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| Easter 2011 |
Last Friday my neurologist called to inform us that I have multiple sclerosis (MS). At this point, the disease does not appear to have done much damage, thankfully, and I feel well. We are still very much hoping to return to Paraguay, though we do need to remain in the US for now since I need to have some follow up testing in 6-9 months.
We would greatly appreciate your prayers as we process this information, work to educate ourselves about MS, and explore my options for treatment and prevention of future damage. There is currently no cure for MS, but it is very treatable and we have hope that I will be able to function well and manage the symptoms successfully for many years to come.
Now, if that was all that needed said, you would have seen this post three days ago when I started it. However, I knew you would be concerned about how we are doing emotionally having received this news. And that's the part that's a bit more difficult to put into words. I would say we are grieving hopefully. Grieving because we are human and we fear the potential implications of having a debilitating disease. And hopeful because we wholeheartedly trust our Creator and Sustainer to be near and give us victory in this situation! Remember how the apostle Paul described it? "We are troubled, yet not distressed; we are perplexed but not in despair...Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed day by day."
Our heart's desire is to actively proclaim God's goodness, even in this. Maybe especially in this. He is good, only does good and works out all things for our good. MS=good? Crazy! It's a debilitating disease! But if a debilitating disease causes us to know Him more fully, it is. If it causes us to live more purposefully, more passionately, it is. If it brings Him honor in some way that we still can't foresee, it is. May you also taste and see His goodness today, no matter what you are facing in your own life!
Love,
Shilo
P.S. If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to read John Piper's excellent article "Don't Waste Your Cancer". Obviously I don't have cancer, but I think the truths are transferable and it encouraged me!
12 comments:
Shilo, I got here thro' your comment on my blog. Thank you for your sweet desire to please Him. Know that I will be praying for you as the LORD brings you to mind...they tested me for MS a few years ago {turns out I had Lyme Disease} and I distinctly remember the emotions and lessons that swirled in me as I awaited those particular results. Love in Christ!
I'm sorry. I went through testing for that, too, when I lost some movement in one leg. (Still undiagnosed, but gained most of it back.) I can remember the emotions of having to look into the future as a mom with that looming over me.
I will be praying for you!
I'm thankful for the new advances and pray often for a cure as I have a few good friends with MS.
But I will be praying for your whole family as you sort through all you need to learn, know, and feel.
Really sorry to read today about MS - thats a stomach churning tme.
Anyway to say God is in control.
I went thru a massive health scare in Paraguay 10 years ago and outlook wasnt good.
I had brain surgery in Asuncion and was totlly out of action for 2 years - all to say God has kept me going against all odds.
What I realised and felt God teaching me amongst many things is that as HIS children we do not form part of the worldly statisitics that the docs give on anything.
Statistically I was given less than 10% survival and 0% chance of walking again. Here I am walking running and all glory to God.
We belong to Him and are in His arms, under His care and in the shadow of HIS wings.
I know anything brain or nuero can really mess around with us and am praying for His GRACE to susatin and HIS plans for you as individual and as a family. You will be bombarded with well meaning opinions as to what you should do ! =) - But God will lead you by His gentle voice.
My brain thing was humanly speaking the worst and most painful thing in the world that could have happened but actually turned out to be an amazing time of crawling up onto Gods lap and staying there. "Be still and know that I AM GOD !"
ps. "Our times are in HIS hands"
I saw your comment on JennyKate's site and had to come see what the medical situation was.
I have MS. My mom has it. My maternal grandmother had it and my MIL has it.
If you have any questions or anything, email me!!
Also: LOVE John Piper. LOVE.
I was wondering if you ever found out what was going on with you. Although I'm sure it was difficult to hear the diagnosis it's good to know why things are happening. I always find the not knowing to be the hardest.Shilo, I'll be praying for you and your family.
Manuela
Shilo, I decided to drop by and visit tonight & I was so surprised & encouraged to see you have posted. I am continuing to think of you & praying for God's hands to touch.
Good morning, Shilo! Just dropping by to tell you that I am praying for you and your darling family today.
Oh, and I have to let you know that your articles "Creating Beauty for the Glory of God" & "He's My Home" totally echoed my heartbeat as an MK who loves creating cozy spaces. I think we might be kindred spirits. :)
Have a happy day in HIM.
I bookmarked your page a while back but hadn't checked back for a while. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Your hopefulness and faith are an inspiration to me. I will hold you and your family in my prayers.
You are an example, a witness to me Shilo. I will be praying for you.
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