Dealing with Chronic Illness ~ Part 3: Help! I Need an Operating Manual!

        Let’s review a bit! We’ve talked about accepting chronic conditions while knowing all God ordains is good. Then we went over some coping skills. And let’s not forget how vital securing our eternal destination is!

        But there’s one thing I’ve not mentioned so far that’s absolutely necessary!

        What’s something every train has on board? A formal operating manual outlining rules, procedures, and safety standards train conductors/engineers must follow while on duty, assuring all passengers experience a good trip.

        I don’t have an operating manual, you might think. Help!

        But guess what!

        You, oh well-travelled passenger, have access to the greatest manual of all—written by God Himself! The Holy Bible.

        In the 66 Books forming the whole Book of books are answers for every question or need you’ll ever encounter in your entire life. Nothing is missing. Absolutely nothing.

        But I have a chronic condition. How can the Bible help me with that? There’s someone in there who “gets” what I’m going through?

        Yes, there is. You can read about Job (pronounced with a long “O” vowel sound) in the Bible Book named after him. (If you’re not familiar with the order of the 66 Books in the Bible, there’s an index in the front. Job is toward the middle of the Old Testament Books.) Job suffered multiple mega-problems, yet He never turned away from his faith in God.

        Are you wondering if the Lord understands your condition?

        He certainly does. You can start by reading about the suffering Messiah in Isaiah 53 (also in the Old Testament but later than Job). The Person being slain there is the prophesied Jesus. Yes, the Savior of the world understands what it’s like to suffer to the death.

        Perhaps you’re wanting several short portions of Scripture, possibly written on cards you can place by your bed, next to your favorite chair, or carry in your pocket as reminders. There are so many promises in The Word of God to help you.

        May I share a couple accounts with you where such made a difference in the life of our youngest son?

        Benjamin (Min) had just been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Gifts, cards, children’s drawings, and more poured in to cheer him as he began his difficult journey with chronic illness and chemotherapy.

        Some of those gifts standing out in my memory to this day:

~Colorful pictures drawn on paper plates by a pre-school class. Their teacher added Bible verses that matched each drawing.

~Another gift, beautifully created by a church women’s group? A quilted Scripture throw, covered with Bible promises. Our son expressed, “I love being covered up in these Bible verses. They help me.”

~And no-frills 8½ x 11 paper with Bible promises (computer-printed) that Benjamin could post on his hospital wall or wherever he chose. These were sent by a gentleman who shared he’d also gone through most difficult times and found great comfort in the particular verses he chose.

        Never underestimate what God’s Word can do for you—how It ministers to your soul, which will in and of itself help you, even in the most difficult of times.

        Can you write out verses on cards, save them in a file on your computer, ask someone else to write them out for you, or be the person who gives them as a gift to a suffering friend?

        There are literally thousands of Bible promises. I’m only going to share a handful with you today. For more—hey—you do the homework. Okay? 😉

         There are many versions of the Bible for you to choose from. Some are easier to understand than others. If you’ve been raised with KJV, you might want to stick with that. If you’ve had limited or no experience with The Holy Bible, you may want to consider NKJV, NASB, or ESV. Those initials might not be familiar to you, but they’re on the Bible bindings and sometimes on the front. (The way I’ve listed them go from more traditional language to easier-to-understand.)

        So, here are some verse references to get you started:

Psalm 54:4, Psalm 119:75-77, Psalm 121:1-5,

I Peter 5:7, Proverbs 3:5&6, Psalm 56:8,

Romans 8:28&29, Matthew 11:28-30,

Psalm 23:1&2, Psalm 61:2

 

        Above I’ve mentioned our son, Min, and his struggle with brain cancer. He also suffers from a genetic disease that made it hard for him to find an adoptive family. He tells about this in his memoir, A Home for Min Soo ~ Putting Together the Pieces of My Life.

        When Min celebrated his book launch, he came up with the idea to share cards expressing briefly how he wrestled. It was very moving then and still is. In honor of our son and his bravery in telling his story, I’m posting the video clip he shared at his book launch.

        In the background, you’ll hear I Need Thee Every Hour. And below the link you’ll find the words to that hymn. So poignant for all who suffer and recognize their need of the Savior’s help!

        How I thank God for giving Himself to us “hands on”—through His Word, The Bible. It is one very tangible way He speaks to us; and, oh, how He loves when we talk with Him—in prayer and even through the singing of songs centered on Him!

I Need Thee Every Hour

 

(as seen on our son’s YouTube page: Kim Min Soo, Author)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjCNhRRI93E

I need Thee ev'ry hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain: I need Thee, O I need Thee; ev'ry hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.

I need Thee ev'ry hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow'r when Thou art nigh. [Refrain]

I need Thee ev'ry hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain. [Refrain]

I need Thee ev'ry hour, teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill. [Refrain]

I need Thee ev'ry hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son. [Refrain]

(from the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour by Annie S. Hawks & Robert Lowry, 1872, public domain)

#Bible #WordofGod #Bibleverses #promises #suffering #AHomeforMinSoo 

Video Instrumentalists: Brian & Sarah Hampshire

Photo Credit: train engineer~freepik.com, stacked Bibles~istockphotos.com, Min’s book cover~author owned 

Dealing with Chronic Illness ~ Part 2: Coping with Disease & Considering My Destination

 

      What God ordains is always good! If you’ve wrapped your mind and heart around this premise/promise, you’re on the right track to dealing with your chronic condition. You’ve got an engine pulling you and—most importantly—a Conductor Who knows what He’s doing.

        But you don’t understand, Sarah. God is able, but my body isn’t.

        That’s where this gets more complicated. Right? I tell the Lord, “I’ll do this for You today and with Your help accomplish it.” But is that so?

        Not always. There’s the desire and will, but physical limitations may throw a wrench in the works.

        What if, for example, your church needs VBS* helpers this summer, and, let’s say you have muscular dystrophy. You likely already feel derailed because it appears physical tasks needed for VBS week are beyond your limitations. What can you do?

        First and always first, go to God in prayer. Express to Him how hard this is because you want to help badly. Ask Him to comfort you then to point you in another direction. One of the most needful things for VBS is to be covered with prayer before, during, and after.

        What about greeting kids who come or helping with registrations if you’re still able to use your arms and hands? Putting snacks on trays? Counseling with youngsters who want to accept Jesus as Savior? Helping with follow-up communication (if your church does that)?

        These are some options, maybe small in your eyes…but remember! You can always pray! And that’s big!

        Maybe you’re someone without a chronic condition who can aid another with one—including them in creative ways that work for you both. This’ll take some thinking, more time, and even extra energy on your part, but it will make a difference for the person who suffers (and bless you in return).

        Another part of dealing with conditions that alter our abilities is not giving up but also recognizing what’s no longer possible. Sound conflicting? It can be. So, let’s look at this:

1)     The Little Engine that Tries ~ Even when given a death sentence, it’s worth trying to do whatever you’re able to handle. This’ll be easier in the beginning than later (when your mental “Try List” requires modifying as you digress).

2)     The Shabby Engine that Needs New Paint ~ Have you wondered if Jesus can heal you? Have you asked Him? Although Jesus doesn’t always choose this for us, He doesn’t mind us asking. Remember, all He does/His decisions have the same goal—to bring glory to The Father. God can use your situation to this end. Even if God allows your suffering to continue, your real healing might need be spiritual in nature. Your soul? Your acceptance? Your attitude perhaps?

3)     The Not-So-Little Engine that Can’t Quite ~ When you must modify, you’ll also need to grieve the little or not-so-little losses along the way. Then regroup. Next, find a new method that works for you. This is not failing. It’s being realistic.

4)     The Tired-out Engine that’s Kaput ~ If you can’t, you might need help from medical professionals (physical or occupational therapists, for example, to show you new methods or a social worker in a medical setting). When the time comes you cannot modify anymore, you will require additional help if you don’t already have that—like the train in Part 1 with additional engines in the middle to boost that long, heavy train.

        Remember ~ If what God ordains is good, then there’s a plan in it all. No mistakes. No miscalculations. No errors.

        And your suffering isn’t forever! Or is it?

        That depends on your destination. Where’s this “train” headed?

        A vital question—as important (or more so) than any other you’ll ask on your journey.

        We all face death, although those with chronic illness may be on a faster train to the cemetery, to put it bluntly. Well, not the real us—just the body. The soul (the real part) goes to either Heaven or Hell. And there’s a great divide between those tracks.

Heaven ~ where pain, suffering, and grief end. No diseases! Only peace and joy when joined with the Savior!

Hell ~ where pain, suffering, and grief not only don’t end but intensify! I’ve yet to hear a chronic sufferer say, “I hope my situation gets so much worse!” It can if you’re not prepared.

        The choice is yours. If you’re uncertain of your eternal destination, I invite you to view the page and/or video my husband put together. Salvation is explained here very clearly.

https://sarahbhampshire.blogspot.com/p/finding-hope-in-god.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cySjkork2iE

        Last week I learned the story behind the author of the hymn, Just As I Am. Charlotte Elliott—a very social, active, creative, lady and successful portrait painter! But in her early 30s life changed when she was struck by chronic, crippling fatigue coupled with intense pain. This vibrant life faced emptiness and depression.

        Although Charlotte grew up in a Christian/believing home, she hadn’t put her faith and trust in Jesus till after she became an invalid. At that time a reverend visited and asked her if she knew God’s peace. Charlotte didn’t answer then, but days later she told him she wanted her life cleansed. The reverend responded, “Come just as you are,” and Charlotte believed in Jesus as her Savior that day. 

        Although she prayed for years that God would remove her illness, she turned away bitterness when He allowed her suffering to continue. During this intense time, Charlotte journalled:

“…if sickness and sorrow are the instruments which He is pleased to select

for refining my dross, that I may come out as gold…seven times purified,

shall I not meekly lie passive in His hands, and have no will but His?”

        Charlotte came to Jesus just as she was—crippled, suffering, discouraged—and found hope and purpose. She then discovered ways to serve God. For her remaining years—even when bedridden, she composed hymns, poems, and letters to comfort fellow sufferers. Charlotte reminded her readers of our sovereign God, His goodness, and His help amidst what seemed the worst circumstances. All this when the task of simply holding a pen seemed impossible for her!

        I’d be amiss if I didn’t choose Just As I Am for this blog post’s hymn, so be blessed and also prayerful as you take in the words. And, if you’ve not yet come to the Savior, may God’s Holy Spirit speak to you through the listening.

        Remember, you can come just as you are.

Just As I Am

Just as I Am

(as sung by British Choirs during a Billy Graham Crusade invitation)

Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me,
and that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(from the hymn Just As I Am by Charlotte Elliott, 1836, public domain)

#chronicillness #pain #suffering #Godordainsgood #destination #Heaven #CharlotteElliott #JustAsIAm

*Vacation Bible School

Disclaimer:

I’m not a counselor. Helps mentioned above are gleaned from my own personal experience & from others who’ve shared theirs.

 

Credits: photos ~ train tracks—stockfreeimage.com, Charlotte Elliott—hymnologyarchive.com

Charlotte Elliott: information from The Spurgeon Center for Biblical Teaching at Midwestern Seminary & Wikipedia 

Dealing with Chronic Illness ~ Part 1: What God Ordains is Always Good

        A few weeks ago, hubby and I were driving to the “big city” for a doctor’s visit. The highway parallels railroad tracks along miles of our journey where we often observe trains heading west or east.

        “I’m always in awe of the power in those engines to pull such a long line of cars,” Brian said. “Hmm, Interesting. See what’s in the middle of that train?”

        I glanced left. “Um, no. What’d I miss?”

        “Two engines in the middle. That’s not something we usually see.”

        “Must be some mega heavy load!” I said.

        I’d just been through some weeks of intense pain and difficulty controlling my oxygen—discouraged by my disease, difficulty with mobility, and overwhelming fatigue. Then I thought about that train—particularly the need for those additional engines.

        “Ya know,” I said to hubby, “That train reminds me to keep trying.”

        “Like the…”

        “Little engine that could!” I laughed. “More like the not-so-little engine that couldn’t quite. At least not without that help in the middle.”

        “How’d you come up with that?” Brian asked.

        “I’ve struggled so much lately—like you don’t know that? But you’ve helped me along.” I took some deep breaths. “‘I think I can, I think I can’…nope, I know I can’t I know I can’t.” My joking melted into tears.

        Chronic illnesses! Ones that never go away, worsen over time, and can eventually steal life. Unforgiving and unforgettable for the people who carry them.

        There are so many of you out there living with one or more chronic illnesses! Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and the list goes on and on. For me, it’s an interstitial lung disease.

        I recall one morning in January when I dragged myself back to our room, dropped onto our bed, and cried. “God, am I dying? I’ve never felt this awful. Please help me.”

        Brian came in a bit later. “You okay?”

        I shook my head and blurted, “I feel more awful than ever.”

        He sat on the stool next to me. “You don’t look well at all. What do you want me to do?”

        “Haven’t got a clue,” I sniffed back some tears. “Maybe if I sleep a while. I don’t know.”

        But I really wasn’t sure right then, if I closed my eyes, I’d awaken in the same place I’d dozed. This not-so-little engine that couldn’t quite felt more like a train wreck!

        Obviously, I didn’t die. But it was a very strange experience—one I haven’t experienced since but suspect I’ll repeat. That’s the nature of my disease.

        I imagine some of you readers saying, “I get that. I’ve been that low too. Multiple times, and I don’t think people really understand how totally cruddy I feel.”

        When we chronic sufferers hit these low points in particular, we may feel utterly hopeless. Discouraged more than usual. Suffer from anxiety. Cry over the thought that, for example, we don’t know if we can get from bed to the bathroom yet alone leave our homes for an appointment or church.

        I’m sure some of you don’t want to hear this while others have already come to grips with it and still others may have never considered this: That good could come from your suffering? That the One True God allows you to suffer with an eternal value in mind? That this disease has been ordained by God—like entrusting you with a divine assignment?

        Sarah, you’ve got to be kidding!

        No, I’m not. And not meaning to sound unfeeling or trite. Remember, I’m a co-sufferer. It would be cruel for me to tell you such without truly believing it myself. I’ll give you two scenarios—1 and 2.

        1) If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, God can allow the pain you bear to work for the good—Romans 8:28,29. 2) If you’ve not yet considered giving your heart and life to Jesus, it’s possible His Holy Spirit is drawing you to that point through your suffering.

        So, here’s the skinny—Reader, your suffering can be a God-ordained assignment. How do I know? One reason is from experience. Your disease/your suffering will take you to places you’d otherwise not go because 1) someone there needs to know about the Lord—and you may be the only one who will tell that person; or 2) you may be taken to that place so you find out about the Savior.

        Let’s say this person’s a doctor in a hospital. 1) He may not even realize it himself, but he could very well begin thinking about the Lord after you share the Truth of the Gospel with him. The doctor knows what you’re going through (at least physiologically)—that you are real, and, in a case like this, your pain can be an authenticator. (That actually happened to us, and our doctor later told us she came to know the Lord through observing how we handled suffering/difficulties.) Or 2) the doctor may know the Savior and share about Him with you.

        This example (just mentioned) shouts “What God ordains is good!” Even if it’s chronic illness.

        An amazing example of a person who lived this testimony through her life? Amy Carmichael, missionary. After long years serving God in India, repercussions from an accident left her bedridden until her death (about 15 years if memory serves me correctly). She expressed that her pain, agonizing at times, left her wondering how God could still use an invalid. Yet, rooted and grounded in Christ and experiencing His watch-care over her life, she believed God made no mistakes and served Him from her bed.

        As I close, I urge you to cling to God. No matter what!

        Some days are harder than others—perhaps seeming impossible—but God knows there’s purpose in my pain—

        And in yours.

        He Who suffered beyond anything I can imagine as He went through torture prior to His crucifixion and carried the unfathomable burden of sin on Himself—

        For us.

        May it help you to hold on to Hope as you keep in mind that God ordains your pain for good. And, one day—when He calls His children Home—there will be…

        No. More. Suffering!

What God Ordains is Always Good

 

What God ordains is always good; His will is just and holy.

As He directs my life for me, I follow meek and lowly.

My God indeed in ev’ry need knows well how He will shield me;

to Him, then, I will yield me.

 

What God ordains is always good; He never will deceive me.

He leads me in His righteous way, and never will He leave me.

I take, content, what He has sent; His hand that sends me sadness

will turn my tears to gladness.

 

What God ordains is always good; His loving thought attends me;

No poison can be in the cup that my Physician sends me.

My God is true; each morning new I trust His grace unending,

my life to Him commending.

 

What God ordains is always good; He is my Friend and Father.

He suffers naught to do me harm tho’ many storms may gather.

Now I may know both joy and woe; some day I shall see clearly

that He has loved me dearly.

 

What God ordains is always good; tho’ I the cup am drinking

Which savors now of bitterness, I take it without shrinking.

For after grief God gives relief, my heart with comfort filling

and all my sorrow stilling.

 

What God ordains is always good; this truth remains unshaken.

Tho’ sorrow, need, or death be mine, I shall not be forsaken.

I fear no harm, for with His arm He shall embrace and shield me;

so to my God I yield me.

 

(hymn What God Ordains is Always Good, by Samuel Rodigast, 1675, public domain)

 

This blog post is dedicated to my sister Carolyn—

a modern-day Amy Carmichael whose life reflects

what God ordains is always good.

 

Recommended Reading:

Rose from Brier by Amy Carmichael—

a book for chronic illness sufferers

by one who endured the same.

 

#trains #chronicillness #pain #suffering #enduring #feellikedying

#AmyCarmichael #testimony #ordainedbyGod #truth

 

Photo Credit: Train—shutterstock.com, Amy Carmichael & child—vancechristie.com, book cover—stock photo 

You Are Worthy ~ A Resurrection Concert

       Having just come through Holy Week and with my heart centered on Jesus’ death and resurrection, I’ve thought much about the amount of love and sacrifice the Savior made for us. I venture to say I’m more in awe of it with each passing year.

        I’ve also contemplated how a thought about ourselves might mar something God wants us to come to grips with. This: Some religious circles teach we humans are worthless. Unworthy.

        Maybe you’ve heard this.

        I have. More than once.

        Herein lies conflict with this thought—that we are unworthy.  

        The Bible states in Revelation 13:8 the Lamb of God—Jesus—was slain before the foundation of the world.

        Hold on! Jesus knew He would die for us before we existed?

        Yes! But how?

        Ah! This is where our all-knowing God is vital. He would create us in His image.

        Wait! In His Image?

        Yes! Then how can we be worthless if we were so specially created?

        God doesn’t make junk, and He didn’t make us with failing in mind. Yet He, in His knowledge of all time, knew we’d need a Redeemer.

There Is a Redeemer ~ by Keith Green

There Is A Redeemer - Keith Green

 

        The Creator of all loved us so deeply that He wanted His creation to be joined with Him. He tells us so in 1John 3:1 “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God.”

        God through Jesus gave all so we could become part of His family. This Holy One Who is worthy above all invites us to be joined with Him one day. He didn’t give His life for a bunch of nothings.

For God So Loved the World ~ by Stuart Dauermann 

FOR GOD SO LOVED by The Liberated Wailing Wall

        Yet a problem crept in. Sin. That’s where I believe we get the idea we are unworthy. Because of the mess we’ve made of ourselves by yielding to sin. Thus, we’ve come to believe (or been preached to) that we are unworthy.

        Our sin made us unworthy because it separates us from God. God did not flaw in creating us. We were the culprits.

        But all is not lost! You see, that’s what Easter was all about and always will be. Jesus—the Lamb of God—worthy—hung on a cruel cross (when already tortured nearly to death) and died for His creation—us.

        Then the Worthy One rose again, giving us the opportunity to become His children! He clothes us in His righteousness and calls us…

        Worthy!

        Because that’s Who He is, and we—if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior—bear the same Family Name.

Worthy ~ by Brian Hampshire Worthy Song

        But what about the drug addict sleeping under a bridge? Or the prostitute who wants to quit because she hates her life but can’t break from her pimp? Or a disabled orphan who, by no choice of his own, is placed in an orphanage with no hope of adoption?

        Ironically, they’re the same as the princess who makes an appearance at a charity, dressed to perfection with impeccable manners. Or the professor with six degrees who never worries about being without because he has tenure. Or the doctor who’s totally dedicated to medicine.

        Or me…

        Or you!

        None of the above people are worthless, and all share much in common. They were created by a loving God Who desires they join Him one day. They all have equal opportunity to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. They’re valued because they are life, and all life is precious. They all matter to Jesus Who died for them (even while they were still sinners—Romans 5:8) because Jesus didn’t die for junk and never created any.

        We’re equal in our value. Equal in our worthiness. Equal in the Eyes of God when He looks at our hearts and offers us salvation. We’re worth Him dying for us. Not from our point of view…

        …but from His.

        It’s our sin that makes us unworthy—without hope—separated from God—from our point of view. So, even though you have great worth because you’re a living-breathing human being, sin attempts to hijack your worth.

        Maybe you’re a person who grew up being told you were unworthy. Maybe you don’t think God send Jesus to die for you and have not accepted His gift of salvation. Maybe you cry so many nights you’ve lost count, wondering if there’s any hope.

        Listen!

        You’re worth Calvary! And Jesus paid the full price for you to be saved and sealed! There’s eternal Hope because of Jesus’ Resurrection. Your tears matter. God cries when He views those who are lost because He so much wants you to be a part of His family.

        You’re worth being with God for eternity. So is the drug addict, prostitute, disabled orphan, princess, teacher, doctor… 

        Me…

        And you!

Worth Calvary ~ The Whisnants Worth Calvary

        All thanks to God for deeming us worthy, and worthy is the Lamb Who was slain!

Worthy is the Lamb ~ Gaither Vocal Band

Gaither Vocal Band - Worthy the Lamb [Live] ft. Gaither Vocal Band

 

#worth #worthy #inHisimage #Calvary #cross #death #Jesus

#Redeemer #Savior #Lord #resurrection #equal

 

Bible Verses: from NKJV

Photo Credit: shutterstock.com & lovethispic.com

Making Music “with What You Have Left”

        Most of us have heard, “If life hands you lemons, make lemonade” as a solution for tackling a tough situation and creating something redeemable. May I share an incident that recently happened to me—a “lemon” situation? (I think I heard you say, “Yes.”)

        I was playing special music in church along with my husband on nyckelharpa. I’d practiced my part and had it down pat in my mind. So, no worries. I placed my fingers where they belonged, but lo and behold—a line or so into the hymn my violin produced a dissonant sound.

        My eyes shot open, and I winced as I attempted to correct my error which didn’t correct at all. I stopped playing and said to my husband, “Something’s wrong.”

        He whispered, “Just keep playing.”

        (Note: This happened while I’m standing in front of the congregation with the service being broadcasted live.)

        So, I did, only to stop again when the same spot in the hymn produced the same dissonant tone!

        Now, let me tell you. When we learned to play instruments many years ago, we were taught to keep going, even if we made an error. Carry on!

        But I was totally thrown by what happened!

        Maybe it was lack of sleep, maybe brain freeze—I don’t know, but I almost cried telling my husband, “I don’t know what to do.”

        He grabbed a hymnbook, opened it to the page where this particular hymn was, and handed it to me. “Use the book.”

        I tucked my violin under my chin again and played, but the same problem occurred. I was beside myself!

        I apologized to the congregation and turned to our pastor. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong. I practiced, but I don’t know what to do.”

        Frustrated and so embarrassed, I set my violin on the front pew and took my seat.

        It wasn’t until several minutes later a thought popped into my head. Sarah, you stupid girl. (Yes, I thought “stupid” on a Sunday!) Your string popped! Such a simple diagnosis, but I’d been clueless until it was too late. And now all I wanted to do? Cry.

        Our son carried my instrument into the house when we got home. “Where do you want me to put your violin?” he asked.

        “In the corner where bad violins belong!” I huffed.

        And there my lovely couldn’t-help-it violin stood quietly serving its sentence.

        Later that week, I opened my violin case to assess the situation, and another string broke. I was well past tears now and laughed as I shared with my hubby, “Ya know, if I’d just realized the problem, I could’ve played on a different string or in another key.”

        So, I made up with my violin and instead ordered it a new set of strings. (So what if we can’t afford groceries this week! At least the violin’s happy! And, PETA, the strings are synthetic!)

        I also decided I needed to “get back on the horse.” Ya know, that old expression: “If you fall off, get back on,” they tell people who ride. (Of course, my horse is tailless because some luthier’s used it to rehair stringed-instrument bows.) I would practice and make sure I played another Sunday.

        This is a simple example of something that should have been lovely and a blessing (I hope) instead being a lemon not-yet-turned lemonade. And, although it happened and I failed to rescue the moment, it was not life-shattering.

        Sometimes things just go wrong. But sometimes those events can turn for the better.

        The following story is not mine, but I thought it a great example of someone who, one might say, was handed “lemons” through contracting polio as a child—Itzhak Perlman—famed violinist. But did that stop him? I shall let the online teller fill you in:

        “One of the most famous anecdotes about Itzhak Perlman happened during a concert in New York. Perlman, who had polio as a child and walks with difficulty using crutches, made his way slowly to his seat on stage, sat down, and began playing. But early in the performance, one of the strings on his violin snapped with a loud twang.

        The audience held its breath, expecting him to stop and replace the string.

        But instead, Perlman simply closed his eyes for a moment, then signaled the conductor to continue. He proceeded to play the entire piece on just three strings, reworking the fingerings and shifting positions on the fly.

        When he finished, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.

        Perlman smiled and reportedly said, “Sometimes, it is the artist’s task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left.”

        The story has become legendary—not just for its humor but for its deep message about resilience and artistry.”

        And may you now enjoy listening to a very special piece played by the virtuoso himself!

Hatikva ~ National Anthem of Israel, played here by Itzhak Perlman 

Perlman's HATIKVA - THE HOPE

        Life may “rob” you at times, but here’s a question for you: What will you do with the remainders?

        If you’re one who’s put your faith and trust in God, you may have already experienced Him using the leftover pieces of whatever was broken and making something amazing from it. He is the Master of such!

        In moments like those, you’ll discover you can still make music “with what you have left.” Then you can present your “symphony” to God with thanksgiving.

There’s a New Song in My Heart by John W. Peterson &

Life Is a Symphony by Beatrice (“Bea”) Bush Bixler

(“Bea” happened to be a friend of my violin teacher & his wife)

There's A New Song In My Heart / Life Is A Symphony (Medley) - YouTube

#violin #violinstrings #lifesymphony #usewhatyouhaveleft #ItzhakPerlman #polio #music #brokenness #hope #Hatikva  

Disclaimer:

No lemons, violins, horses, or cats were harmed in the evolution of this post. (Smile.) Just my feelings!

 

Internet Account Credit: Possibly originated with Pamela Hovland, published 2001 Houston Chronicle in a fancier form, printed in yet another form in Rabbi Wayne Dosick’s When Life Hurts: A Personal Journey from Adversity to Renewal, 1999. Because this account has been passed to many sources, I cannot verify its accuracy, although it is totally plausible the virtuoso played with what was left since this is a way of life for him.

Photo Credit: violin scene—pixabay.com, Itzhak Perlman—news.cgtn.com