Many who know me probably don't know that I've suffered with a serious disease all of my adult life. In my 20's I had strange symptoms that became more difficult to live with into my 30's. The year EJ was adopted was the worst I can remember with my health. At 38 I found myself weak, laying in a military hospital completely depleted and discouraged looking up at the cracking white paint on the ceiling. I had left four children, 2 of them babies, at home with Greg and my mother. I was beyond hope in my heart. That week, I listened to Christian radio and read my Bible. My body had let me down completely. I had no energy, couldn't keep weight on, couldn't keep food down (hadn't eaten in 4 weeks) and I had no hope. It was there that week that I decided that I had to find a way to get better so that I could enjoy a long life with all these babies. I'm elated to tell you that through a series of events and discoveries that God led me to, I am enjoying good health 10 years later.
I was doctored through a gastroenterologist for ulcerative colitis until that year of my total collapse at 38. After my week-long hospital stay, I ventured cautiously into Naturopathy. I have NEVER regretted this journey, although it has not been easy because it is counter-cultural!
Now, if I stay on my diet strictly, I live most days without a thought of my former symptoms. I can only vaguely remember the depression of living with a disease that did not allow me much socialization, because I had to be close to home due to the constant need for a bathroom. I had pain almost every hour of every day. I had interrupted sleep every night with pain and running to the bathroom. Colitis robbed me of ministry opportunities outside my home. It took away the fun of eating out with friends. Colitis made home life very hard because at the height of my illness, Greg's military commitment called him away from home often. The job of mothering and fathering our children fell on me alone. Greg always felt bad leaving, but God always provided for us.
God was working on me then as He is now. I have learned some very good Biblical lessons through this journey. I wouldn't wish this disease on anyone, but I'll pass the lessons on here for free!
My doctor now is not a believer in Christ, she does not know the hope I have in eternity with my Savior. I am sad to say that though she sees the healing strength of the human body and all its intricacies, she does not acknowledge the ONE who created it to be so. I give God the glory for my healing and for this diet too. I share Christ at the Naturopathic clinic with my words falling mostly on deaf ears, but share I shall!
For those interested, I am on a very strict diet which keeps my digestive system from having to digest foods it cannot tolerate. The school of thought at this Naturopathic clinic follows the work of Dr. Carroll and Dr. Dick. The food testing is called Carroll Food Intolerance Testing. You can research it on line, along with the work of Dr. Abrams as well. I have had to remove all FRUIT and POTATOES because I am intolerant to them. This has not been easy. FRUIT is in so much food that we eat including cheese, sauces, seasoning mixes, canned tomatoes, restaurant foods, salad dressings, breads, etc. Of course just eliminating beautiful, wonderful fruit has been very difficult. POTATOES are in any food labeled "enriched" because potatoes have many vitamins and they are useful to enrich foods. (Note: the food in this photo is being prepared for our boys...I cannot eat this bread!!! This was taken on vacation this year. God showed me that I can even vacation when I am ill and have fun!)
About every 18 months to 2 years I come out of remission. Symptoms slowly begin to creep into my day. I notice subtle things like a pain or some fatigue that is unexplainable. If I can find the offending food, I can remove it quickly and the symptoms leave.
Sad to say, this summer I have come out of remission with worse symptoms than I have had in years. I ignored every warning that this amazing creation of a body gave me. So I'm having to walk down a longer road to healing this time. It is a good lesson learned. I believe in the busy-ness of the end of the school year, I set aside ME!!!
Every time my symptoms re-appear, I begin a diligent search for the food that has caused the problem. Usually, I will take 20-30 food tests into my ND (Naturopathic Doctor) for testing. EVERY TIME, I have found that I have been eating something that I had no idea was bad for my digestion. Usually this is because a food company has changed a recipe's ingredients and is using something now that I cannot eat. For instance, Breyers Vanilla ice cream was an allowed food for years until Breyers began to add some new ingredients. I became ill and soon found this was the culprit. Amazingly other patients at the clinic became ill on the same thing! God has created our bodies to be able to give us signals when they are not functioning correctly. This Summer I have had a very difficult season of discouragement and am now, finally, feverishly trying to find out what is causing these symptoms. Last night I happened upon six items that I will take in for testing along with a dozen others I have prepared. It is a long process, but has many benefits!
I bring all this up to talk about a scripture that the Lord has given me as a comfort. I was sharing this passage with my daughter who suffers from migraines (when her ND diet is not followed). We were on a double-gripe (that is both of us griping together!!!) about symptoms and pain and the inconvenience of these earthy bodies. I, then, read to her that Paul had been given a tremendous vision of heaven and right after that lofty experience, God allowed a health issue to torment him. Paul writes, "Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
God has shown me a few things. First, that He is in total control of my life and I am not. When I lose control of my health I feel a sense of great loss. I become anxious and discontent. He is showing me through this time of illness that HE is the one I must continually look to, NOT ME, NOT MEDICINE, NOT DIETS. Second, God allows weakness to come to show HIS power in my life. When I am weak and He accomplishes things outside my ability, God gets the glory! He shines through the pain and sadness. He provides others to help OR our children do something to help me that I didn't expect. And, third, I am the mother of ten children. I need to be home doing my job. Like Titus 2 says I need to be busy at home caring for my children. This colitis and the symptoms and the crazy diet that can be hard to follow ALL KEEP ME CLOSE TO HOME. This disease keeps me dependent on God and on His provision of our home, kitchen, pantry, etc. Without this disease, given my "type A" personality, I think I'd convince myself that I could work a part-time job for extra funds. OR I'd completely dive into a ministry that would take all my time away from these precious babies God has placed in my care! Fourth and a sort of insignificant side note, I do not struggle with a weight problem when I am diligent about this diet. The diet is healthy and makes my body feel better and stay slimmer. Ulcerative colitis and naturopathic diets are great for weight control!
So, in conclusion, I am thanking God even today, even while I am suffering with symptoms. I am thanking Him for the blessing of healing but also for the afflictions that cause me to run into HIS arms for comfort and that bring glory to Himself through my weak life. I've had more time to read my Bible this Summer than in the previous six months combined! I have had precious time with each child, especially when they climb onto my bed to talk to me or sit with me on the sofa while I rest. I am so very blessed with a husband who is willing to put anything on hold to keep me well. He blesses me every day.
Thank you, Lord, for ulcerative colitis. Thank you for difficult diets. Lord, I plead with you to heal me, but only if the healing would bring you glory. Father, use my illness to draw others to yourself. My you be continually glorified in my words, actions and daily walk!
