Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
This is a community here and if you have a prayer request, please be sure to share it here.
Spiritual Sounding Board 
Not sure this fits here, but don’t see another place. I was reading a post on Opineaway about faces, and saw your comment about a baby looking at you and touching your face while nursing. It brought back sweet memories and further thoughts.
Nursing was a really special time for me. I loved gazing into their little baby faces, and wondering at the blessing of each one. Who would they become?.
Of course, then comes a time when they would start to see past me (and try to turn their heads while still hanging on…)
My youngest is graduating from high school this year. I see him looking past me again… looking away from home. I’m glad each of my kids has felt safe to explore the world around them, and then come back and share what they are finding… But I do miss the innocence of the sweet Moments of babyhood.
(Here’s the prayer request part) My family is in transition in so many ways, it makes my head spin. My oldest son got married to the most amazing girl I’ve ever met. My own wonderful daughter is finishing college and looking for a job. My younger son is finishing high school and looking forward to college. My husband is nearing 60, and starting to think about retirement. My 90 yr old father in law lives with us, and is starting to show signs of aging.(and fighting it every step of the way.)
How do you assist and encourage each of these people find their way, without losing yourself?
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Please pray that my latest bout of contact dermatitis heals with just antihistamine treatment. I’m already severely allergic to the medrol dose pack and just learned the hard way that I am allergic to topical cortisone cream. I’ve been in touch with a doctor and he said that there is no way I can ever have any kind of steroid treatment which is the standard care for advanced contact dermatitis. Basically I don’t know what will happen if this doesn’t go away on its own and soon. Thank you for providing a community of love and support.
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Praying for both Mandy and Margaret. Thank you for sharing here.
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Thank you so much. Last night was scary. I was able to manage everything from home with no residual effects other than a benadryl “hangover”. These allergic reaction events are scary. You know you have a fragile body when you have your doctor’s cell phone number on speed dial. 😀
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Mandy, Thanks for the update. I’m so glad to hear it. And wow, a doctor who gives out a cell ph#? Impressive!!
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I ask for prayers for my family. My mother – bless her heart – is in the final stages of Dementia. She was placed on Hospice this week, and I seem to be really struggling with this.
My brother and I are very frustrated with the unit (Alzheimer’s care) we had to finally place her in within the last year. Its a nice place, and reputable. She has her kitties there, and I have hired a pet sitter to care for them.
She is getting aggressive and ugly with staff. I realize this can be part of it, but when I think of the little “Ms Manners” she has always been?? Yikes!
Anyway, we can’t seem to get what I feel is enough information from them to make some serious decisions about her care. They placed her in a behavioral hospital to change her meds, and stating it would help with her impulsive behavior. They told me she would be there 4-6 weeks if not longer. The first week was to witness the behavior, and then to revise her meds afterwards. They released her to her senior center within 3 weeks after they evaluated her to come back, and immediately started to complain to us about the behavior again. They brought in Hospice, and within 2 days. Now they want us to hire a one on one person for 8 hours a day now. My brother and I agreed we would NOT do this until they answer all our questions about her care, and get answers about occurances she has had there. (for example, she was brought the hospital after she drank house paint there. HOW do you get a hold of paint in a controlled environment like that?)
I went there today, and they changed her meds again. She was completely zoned out. It was like no one was there. I’m not sure what is going on, and I feel mistreated…and she seems to be as well. Granted, it could be my own emotional state dealing with this as well. I have another call into her doctor that ordered the change, because she IS over medicated….I don’t care what they think!
I seem to cry myself to sleep, and still have this mountain on top of me the next day. Its so overwhelming.
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Oh, Hannah – – I can’t even imagine what you are going through. Is there some sort of patient advocate that you can contact? It seems like you need someone else who can help you get the answers you need. Something is definitely not right. Please know I will pray for you and your family. Keep us posted on how she and you all are doing.
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Hannah, you are more than welcome to contact me. JA has my email address. We went through very similar things with my grandfather about 13 years ago. I would suggest looking into a dedicated Alzheimers/ Memory Loss unit for your mother.
I have another prayer request, again about my health. I went to my doctor today (on my birthday no less – what a way to celebrate) and the news was not good. I have about 3 months for a miracle to happen or he will start me on an aggressive treatment, one that has many many unpleasant side effects. I’ve been battling this particular issue for about 10 years now with no luck so it will take a miracle for anything to change in 3 months. Thank you.
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Mandy, how are you doing? This must be such a challenge to go through. Thinking and praying for you!
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Mandy,
I’m not sure what your latest comment about needing medical treatment is in regards to, but I hope you are able to get treatment that helps. I just saw your earlier comment as well about contact dermatitis. My wife suffers from the same thing. She has been suffering from debilitating skin allergies for the past few years. My wife has even all her life tried living more “green” using natural and organic skin and health care products. We went to several doctors and nothing was seeming to help. We finally found a specialist in our state that deals with contact dermatitis. She did extensive patch testing to determine what my wife is allergic to, and the list is fairly extenive. There is litterally one specific type of shampoo available that does not have ingredients that she is allergic to, for example. Another thing she is allergic to apparently is coconut oil, which is an oil that is used extensively in hair and skin products, including in all natural and organic products.
We have had to make several changes, such as types of laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, make-up, etc, etc that we use at home. It has helped out quite a bit. She will still have flare-ups from time to time, possibly from exposure to things outside of our home where artifcial fragrences and other chemicals are extremely prevalent, but it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. She would have itchy and burning skin to the point that it was quite painful and made it difficult for her to do various things.
So I can empathize with your plight. I think it is a growing problem that is exacerbated by the excessively abundant use of artifical fragrences, chemicals, and other ingredients in virtually all of our day to day home and beauty products. If you haven’t had allergy testing done to see what specifically you are allergic to, I HIGHLY reccomend you find a dermatologist that can do that (find one that has a focus in contact dermatitis allergies and can do extensive patch testing for various oils and chemicals. My wife’s doctor had her bring in literally every single product she used in order to look at the ingredients and then tested for all of them).
I hope it all works out for you!!
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Hannah,
I’m so sorry for the difficulties you are going through. It is so hard to watch a loved one slowly lose their facculties to dementia. My grandfather died of Alzheimers just a couple of years ago. I really wish I could tell you that it gets easier and better with time. That just isn’t the case with this cruel disease. Cherish the days and even very short moments that you have with your mother when she is even slightly lucid. I have no idea what your relationship with your mom was like before her illness, but I hope it was a good one. If so, remember her the way she was. Her behavior and personality now are not who she really is. The disease covers it up. That is how I try to remember my grandfather. I hope you get the answers you are looking for from the health care workers, and that you are given peace and comfort as you continue to care for your mother. I know it is a difficult thing to do. The grieving process is a long one, I know. Grieve as you need to, and I pray that God shows you his love and compassion as you do.
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JoeJoe, thank you for your kind words. I have a very good friend (just happens to be a chiropractor) who keeps detailed notes about my health. He is very good at identifying patterns. He recently showed me in his notes that every single case of contact dermatitis for me has come within two weeks of consuming gluten and subsequent exposure to a latex product and my other doctors have agreed with this correlation. Now that we know this, I have become vigilant about limiting contact with latex, including in foods (I never knew that bananas and avocados should be avoided if you have a latex allergy!). I have also agreed to take a daily dose of benadryl for a month after gluten exposures. It is still scary to know that I am allergic to the treatments for contact dermatitis.
There is good news to share- I met one of my doctor’s requirements today! And I no longer need my cane. Just five more requirements to go. Statistically this first one should have been impossible to meet. I am confident that the next five “impossibles” will also be overcome.
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I would like pray for my family for this generational curse my family does not have good relationship with marriages boyfriends money problems and health problems. i have just had a rough time with ex boyfriend of 19 years he would not work,watch his own 3 kids,and I need help to move on and be blessed my GOD through money happy relationship with myself and a loving marriage thank you be bless!
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Thank you for sharing your prayer request here, Brenda. I will be praying for you.
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I have just found your site and feel so comforted already. I have been served with an order of protection for slapping my husband after years of trying to maintain the silence. Sad to say that more than one pastor helped even if unknowingly. Sexual abuse was the hidden secret I had to keep that ate away at me for a decade. The court order has turned into a freeing thing in that I can return to God whom I knew in my heart did not ordain a walk of secrecy and shame for my lack of “forgive and forget and move on” from a son abusing a daughter in my home. How broken. How sad. Yet I am shunned (oh but they pray for me, I hear) and tried and found guilty, not in the civil court, but in my home with my children and in my church. I am the one with the problem. I am afraid even to speak this anonymously which I hope I can do here.
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Anonymity: I am so sorry to hear about this very difficult situation you are facing. I will indeed pray for you and your family. Please keep us posted and let me know if I can be of any assistance. ~ja
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I’ve got family near Yosemite where there is a fire only 7% contained. I’ve never seen my aunt so worried. Please pray for the people in that area.
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Julie Anne,
Will definitely pray for your family and all the people in the wildfire vicinity. It’s scary business. Praying for everyone’s safety.
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Thank you, BTDT. Here is my aunt’s FB status this morning. Her mood is lighter than the past couple of days. My aunt/uncle and several families of cousins live near the fire:
“Very, very smoky here this a.m. The sun is a red ball in the sky. Reassuring meeting last p.m. Cautiously optimistic. Big fire defense lines between us and the fire which is 5 mi. away and still advancing. The neighborhood has adopted the Tulare fire engine crew. We’ve brought them more food than they can eat evidently. They leave today and another truck takes their place and we’ll start spoiling them too. Blessed nights sleep with those angels watching over us.”
Thanks for your continued prayers for the people affected in this gorgeous area of California. I read the following article this morning about why this particular fire is such a big deal: http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/08/rim-fire-yosemite-explainer
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migraine during travel and now delayed overnight in the middle of the country… ugh… would appreciate prayers, gonna be a rough night and early morning.
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I’ll pray for ya Ric. I know about migraines. What works for me, 5 generic aspirin, a tee-shirt tied around my head really tight, and cover my eyes, and try to sleep. I haven’t had a migraine for a number of years, but I did get them quite a bit there for a while.
Ed
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Will do, Ric. Thank you for sharing your request here. Migraines are no fun! ~ja
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thank you folks.
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Thankful to the Lord for sound sleep and arriving at home. I had to get up super early to meet the flight, but migraine had dissipated, I slept well, and got right up. 🙂 Thank you Lord!
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Yea for answered prayer! Thanks for the update.
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Please pray for our family. We are so heart-broken for our daughter since recently finding out her husband has a serious problem with child pornography. He is currently in jail for breaching the conditions of his bail. Is there no healing for a pedophile? Should our daughter escape now instead of being loyal and heading into what looks to be a bleak future? We, as parents are angry, feel as though our whole family, especially our daughter was duped into this marriage commitment, when others were aware of the serious problems this young man has struggled with for so many years. He obviously wasn’t ready for marriage and probably never really will be able to be a true loving and supportive husband. We are just sick about this. Again, please pray for us and our daughter, and even her husband if possible. Thanks.
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marie: Welcome to SSB. My heart ached when I read your comment. What a sad and shocking thing for your family to have to deal with. I can’t imagine the emotions. I’m so sorry and will indeed pray for your family.
I’m not sure if you have seen this post on Being Married to a Pedophile, I highly recommend that you show your daughter this article. Also be sure to tell her to read the comments. There are 2 dear ladies who have walked in your daughter’s shoes, Brenda and Anon3, get notices when someone comments there. They have been responding to new commenters who are going through the same thing. She does not have to go through this pain by herself. Others who really understand what she is going through are available to support her.
I can tell from my blog stats that that particular article gets quite a number of views from people searching “married to a pedophile.” This is a growing problem. We recently created a bulletin board for this particular subject in the Spiritual Sounding Board online forum. This forum is private and we hand-approve each person who requests to join to ensure the place remains a safe place. This might be a perfect place for your daughter to get support. You both can contact spiritualsb @ gmail.com and I’ll send you an invite to the forum (you are welcome to join, too). Again, I’m so sorry about what your family is facing. it’s so sad 😦
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Your daughter’s situation is heart rending. My prayers are with her and you. You ask, “Should our daughter escape now instead of being loyal and heading into what looks to be a bleak future?” From the very depths of my heart I am convinced that the answer is yes, she must escape. Unfortunately, she may need to find the strength to reject the admonitions, and even the condemnation, of heartless, legalistic pastors and other Christians who would say she must stay. The following article on this blog may be useful:
https://spiritualsoundingboard.com/2013/07/23/divorce-dilemmas-in-the-church/
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Dear Marie,
I am the “Brenda” that Julie Anne refers to above. I would love to “talk” to you and/or your daughter and share my experience, strength and hope. You can read more about my story by clicking on my highlighted name–you will be redirected to my blog.
The elevator version of my story is that I too was married to a pedophile for over 3 decades. While I did not know that he was a pedophile, I knew something was off. I so wish someone had told me years ago to leave–that there was no hope. Unfortunately, marriage to a pedophile is often not all bad–there is good as well. And this is confusing to the partner. I stayed because I believed his “truth” that I now know were lies and manipulations. I stayed because we had three children. I stayed because I wanted to believe in the rose-colored version of our life.
The reality is, pedophilia is impossible to cure and almost impossible to contain. The pedophile has to be really motivated for recovery and diligently work his program in order to contain his urges–he will never be cured. Very few pedophiles that I know of believe they have a problem–it is their partner’s problem, or a restrictive, prudish societal standard. Your daughter was duped, as was I and every other partner that I know of. You were duped–these guys are tremendously skilled at deception and manipulation. They can dupe skilled professionals and clergy, who should know better.
Join the forum Julie Anne refers to. We have our own “space” to share more freely. Contact me via my email address (brendafindingelysium@gmail.com). Freedom is so worth the struggle to obtain it–your daughter is worth the struggle and so are you. There is no freedom in marriage to a pedophile–none. What feels like freedom is simply a facade. What feels like freedom is a trap. Staying in a relationship with a pedophile is the definition of a “bleak future.”
Praying and holding you gently,
Brenda
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marie
Oh Marie – What a horrible situation… 😦
Praying for you, your daughter, and your family…
“and even her husband if possible.”
Mercy Lord – Wisdom Lord – Peace Lord – Heal the Broken-Hearted Lord
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Please pray for the students, parents, and faculty of Spring High School in Texas. One student is dead from a stabbing incident in the school cafeteria. Some others are in critical condition.
My SIL’s nephew attends this school. Fortunately, he had just left the cafeteria before the fight broke out. Many people in Spring are pretty shaken right now.
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BTDT – I don’t know why I didn’t see this. Any updates on the students?
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I will be interviewed on an hour-long show today 1PM Eastern:
Prophetic News Radio Broadcast on Blog Talk Radio-
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prophetic-news
So, please pray that my brain will function, but mostly please pray that God would use my words for His purposes. It is sometimes in these kinds of interviews that people will for the first time make the connection that what they experienced at church was in fact abuse. They might have blamed themselves or even God and be in a “stuck” place. So, please pray for those precious people. Thanks much!
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just finished listening to radio show (all 95 minutes). very insightful and much wisdom from Susan.
Julie Anne you know me from CCA.
I have many comments but one Q I have is whether your husband confronted the elders with you or was it you alone? Also I have much respect for
Pr. John MacArthur and his ministry but it seems many Masters grads like your former pastor and a church I attended -also masters grad , get hung up on expository preaching and they do little more than one verse a week. Just as you expressed-it becomes redundant and repetitive. Much more comments but really dumfounded at your situation…–as i am with my own..Will follow Susan’s ministry-a really strong voice for these times. And in the same place as you in re; church. Glad about reconciliation with your daughter.
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Hi Hannah: My husband and I addressed the pastor and elders and we were together at all of the meetings. But that said, it should make no difference whether I went privately or not, but I understand why you asked.
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I asked because my confrontation was without my husband and so the all out attack was on me, whereas he was considered the good guy.It was not with elders but in mail correspondence to the pastor and confrontation to school administrators except for one meeting with another pastor.
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I can’t believe that with a church of only 100, so much as you described was going on. Glad this ministry is growing and the shunned can find comfort here. Took me an hour to just read an Oct. 5 thread! God’s wisdom for you!
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Well, sadly, it’s been going on for years. After I started the blog and word spread, I had people contacting me who had been in the church even before Chuck O’Neal was pastor. They saw him before and after he was a pastor and noted his behavior. I was shocked that this had been going on so long and was silenced. Now I understand spiritual abuse systems. People will drink the Kool-Aid and remain forever until they decide enough is enough. At this church, however, there is a price if you leave. You will likely be shunned. That’s a tough price to pay.
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I understand the shunning. The price to pay is ultimately freedom, but it takes a long time to recover. Susan from the radio show said she was a strong believer..many of us, myself included were young in the faith. Among a series of events (don’t know if you had read my story).. An email was sent out naming me and not to speak with me.. No one knew what it was about and they never contacted me. And I was speaking out on an issue protecting all their children. It was a cover up. Damage control. They made me the problem when God was using me to help them.
I give you lots of credit for your boldness. I attended a megachurch that has many satelites and basically owns this county. The repercussions for naming the church is great. So I just keep praying, but so many are enamored by this man that they keep growing. Unless one has personal dealings/ insight they will not see truth. And have little compassion for you so its a lonely journey.
I just watched Pilgrims Progress-a journey to heaven. 2008. Had seen it last a few yrs. ago. If you do not have it I can send you a copy via mail. You can e-mail me. Good for kids to watch too. I am finally understanding that all this is preparation for us who are shunned, battered, broken. Our path to eternal glory. It has been over 6 years since we left and there were so many emotions involved and so much pain. It has been years overcoming. There is a great reward for our suffering.
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More prayer needed here. I got glutened… again. Different city, worse symptoms. And once again I am flying tomorrow, this time with 3 flights that will most likely be delayed due to bad weather. I hate that this happens and with such minute amounts of gluten (1/8th tsp or less). I have already lost 5 pounds in the last week. Oh well.
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I have been gluten free for 5 years. I take “Gluten Defense” when I am in restaurants just in case . Has DPPIV that digests gluten just in case you have exposure. I will personally pray for you.
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Thank you Hannah. I have celiac disease (possibly a form called refractory sprue wherein the intestines are permanently damaged) so supplements are not as effective. All I can do is avoid gluten. I had gone almost 3 yrs since the last incident and it took me a full year to recover from that one. It’s a hard life to live.
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The product I mentioned is not a supplement. It is a specific gluten digesting enzyme if you have an unexpected exposure to it.
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I would appreciate prayer for ongoing bronchitis, I am so weak & dizzy. Yesterday, I woke up with swollen, painful wrist, which Doc said is Cellulitis. If redness doesn’t clear up after a few days, I will need I.V. antibiotics. Thanks, Dear Body of Christ!
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Gail, praying for you! Thanks for asking for prayers. Please keep us posted.
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Urgent prayer request: Please pray for a dear sister and regular reader who is facing a difficult day in court. ~JA
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Esther 4:14,
I’m truly sorry to hear about your difficulties. It took me a while (and some careful reading) to realize that I have a narcissistic mother. My sister had to cut off all relationship with our mother just to move forward with her life. Her therapist told her she was doing the right thing for her. I have not reached that point, yet. It’s painful, and I sympathize with you.
Please check out the following links, and see if they offer any helpful info on your situation:
http://www.narcissisticmother.com/
http://www.daughtersofnarcissisticmothers.com/
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THANK YOU!!
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I don’t know where to begin…as I have read through so many of the posts about the DP mess, I have been forced to reevaluate my own life. Let me state from the beginning that we are not a part of any Integrated Church, and not a part of the “patriarch movement”…but we did, long ago, embrace some of their teachings….like having a large family, homeschooling, courtship, and such. We have ten children. Six of them are out on their own, five of those are married. Not a single one married with our blessing/agreement….three lived with their spouse before marriage. One son is involved with drugs…one daughter is tattooed like crazy….two remain active in “church work” ……but none “honor” their mother and father…and this is where I find myself…in a time of really re-evaluating what I believe. I feel that for our older six to be who they are must be connected to our wrong beliefs….at least to an extent. As painful as it is to admit, I am beginning to see that we fostered some pretty difficult beliefs upon our older children all in the name of “protecting” their futures. We are a divided family now, and my hope that there will ever be a time that we can be all at peace with one another wanes with every passing day. This Thanksgiving…the children are celebrating without mom and dad…as I just couldn’t host another holiday with all this underlying pain/issues. My request is to pray for us…as we face this holiday season, as I work through this season of looking at myself and what I believe squarely in the eye…that I will find real answers….maybe for the first time in a long, long time. Thanks for a safe place to express these rather painful admissions…..
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Kay, your prayer request made me cry. I want more people to read it. I think your prayer request will help many moms in the same shoes as you. I’ve made your prayer request into a
new post. I encourage you to read and the forthcoming comments. You will be loved and accepted here and I know there are dear people who will be praying for you especially this difficult week. Oh, my heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry.
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Kay
My heart goes out to you.
I will be praying for you.
When I got out of an abusive church/Christian school situation, that I believed was spiritual warfare that I had to battle (rather than get out since God for years gave me signs I should), I felt extreme guilt for what I allowed them to go through (my daughter was bullied for years, my son also issues to much to get into). It nearly broke our family apart. Everything we believed about our Pastor changed quickly as we were forced out and shunned, through no fault of our own, because we were exposing corruption.
I apologized to my kids for not knowing better.
I sat them down individually and poured my heart out to them.
They understood that I did not know better.
I really think that is the best move I made.
They don’t read their Bibles and did not “turn out” the way I imagined, but it is a very tough world out there, with many temptations thru internet, cable, social media, etc. that we did not have 40 yrs ago when I was a teen.
Praying for a move of His Spirit upon your children and that he would gather them under his wing, and keep them near. And gently minister to them, and pour his love upon them.
May He give you His peace.
He knows your heart and intentions.
He will make beauty out of ashes.
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I want to clarify when I said “they did not turn out like I imagined”..I realized that was not correct.
I meant that only in terms of reading their Bible and speaking of the Lord.
They have no interest in that.
But in their behavior and the way they conduct their lives, it is evident.
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Kay,
First, I grieve with you for your broken family. You obviously love your children to be searching for answers as to why things turned out the way they did.
Your story is important because many of these teachings were presented with almost a guarantee of good results. You know, if you raise your children apart from the influences of the secular world they have a better chance of becoming strong Christians. Now that many of the children raised this way are coming of age, the evidence is mounting that this is not necessarily the case.
I pray the Lord will show you how your family can be reconciled.
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Please pray for our family as a young adult in dire need is with us and we need to be wise about our financial responsibility before the Lord to her. It is a great burden we are not sure we are to take on. I have had a recent injury which was an expense in the thousands out of pocket. We also have college aged kids, so many know the finances involved.
We know this person since she was almost a teen and she has been basically homeless since a young teen. She is attempting to plan her future but she is in a really bad place financially and needs $ for a car so she can work, and also a place to live. She got a recent degree that she will hopefully be able to work soon, but without a car or place to live and zero in the bank she needs much help.
I contacted the benevolence dept. of the church she grew up in (very large) and was appalled at the lack of understanding and assistance. They basically thought without even knowing details that she “needed to get right with God first”. (without even knowing any details they made an assumption). I believe she is a wounded soul with no guidance or direction and by the grace of God she is not in any trouble with drugs, etc.
She was a sweet young girl who I believe knows the Lord, but is a product of her family life circumstances and does not have a Christian support group of her peers.
She is currently with us.
It is going to take a lot to get her on her feet.
Thanks so much.
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PS. I plan on doing some Bible study with her and know ultimately her spiritual condition is most important. Just wanted to add that.
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Here I come again. I am so sorry to keep burdening y’all with my struggles. I have injured my right knee and ankle again but nobody can figure out what to do to alleviate the pain beyond bed arrest. I can’t even walk around my own house without coming to tears. My orthopedic surgeon just said “Well you lived with pain for most of your life, you’ll get used to this too.” I don’t want to get used to this pain. I just want to be able to enjoy life for once and to plan a wedding for this summer and not have to worry about things like finding a cane that matches my wedding dress. I don’t even know what to pray for beyond begging to get through tomorrow. I wouldn’t wish my life of disabilities and chronic pain on Satan himself.
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Oh, you poor thing, Mandy. I’m so sorry to hear about the new injuries. I don’t like what your orthopedic surgeon said to you – – – just saying’! Praying for relief for you so you can enjoy the joyous season of the engagement to your beloved fiancé.
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Please pray that I can reconcile and be at peace with one person. The Lord knows who he is…but I need peace.
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Mandy,
Oh I hurt for you, I will pray. Am I correct that you suffer from arthritis & colitis?
My husband was diagnosed at 28 with ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, but the arthritis isn’t limited to his spine his whole body has flared at times. Today, he is almost a bionic man. But here is what I can tell you that changed his life. About 12 years ago he was bedridden, he was in so much pain he couldn’t even feed himself, so my kids & I took turns feeding him.Then his doctor prescribed Remicade, he is infused every 6 weeks, and it has been a wonder drug, his pain is now manageable. Now, that wont help you if I am confused about your diagnosis, but I will lift you up. I am sorry that you are in so much pain.
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My friend Pam went septic after a hysterectomy, she has been in the hospital since Dec. 9th. I just got this news and I am asking those of you who believe that God can still perform miracles to please pray. Her brother wrote the following.
“Pam is recovering, but this is a tough message to write. Next week, my big sister will have bilateral amputations below her elbows followed by bilateral amputations about 5 inches below each knee. Pam is now aware of these surgeries that are necessary for her recovery. I don’t have much else to say other than we are lucky to have her with us and the manner in which she is battling this sickness is the most inspiring display of courage I have ever witnessed.”
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Gail
That’s is a horrible outcome of a hysterectomy (I have had one), but I will be praying hard that God will intervene and heal her before the scheduled surgeries.
I had septicemia from an abscess while nursing my first child and God intervened and saved my life –if it were not for his intervention I would have died of septicemia. It is part of my testimony of how He saved me before I was saved in Christ.
Heavenly Father, please intervene and let this miracle only you can perform draw others to You unto salvation. Where we are hopeless, You are hope. Please heal Pam COMPLETELY. Please cause her immune system to fight this infection. You can increase her white blood cells, you can fight this infection. Please give the Doctors wisdom. Please get rid of this infection. For YOUR glory Thank you Lord. In Jesus name Amen
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Gail
Is Pam a believer?
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She is Catholic & I believe she knows the Lord. Love your prayer & your story. Thank You Hannah. I agree 100% with your prayer in Jesus name.
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Gail
Matthew 19:26
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Hannah, I wish there was a like or I appreciate button. She has beaten the odds already, and with Jesus I will cling to the verse that you shared. The doctors think she got a UTI after the hysterectomy.
BTW Pam was admitted to the ICU Monday, December 9th with severe septic and cardio-genic shock. The first 72 hours were harrowing. While she struggled to fight the infection, she went into multiple organ failure. Thankfully, the medical care she is receiving is second to none. They are supporting her heart, lung, liver and kidney function and she has fought the infection.
She was in coma, had a heart attack, & has been on dialysis… Thank-You for praying her through. Pam & I have many shared friends who are atheists, I would love for them to witness a miracle. But, God’s ways are not my ways and Father knows best!
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Hannah, I said the above with a heart that longs for complete healing for Pam. I don’t want her to face amputation, I believe that with God all things are possible. We just have had a long road of sorrow with my husbands many surgeries, him going from 5’11 to 5’1 as his body suffered from a disease. I have had to trust Him in not answering our prayers the way we hoped. Sorry, if I sounded glib. Thank-You, I need people of faith to pray for my friend.
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Gail – Praying for your friend, Pam. What a sad situation she is in.
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Gail- Have been praying for Pam.
My husbands grandfather had AS.
I am sorry to hear about your husband.
It’s genetic but also autoimmune.
It isn’t easy dealing with so many autoimmune diseases we have now.
I know you didn’t ask me but the GMO grains wreak havoc on our system and increase the bodies attack against it’s own tissues.
Look into the Paleo way of eating. (protein, vegetables, fruit, nuts, no grains)
It has helped me tremendously as I also have an autoimmune disease but since gluten free 5 yrs. and practically grain free, my antibodies are “0” now.
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Oh, the autoimmune issue I have is Hashimoto’s.
Never had my antibodies tested which is the norm-it’s usually treated as hypothyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the thyroid not really “per se” a primary thryroid problem.
It is actually a combination of hypo and hyperthyroid. Traditional medicine doesn’t acknowledge the autoimmune component. (Because there are no drugs to treat). It goes along with celiac/gluten sensitivity. Breakdown of the gut.
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Just got a update from Pam’s brother: “The surgery on Pam’s hands will occur late Tuesday afternoon. If all goes well, the surgery on her legs will occur later this week.
Getting our heads around the fact that Pam is going to lose her hands and feet is difficult for everyone. We learned some news today that helps us accept this profound loss a bit more readily and we hope it helps all of you a bit as well. Within 24 hours of being admitted to the ICU, each patient’s severity of illness is measured through an assortment of different tests called APACHE II. Pam’s APACHE II score equated to a less than 1% likelihood of survival.
After reading that last sentence, further words escape me.”
Still asking for prayers for a miracle. Thank You all who lift Pam up.
Hannah,
Thanks for sharing that!
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Gail
I will continue to pray for a miracle for Gail.
Please pray for a young woman named Catalina Stan. She has a youtube channel for crochet and she has suddenly in one month lost both her sight and her hearing. It has been determined that she has a rare blood disorder (too thick) and medicine has not cure for her. You can google her name and hear her speak about what has happened to her the last month.
My heart goes out to her and your friend Gail. I am going to fast tomorrow for both of them tomorrow.
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You make me cry Hannah & you touch my heart deeply with your discipline to fast for my friend. I will google Catalina Stan, and I will pray for her. So many are suffering, my heart breaks & longs for complete healing as we wait for that glorious day when every tear will be wiped from our eyes. Bless You dear sister in Christ.
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Bless you too Gail. 🙂
I keep re watching Catalina’s last message… She has helped me to learn to crochet.
I watch her 2 months ago (10 days before she fell ill), and she looks unrecognizable now. So sad what she has endured, as well as your friend.
Her love for teaching crochet…and now to have no sight…and sound…
Yes, I am also awaiting the day when God will wipe away every tear.
Come Jesus come…
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Hannah,
That was heart wrenching to watch, I will join with you today in praying for Catalina’s healing. She seems to be traumatized by her hospital stay… I cannot imagine what she went through. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, nothing is to difficult for you, I agree with Hannah’s prayer today, pour out your healing grace on Pam & Catalina.
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Lord, you are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I don’t know why we do not see miracles as when you walked this earth, but I believe you have greater purposes than we can ever imagine. You say that we have not because we ask now. Sometimes we are just too weak to ask, or it may be because our faith is so tried we have given up on asking. Let us stand in the gap for these precious souls Pam and Catalina. Let us lift them up to you and ask you for healing for them so that Your Name can be lifted up to those who do not know You as Lord. That is why you always healed Jesus. So that they could KNOW that you are the Great “I AM”. Please hear our prayers and let it be Your will in their lives that they should glorify You with their bodies. I pray that if they do not know you as Lord and Savior that you would reveal yourself to them as only you can do. We trust you Lord even when we don’t understand Your purposes.
Today we pray for You to do the miraculous in their lives so it can be YOU that healed them. I pray that you give Catalina her sight back just as you did in the book of John with the blind man. I pray that as you healed the man with the withered arm, you would do the same for Pam. There are so many that ask for a sign. Please Lord do the miraculous so You Name can be praised!! Thank you for the precious blood that heals our soul. Amen
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Beautiful prayer Hannah. My heart joins with your petition.
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Not my will but Your will be done….
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Luke 22:42
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Gail- Any update on Pam?
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Thanks for asking Hannah,
Sorry so slow in responding. My granddaughter spent the night with me so I didn’t check my e mail. Pam’s hands were amputated yesterday, here is the update from her brother: “Pam is out of surgery and she tolerated it well. While she is weak and will remain on a ventilator for the next 12 to 24 hours, that is expected given her condition. While it is difficult emotionally to categorize this surgery as a success, it was the necessary next step in her long road to recovery.”
It is overwhelming, and yet I am grateful that she is alive. She is so loved.
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Thanks Gail. I will continue to keep her in prayer. And her family as this must be very difficult for them.
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Hannah,
Thanks again for your prayers. Wasn’t sure if you wanted to hear the latest, but thought you have invested in her with your prayers so I am going to post. I assume that the surgery he is referring to is for her feet. She had severe nerve damage to hands and feet that has been excruciating, so hopefully, in time her pain will diminish.
Here is today’s update: ” Pam had a good day yesterday but at about midnight, they discovered some internal bleeding. They did some tests, found the source and now have it under control, we believe. She lost two units of blood and they had to take her off the CRRT dialysis for a period. As a result, she’s been sleeping for the most of the day today.
Each day, there seems to be a new sucker punch. The bad thing about sucker punches is that they drop you to your knees the instant they occur. The good thing is that they don’t usually cause any lasting damage. We think that’s what we’re dealing with today. For now, her surgery tomorrow evening is still scheduled but we wouldn’t be surprised if that gets pushed back a bit.”
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Thank you for the update, Gail, I’ve been following these prayer requests for this precious woman. Such a sad story. I’m glad you’ve shared it here.
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Thank-You Julie Anne,
It has been encouraging & therapeutic for me to share here. Especially since I am not part of a church anymore, other than sitting in the back row at a Catholic church where I attend sporadically. The priests at this parish are humble & kind so I don’t get triggered by their homily’s. And honestly, it is the choir that sings me into His presence.
I am trying to find my way slowly, but surely. I have been attending for 4 years, after being pew-less for six years. I don’t think I will ever convert. I just need a physical place I can go. I do have Christian friends, but as corny as this might sound, the kindness that has been shown to me here & on ssb truly is from the Holy Spirit and I don’t feel as lonely in this leg of my journey.
My heart is a tad overwhelmed with all that my friend is going through, so it has been a grace & a comfort that Hannah responded with prayer & concern. I shy away from saying too much, your response tonight has helped me.
As you might recall, my husband has suffered immensely. God did not answer our prayers in what we longed for, but in the long run, we have tasted the goodness of the Lord & the love of the Lord through people. Though it took hindsight for me to realize that. I have hope that Pam & her family will one day be able to realize how they have been cared for by God through the love of all who have prayed, reached out & been with them in their agony.
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Gail, You have gone through so much – especially recently. I’m glad you have connected here with this Body of Believers. You are not churchless despite what some might say. We are the Church 🙂 hugs, friend!
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Yes J.A. This has been a community of believers for me. A place to learn & unlearn. A church Yes, all I longed for back in the day, if I am deluded so be it. Christ has unraveled much of my confusion through you & the folks that contribute here.
I believe: We are the Church 🙂 hugs, friend! Thank-you J.A. seriously thank-you!
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Gail-
I have been checking in periodically because I have not stopped praying for Gail and her family. When God places someone on my heart, it isn’t even something I believe I do on my own..hard to explain…but I know I need to pray.
I am shocked that this has happened from a UTI from a hysterectomy. And I have been sharing her story with a woman that is suffering tremendously in her life-as we all are in our own trials that God allows–and I have realized that as much as I have gone through, I have not experienced this level of tragedy. And it makes me need to count my blessings and step out of what really is insignificant woes, and realize what others have to endure is far more than what I have endured.
I don’t know if you know Joni Earekson Tada. She has been discussed here. There is a one hour message last year on Youtube that is so inspiring. Maybe you want to search on Youtube with her name for it. She had a spinal injury at 17 and is quadriplegic. I used to receive cards from her when I was 15 or so and I remember vividly the photo of her painting with her teeth. I was not a believer then and it would be 25 years later that I became one…anyway, she is an inspiration to anyone suffering with disabilities. I have one CD I used to listen to every morning before I started my day-just for encouragement.
It is hard to know what to say. I prayed for a miracle, but God has His ways which we have to believe serve an eternal purpose that we won’t understand till we meet him one day. And that will be a glorious day–when all of this world will make sense, We only see a glimpse….and sometimes don’t see at all. But he will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more sorrow. I am personally looking forward to this. I am going to pray for strength for Pam’s family and healing for Pam, and for God to give her His supernatural strength to endure what lies ahead.
Blessings to you and yours.
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I meant praying for Pam and her family….and also for you Gail!
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I wanted to say one more thing that came to mind.
Sometimes unanswered prayers will keep us from praying.
Sometimes some will lose their faith from unanswered prayers. I believe this is a test from God.
We have to persevere in faith, even when our prayers are not answered the way we want. That’s how our faith is tested. I am learning this more and more.
I once prayed for a friend who spent almost 5 years with every fertility treatment available and could not conceive. The last resort was an expensive injection that cost 2500.oo out of pocket. I prayed and fasted for 4 days. During the last day the Lord spoke to me and told me she would be pregnant in 5 months and that she had to stop all treatment and eat healthy- get of sugar (she was a sugar addict) and coffee and relax. He also told me to ask her if she would be upset if she had twins. (she already had a 12 yr old daughter). Well, 5 months later she found out she was pregnant- in her 8th week! And she had twins!! And after the twins were born, 2 months later she got pregnant again! I am sharing this because I hope it inspires some out there to keep praying.
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Dear Hannah,
I was right there with you praying for a miracle for Pam… And please, please, know your heartfelt pleas, fasting & prayers touched my heart deeply. Thank-You.
I hope I don’t sound redundant in saying again that through 26years of marriage & much suffering, my husbands illness has impacted us. On behalf as his care giver I now accept & struggle, sickness & mystery and God’s goodness in the mess.
As you said: His way our Higher than mine. My husband & I have tasted the goodness & the love of the Lord through our struggles. (But, it has been so hard.)
I can say this today only with hindsight. God loved us through people. As you are loving me & Pam through your prayers…
Thank-You Hannah, I have listened to Joni & she is remarkable.
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“I once prayed for a friend who spent almost 5 years with every fertility treatment available and could not conceive. The last resort was an expensive injection that cost 2500.oo out of pocket. I prayed and fasted for 4 days. During the last day the Lord spoke to me and told me she would be pregnant in 5 months and that she had to stop all treatment and eat healthy- get of sugar (she was a sugar addict) and coffee and relax. He also told me to ask her if she would be upset if she had twins.”
I love this! I love when we step out in faith with fasting & prayer. So, glorious & cool! I believe Hannah.
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I needed to say that it had been almost a year since her last monthly hormone treatment. Since it was only effective month to month the treatment had nothing to do with her getting pregnant. The shots was the last resort.
God opened her womb. It increased my faith and it was a way she witnessed to others about what the Lord did. I have not had this kind of answered prayer since (about 7 years ago). Since the babies she has had surgeries for severe endometriosis which is what was preventing her from conceiving., But God made the way. Afterwards her husband had a rare blood disorder that no Dr. could diagnose for almost 2 years. In and out of the hospital with near death several times.. Once when she was with him very late at night, a nurse came into the room and witnessed to her, and told her everything will be OK. The next day she asked about that nurse and no one knew who she was. I think it was an angel. He was sick for over a year and it was very trying on her faith. Finally a diagnosis was made and now with RX’s he is stable.
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Hannah,
I love stories like this. They are somewhat rare in my world, but I believe that God still stuns us with miraculous intervention. Happy to hear that her husband is now stable. Delighted that God opened her womb.
FWIW. I prayed for a woman who was in remission from cancer last summer, she was concerned because a new lump the size of a half dollar had appeared over night on her neck. Kinda scary when you are in remission. Long story short, after I prayed, she sent me a e mail and said: “I don’t know what kind of voodoo you prayed over me, but my lump slowly disappeared, I had my doc biopsy the spot & he cleared me, said is nothing to worry about.”
I laughed, and said it wasn’t voodoo, I prayed in the spirit in Jesus name. I hang out with a motley crew of atheists, a few gays, and folks who have been destroyed by so called Christians, I don’t wear Jesus on my sleeve, did that for years, but they know I am a Jesus lover, who loves to dance, eat & play & pray. Glory!
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Got these messages today on Pam @ 2:00 p.m. Update: “The surgery on Pam’s legs will occur at about 3:00 today, not tomorrow. This will be her third major surgery in 6 days”
7:30 p.m. “The surgery is done. We are all relieved and exhausted. While we are heartbroken for her, we are so very fortunate to have her with us.
Pam will be sedated and on a ventilator the next few days so she won’t be able to have visitors. We will let you know when you’ll be able to see her.”
my heart is cast down… gail
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I would like to say that I find this site rather interesting. I go to a large C&MA church, but am disillusioned some times by some of the practices I see there and with some of the books they have in their library (apostate, heretical, mega-church false preachers like Rick Warren and mystics like Sarah Young). I want to warn those who believe that the Catholic Church is a Christian church…it is not!! Here’s why (not an exhaustive list by any means): (1) Purgatory: hence they discount Jesus’ redemptive sacrificial work on the cross; (2) Idol worship : they pray to dead people who are omniscient, omnipotent. (Mary, ”saints”, dead family members, etc.); (3) the Cathoilc church teaches that Mary was forever a virgin and that salvation is through her, that she tells Jesus who to accept into heaven, that she is the mother of God, etc., etc.; (4) transubstantiation and eucharistic adoration, and on and on. They do not follow Christian doctrine even though they believe in the trinity (they add Mary and make it a quad-inity). This is one of the most dangerous false churches because it looks so much like what people believe it’s supposed to be. Sorry, Jesus’ church isn’t THAT monstrosity!!
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But I have known many Catholics who are Christians, who do not buy all of the stuff. One was a prayer partner who talked about the day he got “turned on to Christ”. He was involved in a charismatic group within a Catholic church, all of whom would confess to a conversion experience of accepting the lordship of Jesus Christ.
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An Attorney,
I can sign my name to your comment. I was raised Catholic and was Christian. During this time, I did not participate in anything that would be contradictory to scripture (ie, no rosary, penance). I should write out that story sometime because the big conversion (with full understanding) happened when I was 15 yrs old while attending my Catholic high school. That was quite interesting.
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Gail
I have not checked this thread for the last 2 days although Pam has been on my heart.
That is an amazing, inspiring story with the lump.
I am glad that Pam has gotten through the surgery.
My heart is heavy as is yours.
I can’t even put it into words….
Last night I watched a Chris Reeve documentary I found at the dollar store.
He was so hopeful that he would one day walk.
It was inspiring to watch his courage and optimism.
He had a crew that was always there for him.
I also watched Million Dollar baby a few days ago.
The contrast between someone not wanting to live and another (Chris Reeve) determined….
I think it boils down to your support group..and being surrounded by those who love you.
Well I am rambling…just some musings…
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Thank-You Hannah,
Your kindness & compassion here has made a difference to me.
Rambling is welcome by me. I appreciate how you said it “boils down to your support group, being surrounded by those who love you.”
I hope with all my being that is the case with Pam, she is surrounded by the love of many.
FWIW and off point in regards to your comment. I really didn’t need a critique on the Catholic church by tim why on this “prayer” thread. I think I know where he is coming from I was taught to hate Catholics and their doctrine years ago.
Though I don’t agree with much of their teachings & I have no plans to convert, I have been held in God’s presence in those evil catholic pews. Also have a few friends that are Catholic that would put to shame those who claim that their doctrine is correct and all others are heretics.
Sorry I digress, back to Pam:
Pam’s family loves their mom, sister, wife, daughter so much they want her to regain consciousness, that it the prayer they are asking.
Here is the update: “Pam’s legs 5” below the knee were removed on Sunday. The update on Monday: “Pam’s surgery went well yesterday but because her kidneys aren’t yet working, she is having trouble clearing from her system the copious amounts of medication she has received and, as a result, she still hasn’t regained consciousness. She is on continuous dialysis to help clear the medication and we think she will regain consciousness later today or tomorrow.
Not surprisingly, she is quite weak having endured three major surgical procedures in less than a week. Because of this, her medical team decided to do another tracheostomy this afternoon. We knew that she would be on a ventilator for a few days following yesterday’s surgery and, while we weren’t planning on it, the tracheostomy will make it easier to keep her lungs clear and help her rest more comfortably.
Like Pam, we are trying to regain our strength as we brace for the moment when she not only is awake, but is lucid enough to see and realize what has happened to her. We know that she needs to grieve and we will be there to support her through it, however long it may take. Our belief is that her grieving will eventually give way to an unyielding desire to not only get well, but to regain as much function as possible.”
Me: She hasn’t regained consciousness as of today, pray Thy will be done, yet please wake up Pam. Her family is struggling deeply, prayers for them too.
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Gail
Yes, this is a prayer thread and not the place for arguing against RC doctrine.
I have to agree with Tim about the RC doctrines, but I also agree with your assessment- the best friend I have had, and most compassionate people I know have had have either been been outside the “correct” Biblical doctrines, or just plain non-believers. The worst pain I have endured have been darts thrown my way from those who profess to know the Word.
I am focusing on my own walk with the Lord and leaving Him to reach those He needs to reach. It’s taken a load off my back.
Continued prayers for Pam and her family.
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Same here Hannah. Huge load off my back also. I don’t have a correct doctrine anymore, did that and it almost destroyed my faith in Jesus.
I just have this sense that I am called to my life. To love, bless, share, listen or agonize with anyone shows up in my life and most importantly listen to the Holy Spirit. Be it family, friend or stranger. I cling to the mercy of Jesus, He is my only hope in this world. God Bless.
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