Resources For Finding Support

I receive e-mails from time to time from those who read Reaching For Fringe and are suffering.  The only thing worse than being chronically ill or having your loved one be chronically ill--is doing it alone.

In those raw e-mails, the worst ones and those who are struggling most are the ones who are trying to do it alone.  They are attempting to hold their crumbling worlds up but are honestly...failing.

I always write back and say, "#1 Find Jesus.  #2 And talk to someone."  That's it.  Any more advice is overwhelming anyway.

Side note:  Support is much more detailed than just talking to someone, but that is a first step in taking the best care of you and your spouse emotionally.  Let's just cover that topic today.

Jesus is obviously your number one priority, but then find someone to talk to that GETS it and can offer you godly support.

For us, we had to use Skype, phone, text, and Facebook over 4 states to the West to find someone to talk to.  New friends who would really understand.  They were astonishingly in the exact same condition as us.  A young newly married couple: the husband unbelievably ill, a caregiving wife, and all of us taken aback at how our newlywed season was so violently stopped.  That was a very blessed experience and not everyone is so fortunate.

Where can your support come from?  Home?  Friends?  Family?  Support group?  Church?  Don't you dare try to say that YOU don't need support because you're not the exception and I don't want to hear those shenanigans.  You need help in this.

Resources for Finding Support

*Try connecting with others through Rest Ministries, a top notch Chronic Illness website.  You can find support and writings from Crohn's to Fibromyalgia to Lupus to Rheumatoid Arthritis and more!

*Find your illnesses main Foundation or Organization--I guarantee they will have a page for support or contact them for information.  Crohn's & Colitis Sufferers check out CCFA for example

*Just utilize good 'ole Google.  A search might be "Chronic Illness Support in [your state]"

*Seek help from your church.  They often offer counselors, small groups, or meetings intended for someone who is in a similar circumstance. Our church offers life groups for marriage, communication help in marriage, illness sufferers, or medical ministry.

*A Jesus centered, women focused ministry called (in)courage has a post dedicated just to community groups.  Every group topic from Chronic Illness to Marriage Support to Women In Your Local Community can be found there.  Read the post for more details!

The main point is don't fly solo.  I hope you stop trying to do it alone and let the Lord take over and allow community in.

 

Myself and my sweet younger sister.  She has been amazing support and source of love for us!

With JOY,

Ryan & Carly