Sometimes. . .

Sometimes life is hard.

There is no other way of saying it. Whether it is a bad day, a bad week, bad month, or even a bad year. Sometimes things get tough, and digging yourself out seems like a near impossible task. That's where I was two months ago. 

Two months ago I was stuck in a dark place without much hope for the future. God heard my pleas and rescued me from that darkness. Through much prayer and care, I once again feel human. This is not something I saw for myself for a very long time and I am immensely thankful for the way He worked in my life.

As most of you know, my beautiful younger sister had a liver transplant when she was fifteen. I'm not sure of all the medical terminology, just that she had an autoimmune condition called PSC in which her liver attacks itself. Mandy has always been an incredible example of the strength God can provide. She has never let any of her diagnoses get her down, despite how scary. She has continued to smile through the pain never once asking for sympathy or pity. She is an amazing inspiration. Fast forward a few years of ups and downs, but mostly good news on the health front.

Well, sometimes life is hard.

Here we are five and a half years later with scary news-the doctors think her PSC is back. 

Place yourself in her shoes. Twenty years old with the world at her feet. One transplant and countless other procedures already behind her. When she should be contemplating all the world has to offer for her future, she is instead considering the best options for healing knowing full well another transplant is the likely answer.

God calls us to lean into Him during these times; to cast our burdens on Him. That is what we must do. We must pray for all that is in our hearts for His will through healing. God is the only one with the power to save us from the pain of this world. Please join us in prayer as we cast our burdens on Him and continue to pray for Mandy's healing.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

-Matthew 11:28