One woman’s journey through chronic illness. by Mary J. Yerkes “I’m afraid there is no cure. We can only treat the symptoms,” Dr. Price explained, almost apologetically. Speechless, I lingered over her words, struggling to grasp the implications of the diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritis. It’s a systemic disease causing inflammation in the joints. The inflammatory…
Read moreYear: 2014
The Road to Peace
A positive end to a pity party. by Mary Cox-Bilz Born with a severe disability called Arthrogryposis, Multiplex Congenita, I have less than 3 percent use of my left arm and less than 7 percent use of my right arm. I have never walked. I type with a mouth stick held between my teeth…
Read moreThe Fear Fight
Overcoming takes time — and faith. by Janice Hughes Biopsy? No, I could not have heard that word. Surely I had misunderstood. The doctor directed my attention to the screen before me and traced the outline of a small lump. There was no mistake. Bold black letters at the top of the screen announced…
Read moreTaking the Plunge – Resources
Resources Though these resources are in Idaho, plenty of similar organizations are throughout the nation. Be sure to search your particular state’s Parks and Recreation websites to find programs for the handicapped. Idaho Adaptive Resources Recreation Unlimited 1610 N. OrchardBoise, ID 83706Contact: John SummertonPhone: 208-383-0210 / Fax: 208-344-7132E-mail: recun1@midohio.net Provides year-round programs in sports, recreation,…
Read moreNever Forsaken
God is with us when we feel most alone. by Mary Bair I sit in another office with cool, “restful” colored paint, muted lighting, and nondescript art on the walls. A desk, bookshelf full of books, chairs — always more than two so I can choose to sit where I feel “safest” and most…
Read moreA Place for Grace
Removing the stigma from single parenthood. by Dawn Shanks, MEd My three-year-old’s voice became increasingly louder. “But why, Mom?!” he repeatedly asked, though I told him to pick only six books — the limit we had agreed on in the car. Our bag could not hold any more books without ripping. Not surprisingly, he…
Read moreOne of Her Songs
Finding wholeness in the empty nest. by Beth Farley I was heading to the bookstore to do some writing when indigestion reminded me that I had forgotten my heartburn medicine. I can’t go to the bookstore without drinking a cup of café coffee; I can’t drink coffee without the heartburn medicine, so off to…
Read moreHeart and Soul
Christ performs major surgery on the deepest need. by Dave Moors as told to Priscilla Tate Gilmore In February 2001, when my wife was four months pregnant, our obstetrician, Dr. Robert Olson, delivered alarming news: “Based on previous blood tests, there is a ten percent chance that your baby will be born with Down’s…
Read moreFreed from Facebook
Anything is an idol if it comes between us and God. by Carol Cumberland “I love seeing you on Facebook, Jamie,” I said to our friend’s daughter. “But it’s pretty addicting, and I might have to get off of it altogether.” What have I done? I just admitted to Jamie that I have an…
Read moreNaming Jason
Surrender to the sovereign will of God is not always easy. by Karen Foster A sharp pain jarred me awake at 4 a.m. Rubbing my large belly, I urged my unborn son, “Settle down in there.” I breathed deeply, but another searing pain made me bolt up in bed. My heart pounded. I can’t…
Read more