A Chronic Illness Poem :)

     Chances are, someone you know fights a chronic illness.  Many diseases are chronic, like autoimmune diseases (think Hashimoto's, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's, and rheumatoid arthritis).  Chronic illness includes diseases of the endocrine system (think adrenal fatigue or PCOS) or many other diseases, like heart disease, lupus, and kidney disease.
     Chronic diseases are generally harder to fight because they literally.  never.  end.  When you go to bed sick one day, you will wake up sick the next morning.  And often, it's for the rest of your life.
    My point isn't to be depressing, haha.  My point is, those people are STRONG.  They are strong because they have to be; it's not a choice.
    And recently I've been and will be undergoing a few medical tests...I have polycystic ovarian syndrome.  This evening I was very sad, and I decided to wallow in my grief and look up chronic illness quotes on Pinterest.  That's when I was inspired to write the poem you find below.  :)

If I tell you that I'm hurting,

If you hear I'm not okay,

Please do not get angry;

I did not choose to live this way.

If you find I'm hesitating

To join you for the day,

Know I'm just a little tired;

In the end, I'll be okay.

I will fight with all that's in me

For the right and will to live,

So that I can share with others;

I have light and hope to give.

Please do not feel sorry;

This is only just a test.

God must find in ev'ry being

Our strength and faithfulness.

And if you find before you

A test you can't abide,

Ask the Lord for strength --

He is always by your side.

January 11th, 2017

This is dedicated to everyone who knows the chronic illness struggle.  You are inspiring!  Even when you don't feel like it, you are STRONG!  Don't forget that...and keep fighting!