Our bodies: Works of Art in Progress
Our physical bodies have limitations, we all know. Some we are born with. Some may be the result of accident or injury. Others may be the normal part of aging or an illness—big or small—we must battle. When our bodies fall short of expectations, we often ask why? “Why me, Lord? Why now?”
Having faith in God, our Father, helps, even when the diagnosis, the news from family, or the outcome of tests and procedures aren’t what we want to hear. We are human and can, sometimes, fall in despair.
We can also trust that He has a purpose for us.
We can accept that plan—whatever it may be. We can go forward as best we can, knowing we are loved just as we are, even if that means a physical limitation, a different way of speaking or moving, or living in a world that doesn’t always see “different” as positive.
Our physical bodies are just shells. Sometimes there are hidden scars and pains no one can see. Sometimes there are so many bandages, tubes, braces, and machines that beep and turn and measure every breath, every sound our hearts make. Our hearts, a muscle, can be thumping in wild glorious love or wimpering, limping on faulty valves that can miss a beat or two.
No matter what, He loves us.
He walks with us on this earthly journey, whether floundering or thriving. He loves our spirit and intentions, our hopes, and ability to connect with others who can benefit from hearing our testimonies of faith.
In this section, people have volunteered their stories. There are countless more. Once you begin looking for people who are walking in faith, you see them everywhere. Waiting rooms. The oncology ward. The drugstore. School. Work. Next door. They are strong, even if they are leaning on canes, crutches or the shoulder of someone who loves them.
And our Lord is there, if you look
Take care of your body. Get the test, do the procedures, listen to experts. And listen to the Lord, the best healer there is.
If you aren’t sure, join us, Sunday. Or call. There are people and resources to help, wherever you are on your physical wellness path.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Some Inspiring Stories
-
It was her appendix, they eventually discovered. But it was months of pain, tests, procedures, uncertainty, doctors who didn’t have the answers and didn’t know where to send her next. She told God she trusted. She could cope with anything—except one outcome. And that was where the diagnosis went. She was pushed further than she thought she could go. But her foundation of faith was fortified and strong. She learned something about herself. And reached even deeper to share her remarkable story of recovery with her church family. She’s inspired many. And she’s feeling better, growing stronger.
-
She has always loved to dance. She was in the Air Force, toward the end of the Viet Nam war, when she was hit by an Army truck. Bones shattered, traction, coma, brain damage. She was told she might not walk again. She said she just wanted to dance. She never lost faith. Through years of physical therapy and VA redtape, she persevered. That was 50 years ago. She still wears a knee brace, a back brace, and has frequent trips to the VA hospital. But she’s still dancing, and giving God all the glory.
-
She was self-conscious about her son’s wedding. Bad back, arthritus, chubby, cane, bent over with chronic pain. “Lord, help me” was her mantra. He did. The day of the wedding she discovered her dress shed sparkles. Soon, it was everywhere, transferred from shoulder to shoulder, hug by hug. By midnight, the whole place had bits of sparkle, something like traces of faith. God fingerprints. Everywhere.
-
It was her first big outing after the double masectomy, radiation, chemo and more people praying for her than she thought possible. She ordered a wig with subtle tine of pink. And foam prosthetics, a modest size, tear-shared. When it was time for the shindig, she opted for none of that. A simple sundress seemed good enough. Nothing fake. “Beautiful just as you are” is such a good thing to hear . God has a way of saying it clearly. And a plan. Fake isnt part of it.
-
Mark loves farmer’s markets. Fresh local produce and booths with a hodgepodge of whatnot. On an odd Monday on Tybee, he follows farmer market signs in serch of tomatoes and finds a jewel. Dr. Alice Gerber, 96, sells original art. Proceeds go to GEM, Get Excited & Move, a Parkinson’s support group she founded, in honor of her husband. She talks up the shoppers and marvelers lining up for an autograph. She’s famous, she says, and blessed. And she’ll be back next week, God willing.
What if healing doesn’t come when we pray
Healing doesn’t always come the way we hoped. It’s easy to feel discouraged or even forgotten—but you can turn to the unchanging promises found in the Scriptures.
The Bible tells us that God sees our pain. He hears us when we pray and he responds. We may not always see how or understand. But we can trust. Know He is working for our good—even when the outcomes aren’t what we so desperately want. Good people get sick. Children suffer. Relationships whither under the stress of illness, hospital bills, uncertainty.
So do we give up? No. Keep praying. Be patient with God. He’s patient with us. The plan will unroll on His schedule.
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray ”
Click (+ or-) to expand/condense the story
Need help finding words?
Here is a prayer for healing. Add your own words. Speak from your heart. Be honest. God only asks for sincerity. Don’t worry if your words are perfect or the grammar and syntex are something your English teacher would applaud. Be you. Take a deep breath and talk.
Holy Father,
Thank You for Your guidance and caring and Your continuing encouragment. Lord, I am not well, I am facing an illness and I admit I am worried. I have moments of weakness when my knees wobble and my hands shake and I forget to reach for you.
I ask you to remind me. Stick by me with patience and your mighty fierce strenth. Even if I faulter in fear, please pick me back up and point me in the right direction. I’ll keep trying, I promise.
The doctors and tests can be overwhelming. I get confused on what to expect or how to proceed. Please remind me to trust. Please remind me to look to you, above all us.
Please help make right choices about treatments. Please help me trust caregivers and act with humility, accepting help when I need it. Teach me to be gracious when I forget and grouch at those who love me and want me to be well, too.
I know the road can get rough. But remind me at every intersection that you’ll help me, lead me, and take me where you want me to go.
Lord, strengthen me. Strengthen my faith. Guide my doctors and care team and bless those who have been helpful with their prayers and support. Take care of them, too. They worry, too.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen