My Invisible Illnesses

I was diagnosed with cancer when I was two years of age, so I Have been living with an invisible illness pretty much my whole life. My God and family have given me more love and encouragement than I could handle, and I want to thank them for everything they have done for me. When I got sick my parents, family, friends prayed for me daily.

"This was the beginning of a nightmare for my parents, but an awakening for me. This is where I learned that God loves me and I have a purpose."
[My Tattoo (The Early Years Part 1)]

The doctors who helped me get rid of the cancer used chemotherapy and full body radiation. God did answer my families prayers the cancer disappeared, but I would be dealing with the side affects from the medicines used.

"The side affects I have received from the chemotheropy and radiation are hearing loss, weak roots in my gums, cataracts, heart failure, kidney failure, gout, diabetes, and weak veins. About 2 years ago my kidneys have failed completely, so I decided to go on Peritoneal dialysis. I would use hemo-dialysis as a last resort, because of my small veins." [Chemo and Radiation (The Early Years Part 2)]

"I remember the looks I received from other kids and their parents. It was very discriminating! I remember being very self conscious about this. I mean I had these veins popping out of my chest and it was very noticeable. I was still under the spell of the world, I didn’t know Jesus like I do now. That is why I believe I felt so self conscious about the way I looked. I should have been proud of these marks, these bulging veins popping out of my chest. These were medals, these were badges of honor! This was God’s mark on my body saying lay off this one he belongs to me! He is going to share his story with the world! I am NOT finished with him yet!"
[My Tattoo (The Early Years Part 1)]

So I guess you can say, that I have more than one invisible chronic illness that I am dealing with. Let me tell you that I am glad I did and do, I wouldn't be half the man I am today, if I hadn't. All the things I have been through have taught me many valueable lessons and I thank God for helping me get through them all! I am just happy to be alive! I am so thankful of what I do have, and I try not to focus on the different illnesses I am dealing with. A wise man once said,"You are what you think"(James Allen) So do yourself a favor and think positive, it's healthier for you!

I think it’s important to be involved in invisible illness week because there are many people out there that are suffering from their illnesses and they need to know that there are people out there who do care. They should feel proud that they are living their lives the best they can with their illnesses and the last thing they need is to feel ashamed or discriminated for what they have been through. So the next time you see someone that may look different, just follow what Jesus commanded, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." [Matthew 22:39 KJV] If you practice this, everyone will be happier.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Invisible Illness Awareness

"National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is held annually in September and is a worldwide effort to bring together people who live with invisible chronic illness and those who love them. Organizations are encouraged to educate the general public, churches, healthcare professionals and government officials about the impact of living with a chronic illness that is not visually apparent."[(Rest Ministries Chronic Illness Pain Support)http://www.restministries.org/invisibleillness/invisibleillnesshome.htm]

A Call to Arms!

Like I was saying I met some nice people on Blog Catalog. I met some fellow Christians on there, like Chris Esty who has also started a blog not too long ago! He has a very nice blog called, "The Bible Post: Where there is a will Jesus is The Way". I have learned some things already, that I haven't yet known, from his blog.

From Chris's Blog, "What are You Saying about Jesus Christ."

"You may not be aware of this, but testimonies of Christians are weapons of great power to overcome the hold that Satan either has, or attempts to have on God’s people. In fact, the Bible makes this point very clear when it says: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” (Revelation 12:11 NKJV)"

This passage was taken from this article: The Bible Post

I am glad I have started this blog to help those that need motivation and inspiration to keep fighting the good fight! I believe that it is by no mistake of Chris and I meeting on Blog Catalog and becoming friends.

This reminds me of these Bible verses, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." [Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV]

To be able to communicate with fellow Chrisitians is a great tool, because we all know how hard it is to live in our world today! When we talk about our faith and God we can help each other build up our faiths and become stronger Chrisitans, so that we can be ready for what ever the world brings against us!

Is it not obvious the world does not take kindly to Christians, which brings us to another Bible verse. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." [2 Timothy 3:12 KJV] There will come a time when we will get persecuted for practicing our faith and religion. We are going to have to be strong when that time comes. But until than, get close to God while you still can and build up your faith. Who knows when Chrisitianity, will become illegal.