“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
(Proverbs 17:17)
AWARENESS, SELF-CARE AND FRIENDSHIP IN CHRONIC ILLNESS
In this month’s Oasis of Hope, we are looking at awareness of chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability along with self-care and friendship. Some of the special days this month are World Chronic Disease Day, International Self-Care Day, and International Day of Friendship. There is a lot to be said about all these days, but we’ve chosen just a few blog posts that touch on them. We hope you will be inspired to search for additional helpful posts, raise awareness, seek friendships, and discover easy ways to care for yourself and others.
In Something Bigger – Chronic Hope in God, Adriana Hayes writes, “God will use pain to develop you, but He never meant for it to define you,” going on to show how even in the throes of chronic illness, we can also find chronic hope. The Kaleidoscope of Chronic Illness Brings Focus to Each Precious Life (written by Pamela Piquette) details how we are still individuals, each precious in the sight of God, even as more diagnoses are added. She also shares how to find community right here at Chronic Joy.
AWARENESS, SELF-CARE AND FRIENDSHIP
Whether we have a chronic illness or not, we all need reminders to care for ourselves. Be Gentle with Yourself by Laurie Glass reminds us to be patient with ourselves and gives practical suggestions to help and encourage us to go to the Lord with our needs. Join Amy Simpson in 11 Ways We Can All Nurture Our Mental Health as she gives practical ideas to spur us to attend to our mental health, not just focus on our physical needs.
Friendship is important to each of us, though with chronic illness it may be harder to nurture those relationships. We were not made to live in isolation but to be part of a community. One thing we can all do is pray for each other. Dave Elliff shares how intercessory prayer can bring joy in his article Intercessory Prayer: Are We Praying and Loving Others? If you need suggestions on how to love others (which leads to nurturing friendships), look no further: Creative Ways to Love One Another gives many suggestions to help cultivate and nurture friendships.
OASIS OF HOPE
May this issue of Oasis of Hope give new insights into living well with chronic illness, trusting in God, fostering nurturing friendships, and practicing self-care.
Something Bigger • Chronic Hope
God has provided a way for us, in chronic illness, to have chronic hope. You see, God will use pain to develop you, but He never meant for it to define you. He wants it to become the tool with which He molds you into a person that reflects everything about His character.
The Kaleidoscope of Illness
So many diagnoses became a kaleidoscope of illness, painting a pattern that could no longer be ignored. Chronic illness had spun into view.
Be Gentle with Yourself
Coping with a chronic illness is challenging, so be gentle with yourself as you find ways to manage life. Practice self-care. Have realistic expectations. Write a letter to yourself.
11 Ways We Can All Nurture Our Mental Health
Lifestyle choices can prevent a mental health disorder from developing, lessen its severity, or help us achieve better recovery.
Intercessory Prayer: Are We Praying and Loving Others?
Paul set the example for us in caring for the church. A big part of his care flowed out of his passionate, intercessory prayer on their behalf.
Creative Ways to Love One Another Newsletter
Creative expressions of love invite us to join with the Father’s heart and spur us to good deeds. But how do we even begin? Just take the first step.
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