It’s been nine weeks since that painful day that landed me in the e.r. and I will report to you today that I have lasting effects from the shingles event that was diagnosed three days later. I will spare you the details of what is still with me, but the curious thing is that the duration could be three months to forever. The spine issues discovered in the X-rays did not develop overnight so I am choosing to deal with the immediate first and foremost.
That’s where I am on things from the medical standpoint but on the personal side, I’m working through the details of finding my new normal. Life is different but many things remain the same. Even in this, I have continued to meet with a few ladies by Zoom and FaceTime. I feel that our meeting times have been productive and God honoring. I trust the Lord is pleased that His precepts have continued to go out.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.” – Jer. 17:7-8
As I work through the difficulties that come with my physical limitations, I am grateful that God has given me many things that I am fully able to do. Although, my pace has changed. This means my calendar will look differently as I prioritize how to spend my time and energy. God is constantly teaching us through life circumstances and there are three things He has brought to my attention over these weeks:
- God has given me a very complex body and as we age: We can all expect the unexpected.
- Life will go a little slower and I will not hesitate to ask for help.
- My mission has not changed (2 Tim Chapter One, Titus Chapter Two, Ephes 4:15-16, Acts 1:8, Matt 28:18-20, Col 1:28).
By sharing this particular struggle with many of you in such a public way, it has allowed my friends to pray with me and for me, lifting me up when I have most needed intercession. God uses means and many times it is the prayers of his people. You have been faithful to check on me and to encourage me. I thank you.
“In the Christian life, we need other people who will be encouragers, who will walk with us and pray with us in the midst of our struggles.”
– Tim Lane
If you’ve kept up you know that I’ve continued blogging and scheduling posts for the Facebook page. Most recently, I’ve been working on the details for the August 5th Bible workshop. There will be a new format with breakout sessions that will enable us to meet from 9 – 1:30. We are anticipating a day of worship, fellowship, and learning alongside women who value God’s Word. Ginger, Jennifer P, and Jennifer U will join me in teaching sessions on genre from 9:00 – 1:30.
Ladies will have nine breakout sessions to choose from in addition to my teaching in the fellowship hall. Following lunch, a special session will be “The Heart of Revelation.” We are preparing our lessons and the learner’s guides now through July 22nd. I have the registration link for early registration should you need it.
At some point, we all face adversity. It is my desire to honor God in all seasons of life by remaining prayerful in all matters, faithful in my example to others, and obedient to the teachings of scripture.
Debbie Swindell 