I get inspired by the people around me. Chronic illness is everywhere. It comes in countless shapes and sizes. It goes by many names, more than I can list. Even though the name of the illnesses may be different, there are many things that people who experience them have in common.

There is the loss that people who have a chronic illness feel. Many morn their old life. It is so easy to take for granted being able to walk on your own or make your own food. Before we became sick you may have heard us complain about our job only to find us after the onset of an illness yearning to be back at work. Chronic illness is a thief, a thief that refuses to give everything it stole back.

Hopefully we eventually become the people who gracefully take every punch their illness can give and inspire others along the way. These people refuse to give up. They find a way to journey on. They point us to something greater. They share their story and by the end we are in awe. They are warriors who have come through a battle.

Don’t be afraid to share your story. You may be amazed at who you inspire to not give up. Reach out to others, don’t let fear have a hold on you. Find those around you who are struggling and let them know you see them. That they are not alone. Show them that they matter to you and that their journey is worth all the challenges it will bring. Live each day to encourage, inspire, and love those around you.

Forever at His feet