I am a child of God, a wife, mother, grandmother and sister. I also suffer from the effects of Multiple Sclerosis which I have had for 32 years.
When I was first diagnosed with MS my fear was that I would not be able to walk. My dear wonderful husband reassured me that if I couldn’t walk he would carry me. Now, thanks to walkers and electric wheelchairs that isn’t necessary. I am not sure that his back could handle it anyway.
My second reaction was to pray to God and ask why. Then I prayed for healing (I am still waiting for the answer to that one).
In the meantime, I have trusted that God would turn all things to good. Now my spiritual challenge was to find that good. This illness has given me gifts that I don’t think I would have realized if I had been going along in my old life. I now have more time to spend with my family, especially with my granddaughters. I read more. I am currently on a quest to read the whole bible in one year. I try very hard to live in the moment and appreciate all things.
My favorite prayer reminds me that “I prayed for strength so I could accomplish great things and you gave me weakness so that I would be aware of your presence”. So, here I am 32 years later resting in the peace that God provides for me. Life is not as bad as I had imagined it would be so long ago. In fact, I have moments of real joy when I step back and appreciate all that God has given me.
I pray that you can find that same joy without having to go through the suffering but, if you do, just look for the good God has in store for you if you only take the time to see it.
Stephanie McMorrow
Hermits of St. Giles