Change. Persistence. Healing. By Katie Nelson
A month before my 33rd birthday, I walked into Target after yet another doctor's appointment.
A month before my 33rd birthday, I walked into Target after yet another doctor's appointment. I hardly ever get to shop by myself, so this seemed like some much-needed mom therapy. As I approached the jewelry section, I was immediately drawn to a row of necklaces. A simple crystal necklace on a gold chain stood out to me. Three words were written on the cardboard behind it: Change, persistence, healing. I felt very strongly that God wanted me to remember those words. The last three years had been overflowing with health issues. Overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, food sensitivities, recurring UTIs, heavy periods, back pain, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
I don’t know what was worse - the pain and discomfort or the snowballing fear that came with not knowing what was causing my mountain of symptoms. I felt like I was going crazy. My mental health spiralled. But finally, in February, an MRI confirmed that I had endometriosis. A hysterectomy was not something I wanted to do, but I had tried everything (and I mean everything!) else, and I was not getting better.
From time to time, throughout my health struggles, I thought about the bleeding woman in Mark 5:25-34. In verses 25-26, we read, “And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.”
But, what I do know is that she didn’t give up and we shouldn’t either.
Girl, I can relate. She suffered much longer - twelve years! But, she spent all that she had on medications and treatments only to get worse. I feel that! Being sick for three years drained me (and my family) financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I cannot imagine what it was like struggling for so much longer. Not only that, she was considered unclean - a social outcast - because of her condition.
In verses 27 and 28 we learn, “She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, ‘If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.’” Wow, how did she have so much faith? How did she drag herself out of the house to see this Jesus guy? I don’t know. I don’t have an answer for you. But she did it, and it paid off. She touched his robe and was healed. In verse 34, we read, “And he [Jesus] said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’” .
I wish I could talk to this woman. I have so many questions. But, what I do know is that she didn’t give up and we shouldn’t either. I do know that our mindset matters. If I focused on my symptoms and how I was feeling, I became consumed by fear and anxiety. If I focused on things that brought me joy, I had relief - even if it was temporary I am now two months out from my hysterectomy. The recovery process was not easy, but I feel amazing now. I don’t even feel like my old self - I feel better! I think it’s because I really appreciate my health. I definitely took it for granted before. Although this is a nice lesson, if I’m honest, I still wish I didn’t have a truckload of health trials the last few years. I don’t know why God allows us to go through so much pain for so long sometimes. But, as someone who is getting a glimpse of healing… Please, don’t give up. The wait is so worth it. Change. Persistence. Healing. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13
