The same week that I celebrated my 79th birthday I found out from my Neurologist that I had Parkinson’s Disease. I have had difficulties with “shaky hands” since my mid 20’s and have been seeing a Neurologist for quite some time for them. They were diagnosed as benign familiar tremors. As I got older, these tremors worsened and my medication dosage was increased. I recently noticed a different kind of shaking in my hand and jaw and told my Neurologist who scheduled me for tests. It turns out that my shaky hands have graduated in to Parkinson’s Disease. Actually, my doctor tells me that I now have both. The shaky hands are quite manageable but when I looked at the symptons of Parkinsons Disease, it was apparent that I was facing something that affected every part of me. It was only in the fall that I had my last physical and my doctor told me that I was in good health. Most people who know me see me as an active person who looks and seems much younger that my age. I reveled in that. I planned on living out the life that God gives me as a healthy, active, young at heart person. I want to continue serving Him as best as I can.
This new diagnose and the accompaning symptons is not something that I wished for. I struggled with this for a couple of days and came to the conclusion that God has always taken care of me, and I have always trusted Him. I knew that this diagnosis does not change that. I still very much trust in Him and will continue to do so, no matter what. I know that God will use this illness of mine to show forth His glory. I attend a Friday night prayer meeting that brings me much joy and has brought many healings to a considerable amount of people. The leader there said that they will pray over me every Friday and that I will be healed. I plan on being prayed over every Friday and I do hope for a healing. Now, I have been involved in various healing ministries since 1971 and I have seen many absolutely miraculous healings. BUT, I have also seen many people not receive any physical healings when prayed for. Sometimes people receive healings, and sometimes they don’t. I know that same rule applies to me.
Whether I receive a physical healing from this illness, or don’t, I do know that God will work through this. I offer myself to Him to allow His will and His glory to shine through me whether I am healed or not. I TRUST IN JESUS fully and I trust in His will for me. God knows what is best for me and for His people. My desire is to serve Him in whatever way I can. Since my ordination as a RC Deacon in 1980, I have received such pleasure from serving Him and His people. I do want to continue to do this as long as I possilbly can, but I also know that God’s will is so much better that what I can think of. If He grants me a physical healing of this illness, then I will give glory to Him amongst His people. If He does not grant me a physical healing, then I will give glory to Him amongst His people by my trust in Him and the way I live out my life with Him. Either way, I know that God will use this illness for His Glory, I trust Him enough to know that for sure. I know that so many people suffer from so many different illnesses and problems. I have always been lifted up by the way so many of them show their love of God and place their trust in Him, no matter what. I pray that I may always Trust in Jesus and give glory to Him by the way I live out my life. I also pray that whatever you may now be going through, you will grow closer to Jesus, who loves us so much. I pray that you may always be filled with HOPE and Trust In Jesus. I pray that my journey with Him may help you in your journey with Him. God bless you and your loved ones. May you have the Peace of Jesus.