A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 25:11

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Spoon Theory


Do you know someone that lives with something CHRONIC in their lives ?
It can be anything. You need to read this : It is a story called the Spoon Theory.
It might help you understand those of us who have to struggle at times just to make it through.
The lady who wrote this has Lupus, BUT it could be anything..
Here is the beginning:
Take a minute to read it, Let me know what you think..maybe print it off for someone.
I hope it helps with any of you who know what it is like to live with
something chronic or those of you who
live with someone, who has something chronic.
~~Deby
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

18 comments:

Amy said...

A BIG thank you for sharing this, Deby. How much I needed to read such a thing.

Saija said...

yes, my sweetie has been in chronic pain for 25 years now ... if i would have written the lessons all down in a journal - well it would be a very thick journal!

Deborah said...

Thank you for posting this Deby. I have a friend with Lupus, who has missed church most of the summer....I need to go call her.

Pam--in America said...

Wow, thanks Deby. I needed to read this. It really helps in being more compassionate.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this story. What a wonderful analogy. I don't LIVE with an illness but I BATTLE an illness. It is simiular but a little different. My battle is depression which just knocks the life (or I should say desire) out of me and there are no choices during this time, so its difficult for others to understand. Right now my meds are working but when they stop from time to time (and they do) it is difficult to get people to understand. The two responses which are the worse you can say to people BATTLING depression are; "snap out of it" and "if you were right with God you would not be depressed". Yes, I have been told both of these things and felt guilty about my depression until God helped me realize it is a disease just like lupus, cancer, diabetes, etc. And after researching I have found that it has been in my family for generations. With some being affected more than others. All this to say, Thank you for another analogy of looking at illness.

Pen of Jen said...

You know, one can never understand unless we share things like what you linked with Spoons.

I watch Bill daily and nightly *deal* with life and its twists and turns and still this made things more clear.

Wonderful scripture too.
Jennifer

Rita Loca said...

As you know, I have had two major back surgeries and live with daily, chronic pain. I have often struggled to explain this to people. NOW I can.
It is difficult for me to have pain and try not to let the pain BE who I am. I try so hard to hide it, I now am wondering if I should be more open? At least with those closest to me. What a great help. Thank you!

Carrie said...

Deby,
That was a wonderful post. My mom has dealt with Fibromyalga for over 10 yrs and Parkinsons for the past 2 yrs. I live several hrs away from her so I don't she her daily routine or needs. This post really opened my eyes up to how she might be feeling.
Thank you for opening my eyes and helping me learn to be more compassionate to those dealing with chronic illnesses.
Carrie

HOPE said...

What a wonderful story...thank you for the link Deby. I have a very close friend who has Lupus..she TRIES to stay busy for the LORD and SMILES most of the time. I can tell when she is trying not to show the limited amount of "spoons" she has left for that day.

I am with you...and this verse is so true. HIS GRACE is sufficient and our trust is in Him.

God bless YOU with a good day!

Sharon said...

Deby,
Thank you so much for sharing this! With a bad back I get the feeling that sometimes people look at me thinking I look so healthy, yet they don't see or know the pain I may be having in my back and that I cannot always go and do. I try to stay cheerful around others and try to avoid talking about my pain, but it rears it's ugly head and I have to say, "No, I'm sorry I won't be able to go today". It is frustrating not to be able to clean my house like I used to. I can relate to this story and I know you do too. I'm going to email this link around and hope people will take the time to read it.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this...I too suffer from depression. I have my good days and bad days that follow with menopause too, even though that is a transition and not a disease it can still send you for a loop from time to time.

Great post!♥

BittersweetPunkin said...

That was a wonderful post..I understand now in a different perspective the battles some people deal with.

I hope you have a Blessed day!

Michele said...

Deby...thank you so much for posting this for us to read. It's hard for people to understand when others are sick, so this analogy was wonderful.

Hugz,
Michele

Theresa's Notes said...

That was a really good thing for me to read. I have friends in my church that has chronic illnesses but I never thought about it. I always put it in the back of my mind and tried to forget they are sick. Thank you for this.

Toni said...

Thanks so much for this artical Deb! My husband has been suffering with a chronic injury now for a year. He has had two surgeries now and is in so much pain he can`t even work. We can really relate to this woman and her experience. God bless!

Abounding Treasures said...

Deby,

Thanks so much for sharing this link!

That is exactly how I felt for many years living with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure and could do *very little*, yet looked healthy.

After my heart transplant in 2005, I asked the Lord to keep reminding me that I'm not only blessed to have this 2nd chance, but to live my life not taking anything *simple* for granted ever again!

We all know that how we *look* on the outside can be deceiving and this woman really has given those living with a chronic illness or disability a clear and wonderful way to help others understand just how they manage [or don't manage] from one moment to the next!

Blessings,
Dallas

Kim's Treasures said...

Thanks for sharing this Deby...this is how my days really are...every task costs a spoon! But I know Christ strengthens me!
Have a great night!
Kim

Unknown said...

That was so good and spot on! What a great analogy and boy, could I relate! Thanks Deby for putting this up. Do you mind if I blog about it also?