Privilege?

Recently, I’ve had the privilege of meeting others who are also afflicted with some chronic illness or disability…whether it’s Fibromyalgia or Multiple Sclerosis.

“Privilege? How can something as horrible as that be a privilege? It’s difficult, but let me try to explain: There is an immediate bond that takes place when someone with a chronic illness/disability meets someone else with a chronic illness/disability. Call it a mutual respect, because they both have gone (or are going) down the same road. It’s kind of like the kinship between soldiers who have fought in the same battle; they know what it’s like to be in the same foxhole.

“…so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.” 2 Corinthians 4:11-12

All of our humiliations and adversities are how Christ’s power and presence are demonstrated through our lives. The reason I call it a “privilege” is because we have the God given honor of knowing that death has worked out something pretty special in our lives. This ultimately leads to life in others.

God has trained me to be able to identify a hurting or brokenhearted person from a mile away. Things I’ve learned would not have been possible to learn if not for this malady.
I can now comfort others because of the work He has done in me.