are with others, we temper what we say. When we are alone, not so much. Few of us have an acute awareness of never being completely alone. I am aware of the presence of a great cloud of witnesses, as the Bible calls it. Others; some who have passed on from this earth, angels, demons, and God Himself are all a part of my thinking.

Hold Hope

We can hold onto hope on the worst days. We hold on by talking to ourselves and thinking good thoughts. This is a constant fight for Lymies and for others dealing with trauma or chronic illness.

A common theme for me is to take a list of affirmations with me throughout my day. Some stay the same for weeks. I choose the words that come directly against the problems, symptoms, or difficulties that I’m facing. This is a pattern that anyone can do.

I’m praying for you. What are the ways you hold on to hope?

Leave your comments below.