The Whole Offering
I, someone with a progressive disease, disabled since infancy and gravely dependent on others, have been told to offer up my sufferings to God, so that He will make something … Continue Reading The Whole Offering
Saints with Disabilities
Saints intercede to bring about miraculous cures for people with disabilities — they don’t have disabilities themselves. Right? Wrong. “It’s not like people with disabilities are usually known for feeding … Continue Reading Saints with Disabilities
Way of the Cross
I want to read something to you … a reminder that, even in the worst times, it’s good to be here. Concluding my Lenten series, this is an intimate meditation … Continue Reading Way of the Cross
Pain
“It was our pain that he bore, our sufferings he endured.”[i] I love being alive, body and soul. Sometimes, though, I think that my diseased, crippled body looks like it’s … Continue Reading Pain
Agony
“Not my will.” How many times have I desperately longed for my life of progressive disability to be different? For countless hours upon hours I have agonized, with teenaged hormones … Continue Reading Agony
Approaching Lent
How do you deal with suffering? This is a question that I have been asked more often than usual lately, and there really is no quick answer. Because I’m a … Continue Reading Approaching Lent
Lenten Reflections
My deepest fears, my worst pain, the agony of being human — all explored with intimate meditations upon the Passion of Christ that will be posted here weekly through Lent. … Continue Reading Lenten Reflections
Are you loved?
What is love? Our words can confuse the answer. I say: I love cheesecake; I love my family and friends; I love writing; I love watching football; I love God. … Continue Reading Are you loved?
Answered Prayers
Recently, I was telling my friend that I have difficulty “hearing” God when I pray. Often finding it difficult to make decisions in my life, I will turn to God … Continue Reading Answered Prayers
The Gift of Suffering?
Suffering is something that people complain about far and wide. As a Catholic, however, I have heard people speak about the gift of suffering. Those people look at me, a … Continue Reading The Gift of Suffering?
Where the Light Enters You
“There’s a crack in everything… that’s how the light gets in.” — Leonard Cohen, songwriter. I know about cracks. I suffer from a seriously disabling disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. My … Continue Reading Where the Light Enters You
Careful What You Pray for
When I was invited to write a post for my friends at Agnellus’ Mirror, I had no idea that God would give me the opportunity to put my money where … Continue Reading Careful What You Pray for
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
You know you’ve asked this question before. Many have. And I am asking it now, but – well… I’d first like to start with a little thought on the wording … Continue Reading Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
On Redemptive Suffering
A friend told me fairly recently that she thinks of me when she reads Colossians 1:24. Yes, I admit, I had to look it up… “Now I rejoice in my … Continue Reading On Redemptive Suffering
Redemptive Suffering
The womb that cannot bear new life is, instead, bearing pain. Seemingly meaningless and devoid of promise, for the hard grip – twisted deformed rocks – makes it unrecognized as … Continue Reading Redemptive Suffering
Expire
Now, breathe out… “His body is letting him down.” We say this about a person who is getting old or becoming sick with an incurable disease. Why? Isn’t the … Continue Reading Expire
Christina Chase 