Pain

Pain is hard!  So far I've not been able to make pain fun or positive or even pleasant. A friend recently stated that I am an optimistic person of which I agree however, when it comes to pain there are moments it seems and feels dark and negative.  

Pain can come in a lot of forms.  For me over the years emotional pain was quite a contender. If you've read other blogs I think I've written about the pain of a failed marriage, the disappointment of not having a biological child. Please know I totally love my kids God has placed in my life and would not trade them. Pain of not getting a promotion, or passing an important exam, and you can insert your emotional pain in here_____.  There is also physical pain. 

Some of the things I've learned from physical pain, like emotional pain, can be immobilizing, unpredictable, and is an intruder. I have also learned that just because I have pain now doesn't mean I'll have the same pain later which serves as good coping strategy that remind me that some moments I am able to manage pain therefore, I do not lose hope.   

I have thought about the suffering Jesus did for me/us and appreciate that He knows all about pain.  This is a Bible scripture I find comforting in Isaiah 53:5 (ERV) But he was punished for what we did. He was crushed because of our guilt/iniquities. He took the punishment we deserved, and this brought us peace.  We were healed because of his pain. Another coping strategy is I trust Him with my pain. 

I still have my eyes on the goal of ringing the bell although, treatment has been extended until June 17th due to complications.  I have 2 external treatments this coming week and 2 internal treatments the following week so it elevates my mood to know that bell ringing appears to be insight. 

During painful times life goes on so I am glad we were able to Skype with Morgan and Evan, who live in Oregon, to watch our first grand boy open his birthday gifts as he turned 5. On Saturday we celebrated Alicia and Terry's Birthday, yes they are married, and their birthdays are on the same date, 1 year apart. We met for breakfast and everyone seemed to have a good time makin good memories...together!  

During this cancer freeing adventure I've had wonderful support of my family and friends of which I am very thankful. My family has been super supportive.  I am thankful for the support of those that I am currently employed/work with, those I grew up with, those I worked with at the City, my church family, my grief group, and various others. Thankful for all those taking me to treatment, to the ER, staying with me during the day, picking up medication, encouraging Facebook encouraging, texts, phone calls, meals, foot rubs, cards, frosted lemonades, books, love shown, support, and last but certainly not least are the prayers you've prayed. Thank you doesn't seem adequate. I don't seem to have the words to convey my thankfulness and gratitude.  I have felt so blessed and loved.

How about you what are you going through that is causing emotional or physical pain? What coping strategies are you utilizing?  How is God working in your life? I pray for you that you are pain free or Jesus minsters to you and meets all of your needs...even the painful ones. 

Encouraging scriptural words: 
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed - always carrying about in our body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus be made manifest. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalms 40:1

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3: 21-24

I can do All things through Christ who give me (great) strength. Philippians 4:13