Watching the coronavirus coverage and the postings of people struggling to breathe reminds me of the times I have been in respiratory distress. The feelings of strangulation, suffocation, and drowning in the gurgling of my own fluids, which will consume me if I don’t react quickly, are all too real for me. I live with a rare disease called GPA and it affects my whole respiratory system including my nose structure which is now a rib bone. So any infection or disease that accelerates the power of my GPA leaves me running in the opposite direction and searching for ways to protect myself.
I have always taken the stand that “defeat is not an option,” with this disease even when I can barely draw breath into my body or climb an ordinary set of stairs. Push and push or find another way is my method of daily functioning and my body just has to follow along. But with Covid-19 there and the quickness, it can consume the respiratory systems sends me back to my early days of researching other methods in being proactive with my health.
From the very beginning of my disease, when the doctors did not know what was going on and could only treat the symptoms I have always searched and researched ways to live a better life. Over these decades, GPA has facilitated my body in acquiring Ulcerative Colitis, Asthma, Allergies, Upper Respiratory Diseases, Uveitis, Diabetes 2, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and High Blood Pressure. So I am a triple bull’s eye for the coronavirus! Along with the medicines I take, I have discovered supplements which help to boost my immune system and give me a better quality of life. And then my go-to exercise is yoga or ballet, very gentle, flowing, stretching movements improving my lung function and my mobility.
DISCLAIMER ALERT: I want to state that I am not a doctor and I am not giving advice to anyone concerning their medical care.
Right now, I must ask my self, “What else can I do during this time to help my body survive the Covid-19?”
So, once again I must go back to some of my better research days and add two helpful items to my daily regime. One is called The Breather, which is a way to exercise the throat and lungs and the other is a supplement for my lungs. I want to say that I do not make a dime on either of these products. And before you take any supplement, be sure to ask your doctor about the supplement. At this point I am doing all I can to stay safe by following the quarantine, taking my meds and supplements and adding some additional exercises for my lungs.
Where to next?
As always my handy dandy study bible is at my side! It was there at the beginning of my walk with God and will be with me until the end of my life. I am not sure “next” is the correct word because God is with me daily. Our relationship is one that I survive on, without Him I would have nothing nor be nothing. He is the love of my life, my all in all! He is my Father, my Saviour, my God!
And, asking God how I can help is a no brainer for me. I can write and encourage others. I can pray! I pray my blog will be a way I can bring some joy, and peace to those who are anxious and quarantined. I also pray that God will bring those to me who are searching for Him and that they will encounter God in their lives. Even though GPA has sidelined me in my camper, it has not stopped me from speaking out and offering hope!
Today, I begin with Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
When I read this I think of a large rock cave that I can go into where nothing in this world can penetrate my covering. As for strength, what strength is the strongest in the universe but God’s strength? His strength exceeds more than our minds can comprehend! And He is present, which means He is right here and not in some far off imaginary place. Basically, we don’t have to be strong during this time nor do we have to look for a place to hide. We can take all of our weaknesses and fears and give them to God. Hand it over and let Him handle what should be done! To me that is a relief, a deep sigh, a restful moment knowing God is my refuge and my strength! What about you? Can you give it all to God?
After you think you have done everything you can do to be proactive during this virus, then go to God and give it all to Him! For you will find your peace and knowing in Him.
Heavenly Father;
I come before you today with praise and thanksgiving for you being my rock and my strength! And for you always being with me! Thank you!
Please heal those who are suffering from the coronavirus, and help our health care workers with your strength and your presence in their great time of need. Please open the eyes of our government officials to do what is right and stop those officials who would seek to profit by abusing the system.
Please send peace to the anxious, and joy to those who are depressed and worried. Send them someone to let them they are loved and they have a God who wants to care for them always.
Give us all strength in the coming days and fill our hearts with your everlasting love.
In Jesus Name,
AMEN!
The Tent Maker Blog 