Life’s Challenges

Everybody has challenges in life. We all have burdens of our own kind to bare. Some can be more than others, and all of us have our own way with dealing with them. We can’t be weary of failing when we face our challenges. “Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly.” Robert F. Kennedy. Challenges can be so rewarding in the end. When all is said and done, getting through them is what truly matters. 


I like to share challenges that I’ve faced. I don’t shy away from them. They have long been a part of my life. Have I always handled them the right way? No, I certainly haven’t, but I am not hesitant to talk about them. It’s my greatest testimony. What God has done in my life is extraordinary, and I wanna write about it. 

    

As so many out there know, I have a disability. I suffered brain damage at birth. I almost didn’t survive my birth. My medical records say I was “almost a stillborn.” I suffered brain damage due to a lack of oxygen. I had the umbilical cord wrapped around my neck, which cut off my air supply to my brain. It took several minutes before I took my first breath. I’m blessed to say I had a doctor who didn’t give up and gave me CPR until my vital signs appeared on the monitor, my heart rate began, and I  took my first breath. In scripture Paul tells of “A thorn in my flesh. A messenger of Satan to buffet me.” II Corinthians 12:7. My thorn has been a lifelong struggle, and I still deal with it today. 

           

I suffered seizures for many, many years. Who knows the toll it took on my brain? They are controlled now, thanks to surgery and medication. I had part of my hippocampus removed. This is where my seizures were coming from. Also, one of the most frustrating things I deal with is short term memory loss. Mine is almost nonexistent. Sometimes it scares me. There are vital things that arise that I need to remember. As a child I also suffered from coordination problems. It took me a long time before I could even walk. Needless to say my childhood wasn’t easy for me or my parents. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to raise a child with a major disability. They both did it with grace, perseverance, and determination. I also have two older sisters who helped every step of the way.

            

I’m 42 years old now. I’ve been married for 17 years. My wife and I have two girls, and now they are here to help me with my challenges. My wife has been  so graceful with helping me through struggles in my life. God only knows how hard it’s been for her. I met the one woman on this planet who can help me. She knows the ins and outs of my struggles. I wouldn’t have made it up the mountains I’ve climbed without her. She loves me for who I am. You can’t find the kind of love she gives me these days. She helps me daily with my struggles and does it with grace and determination. Most importantly, she does it with commitment. She knew what she signed up for when she said “I do”, and I’m so thankful for her. She and our girls are my world now. I live to give them my best everyday. Whatever struggles come my way, they’re right there to get me through. I just wanna say, whatever challenges you face, keep pushing through. It will be worth it in the long run. 


Thanks for taking the time to read today. Whatever challenges you face, In some way, I hope mine will help you through. 

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