Power of One: Inspire, Empower, Encourage to Never Lose Hope in the Fight of Your Life: February 2014

I’m practically in tears as I reflect on my life this week. It’s love month, and my birthday week! I’m so blessed to live such a full life when 5 years ago in August 2009 I seized 3 times and flat lined; my future looked so dim according to science and medicine. I woke up to find out I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. I had a long journey of physical, occupational and speech rehab ahead of me along with 6 months of Cytoxin therapy (chemo). What matters is that God favored me, and we came out on the winning side (smiling from ear to ear with hand claps). For these reasons, I praise Him anyway through the good and the bad to confuse the enemy!

As I’m typing Marvin Sapp’s song “Never Would Have Made It,” plays quietly in the background.

"Never Would Have Made It”

By Marvin Sapp

I'm stronger, I'm wiser
I'm better, much better

When I look back
Over all You brought me through
I can see that You were the One
I held on to

And I never, never would have made it
(Never would have made it)
Oh, I never could have made it
(Never could have made it without You)

Oh, I would have lost it all
Oh, but now I see
How You were there for me

I never
(Never would have made it)
No, I never
(Never could have made it without You)

I would've lost my mind
A long time ago
If it had not been for You

Maybe you had a rough 2013 or 2014 already started worse than last year. You are not forgotten. You are not alone in this journey. Hold on! Search deep within, 1 John 4:4 says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” God can turn the worst tragedies into the greatest testimonies! Sometimes we go through obstacles to be transformed into the person we were created to be! Remember, He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world!

Even though, I have come so far in my rehabilitation from Lupus in the past 5 years, I found out this past summer that my Lupus has made its way into my kidneys (Lupus Nephritis). With all that mess comes low energy levels from the newly diagnosed hypothyroid and then there is the excessive protein leaking into my urine. The side effect is excessive liquid in my legs and frequent urination. It is rare to see me in a dress these days with legs the size of Texas ;). Thank God, I found some cute compression stockings online with colorful designs (staying fashionable...they didn't call me Styles in high school for no reason, lol)). I was tired of my white and nude colored compression stockings that you see older people wearing. (No offense older friends). Then having to get up three times in the middle of my precious sleep to go potty does not allow me to be the best person I can be during the day. I'm a light sleeper as is. I can’t forget to mention the reoccurring blood clots I have in my legs :(. It makes it a lot tougher to stay on my workout routine or teach my Zumba classes, but I know my situation is only temporary.

Yes, my body feels beat up most days. Yes, I get frustrated thinking about how Lupus is trying to destroy my life. Yes, my joints hurt. Yes, my hair falls out while I'm in the shower and when I comb it because of the medications I have to take. Yes, I feel my family is cheated, because Lupus robs my energy. But then a soft whisper comes over me saying God spared me. Lupus can't steal my joy!!! In Isaiah 54:17, God reminds me that “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” Marvin Sapp sings, “I never would have made it, No, I never would have made it without You, I’m stronger, I’m wiser, I’m better, much better.”

Regardless of what my physical circumstances looks like, I’m still here!!! Having a birthday this week is a gift in itself! Having your presence in my life is present enough! I’m humbled and grateful!

“I’m stronger, I’m wiser, I’m better, much better.” If you are still breathing and reading this, then you still have a chance to walk out your destiny. All your mess has made you stronger, wiser and better! I’m using all the trials to become God’s warrior not a worrier. It’s all about perspective. What are you grateful for? Do you spend most of your day complaining or counting your blessings?

Did I mention that I am a wife, mom of a one year old, bonus mom of a three and five year old? Yes, you are counting right...3 kids under 5 years old! Can we say overachiever! It’s not easy, but I know I’m not alone! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” mentioned in Phil. 4:13. I have a loving support group made of amazing family and friends that encourages, inspires and loves me. I get random calls or messages letting me know I'm right where God wants me. I'm forever grateful!

On the other hand, I had to be realistic this year about my new limitations. I can’t do everything I once did. I even had to move closer to family to get help on the days I’m not feeling my best. I had to learn to ask for help and be ok with receiving it. I had to turn down a lot of social gatherings to maintain what I have going on in my own home. I had to SLOW down. I had to redefine what life looks like at 34 years old. In addition, I have to try going to bed earlier so even with all the night time interruptions I’m getting close to 8 hours of sleep. Sleep, oh precious, sleep, how I dream about you! Yes, I am a work in progress! It’s ok! I may have Lupus, but Lupus doesn’t have me!!!

I’m not just blogging about what you should do, I’m taking my own advice. I decided to celebrate my birth month in 2 special ways. I’m giving instead of receiving. Let me bless you.

First way, I decided to participate in the pay it forward initiative. To the first 7 people who comment on my post saying "I'm in" you will receive a surprise from me at some point in time in this calendar year. To those 7 you must post the same opportunity on your FB. We can make 2014 full of love to our family, friends and acquaintances without any other reason than to make people smile.

Second way, I'd love it if you would join me in the fight against Lupus! I'm leading the Walk to End Lupus Now team on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Brooks City-Base in San Antonio, Texas at 10 a.m. Join me in this effort and support a cause http://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1094227&team=582744. If you don’t live in the area or already have plans, you can donate to the cause on the team page. It's going to be life changing!!!

Celebrate you today even if it’s not your birth month! Love on yourself! Be forgiving! Some people don’t have the privilege to celebrate another year, because life happened! My birthday wish is that you will allow God to use you. Share every talent, gift, skill you were born with to bring happiness to others and help them in their journey by sharing your story. Live on purpose; don't sleep walk through life!

Birthdays are a big deal…celebrate life through love! Breathe life into others! Stay encouraged! God never leaves you nor forsakes you (Deut. 31:6)! Count your many blessings this year! I know I am!