I wanted to share some things about myself because I hope to encourage someone with my story.

I'm disabled. I had back surgery that left me with severe nerve damage. I also have several autoimmune diseases. I'm in constant pain every minute of the day. I don't leave the house much anymore because whenever I go somewhere, the pain gets that much worse.

I had a hysterectomy when I was fairly young because I had so many health issues. I almost died, and because of my health, my husband and I decided not to adopt because it would be too much for me. (We love spoiling our fur baby anyway!) Still, dealing with infertility has been an issue for me.

My parents never accepted my husband because he was divorced. Let me tell you, he is the most wonderful man you'd ever want to meet. He is kind and thoughtful. Well, I could go on, but I'm sure you get the point. We have been together for 25 years. My parents didn't come to our wedding, and refused to acknowledge him. My mother also told me what a disappointment and disgrace I was to her for not giving her grandchildren, knowing full well everything I went through with my health issues. My parents and I have not spoken in about ten years now. They want nothing to do with me, but I have forgiven them because it is what God wants, and I pray for them every day. PS. My brother is divorced, and when he was raising his kids, let's just say it wasn't in the best environment because his ex-wife...never mind. Anyway, I have never heard from my parents about how I am doing. They know from my aunt, the only person in my family that I do speak to, that I have gotten worse over the years. I had seizures and swelling on the brain, and some other fun stuff to deal with, but they never called me. In saying all this, I have seen my health issues as the greatest gift because they brought me closer to the Lord. He is my everything. Becoming disabled has given me the chance to share my story with others. I spend time with the Lord every day, sometimes all day, because it brings me so much joy. I have also published some books, and write almost daily on Substack. There, I share a lot of devotional material and stuff about my life. I have so much joy in my heart because of Jesus. I chose the word "surrender" in today's pinned post because when we surrender everything to the Lord...all our hurts, pain, etc., He replaces it with peace and hope. I pray you can all find this peace and hope. It's there for the taking. Don't give up, and don't let anyone make you feel that you are not worthy because you are.