LupusOk, so I’ve been a maverick when it comes to managing my Lupus, choosing the nutraceuticals over pharmaceuticals for over two years.  However, I found that my body has a mind of its own. Despite all my healthy efforts, I’ve relapsed and have proteinuria, extreme fatigue, arthritic joints, and the lab results to support that my disease is active again.  I had a talk with my friend and my mom, and both of them were insinuating that it was something that I did wrong to make the disease process worse.  I was a bit upset to be honest and realized that no, it’s not my fault, it’s not something that I did.  I live with this disease and just have to manage it the best way I can, I am as active if not more than most people without disease thanks to my commitment to health, however, when my body strikes back, I just have to learn and move on.

So, I am on prednisone 40 mg, plaquenil 200mg twice a day, cozaar 25 mg (for my kidneys to help with proteinuria), and a handful of vitamin supplements, healthy mindset, spiritual connection to my God (Jesus Christ), and oh, my daily YoQiLates practice. My body resists me at times but it usually succumbs to my spiritual affliction to be more than my physical being.

I woke up so sore, with knee pain so bad I had to limp out of bed, make lunch and breakfast for my family, and send them off on their day.  I am a spiritual warrior, no circumstance can dampen my desire to express the very essence of my being.

Spiritual Warrior as defined by Harv Eker “is about developing a habit; a bias toward action in your everyday life, and being able to reach your dreams because of this. Fear is what holds people back—fear of failing, or some perceived ridicule or pain for failing.”

I had to redirect my thoughts this morning because I momentarily let my disease be bigger than me, I was thinking, “what am I doing, preaching about health when I am sick. I’m no good, I’m in pain, I’m sad right now.”  Then I redirected my thinking to “this is why you do what you do.You know first hand what this feels and looks like to be in real pain and at a loss.  You need to hold fast to your vision and dream of helping people feel their very best.”  I will share what I did again (my third hard flare up of Lupus) and I hope you can apply this.  I can share my knowledge and intuition that comes from a miraculous place, my connection with God.  I realize this morning that I don’t have to know it all, but I can still help me and you.

Here’s what I was reflecting on this morning during my quiet time, “When our world is rocked by tragic events and evil acts, we long for the day when evil will finally be destroyed and God will bring history to a close and fully establish His kingdom. Until that time, however, the Lord gives us His grace to live purposeful lives of faith as we await His coming. In Hebrews 10, we are urged to draw near to God with sincere hearts (v.22); hold fast to the hope we profess (v.23); spur each other on to love and good works (v.24); and continue meeting together for encouragement “and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (v.25).

Until the time God extinguishes the fires of evil forever, He gives us His grace and strength to endure the trials of life as we look forward to His return.

No matter what you may be going through, God is right there with you, things may seem bleak and the fear of the unknown may be stirring up anxiety in you, this is when you can have peace in knowing that our God is in charge and all we have to do is have faith that all is well.  You are magnificent exactly the way you are.