Comforting Pain

.... written this past Friday!

Well, this seems like it's going to be a topic that hits pretty close to home. I actually feel kind of lousy now. Not that bad that I couldn't go to Starbucks this morning, but the typical MS symptoms like usual.

The question is, do I believe that there is someone suffering from the same symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis? Well, I'm going to say that considering the uniqueness of this disease, I know there are people that do share in some of what I'm going through. The side effects or symptoms they experience every day will both be similar to what I go through, yet also it may also be different depending on the medicines they are taking, maybe. Gosh, being that I am experiencing the subject, I will say that side effects, well in particular my side effects, from the medicine and just from MS really suck and make me feel the lowest of lows sometimes.

Earlier today there was this lady that I met before named Amy who came up to me. She re- herself. She was here today because she had a doctor's appointment. I could vaguely remember who she was. She mentioned that she was divorced, living with her parents, and social security and disability was what she was living on. She wasn't an elderly woman who is very let me just say unique  She noticed that I was now in a wheelchair. I guess the first time she met me she remembered I was using a cane. So she shared her feelings about that referring to the derogatory SH word.

The thing is, Amy seemed encouraged.  I guess I say that because she kept complimenting me  and my  looks, pretty hat, the fact that I have a loving husband because she was divorced from hers. See, I really don't know what Amy was feeling internally. However , I became en

If you think about it isn't that really what we want? Well, I know you want to feel encouraged ourselves. And, well I believe that God is utilizing us and our pain and discomfort to comfort others who share in having pain.
Now, does this mean I understand it and I'm totally okay with God allowing me to have Multiple Sclerosis? Oh, I'm supposed to have this disease so that I can encourage other people yeah! Um, no that is not a "Yay!", ending in a smiling face. Does .that make sense?  It's perfectly normal to not be happy about your suffering from bad things.  However, fast forward to right now. The reality is I do have multiple sclerosis. And. I will definitely say that the side effects from the medicine or just the disease itself really suck!

Amy reminded me today just how this disease is what I have and it does suck. Then quickly before she left my presence, she also reminded me of the blessings I have that God has put in my life to help me get through life with this disease. You understand what God did this morning? He utilized Amy to encourage me. And during the same conversation, God used me to encourage her!

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.