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| | | THE GIFT OF SICKNESS:
by MELODY LYONS
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EDITOR'S NOTE: We were reluctant to share this because she affirms us (Greg & Stephanie Schlueter). But it's a beautiful testimony, and there's nothing we did that anyone else can't do. Also, regardless of where you stand on the vax consideration, let's strive to accompany one another with magnanimous, loving compassion.
It’s been 17 days since I felt the first symptoms of Wuhan’s gain-of-function variant. Not to be dramatic, but I think I overestimated my body’s ability to survive October. If a virus can have a spiritual component, this one surely does. As my body was weakened and attacked, so were my mind and soul. It was an oppressive darkness which has been shared and described by so many.
I found much encouragement through a sick friend’s Christ-centered testimony. But for my own part, I could hardly pray. I was helpless while a battle raged around me. Through me. For me. My family and community carried me in many ways and I am grateful.
I did not expect pneumonia to take over so fast. To hurt so much. I did not expect to lose spiritual buoyancy. I didn’t expect anger and loss of rational thought. I didn’t expect not to care. I didn’t expect the heavy grief.
As care mobilized around me, I was overwhelmed by sorrow. I couldn’t brush my hair and so the loving hands of my daughter took over. Blessing surrounded me. Yet I was in darkness and sharply aware of every other soul cut off from touch since 2020… isolated in the name of “health.”
The pain of the virus was relentless. I was afraid at times. But I was never robbed of the presence of my loved ones. If I would have died—in the midst of my utterly ungraceful surrender—my family would have held me until I was home.
During moments when I wondered if my life was in danger, I again thought of all the others--so many Isolated in pain and fear. It was unfathomable that an entire nation of Christians had abandoned each other to such ungodly fear. I needed to weep for those whose hair should have been stroked, cheeks kissed, feet rubbed, with assurances uttered and prayers whispered. I couldn’t because I couldn’t breathe and cry at the same time. I’m crying now… maybe I won’t ever stop.
Recovery may take a while. Mornings are tough. I’ve lost weight. But I’m walking on my own again and the darkness is lifting. I know that the Lord never left me. He just allowed me to feel the darkness of a virus-centric world bereft of Christ.
I have more to say about the ephemeral and the enduring. But for today:
• I will never take the shot they are calling a vaccination. It is not possible that a nation which violates God’s laws and murders his children for medicine will receive His healing blessing.
• If you mock the sick and dead because their vaccine status affirms your ego, get your soul right before it’s your turn to endure.
• Do not be afraid of illness. At the heart of the danger of this virus is the stripping of holy confidence from God’s beloved people. Reject fear… but be prepared to fight for health and for beautiful eternity.
My gratitude to Greg and Stephanie Schlueter for giving testimony and light during a time when my small world seemed engulfed by darkness. Stephanie’s particular prayer over me initiated a pinpoint of light that endured over everything. And Greg modeled how to suffer even while I was doing it so poorly. I have reflected on their witness often in recent days… and how the real blessing of COVID is that Christians can immediately discover who we are when the world goes dark and who we are to be for each other.
I would not have the courage to choose this sickness again, but I see that it is a gift to the faithful. In the words of German martyr, Fr. Alfred Delp: “If we want to transform life once more… then the one great question for us is whether we can come out of these shakings with the resolve: Yes, arise! It is time to awaken from sleep.”
“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14
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| CHRIS & MELODY LYONS
have been married for 25 years in Northeast Ohio. Blessed with eight children, preschool to adult, they are expecting their first grandchild in 2022. Melody’s recent book, The Sunshine Principle: A Radically Simple Guide to Natural Catholic Healing, was published in 2020. She writes about integrated Catholic culture and the pursuit of holiness at TheEssentialMother.com. Chris is a fire chief, moral theologian, and author. Compelled by gratitude, they are passionate about bringing the healing power of Jesus Christ to others. |
| | Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Our world is pining for good news. God's supply is you. Your short, moving story of "God with us" will make a big difference in someone's life.
Right now you can think of at least one moving moment in your life. An example of "God with us." Please take a moment now to simply email me the possible subject of your story. If you're motivated, sure, write it out (no more than 500 words). We'll help you land it. Many will be blessed. We want to feature a new story every week.
Thank you in advance!
So blessed to be united in building the Kingdom, |
| Greg and Stephanie Schlueter
Image Trinity | Mass Impact
Email: Greg@MassImpact.us
Call: (814) 449-8808
WEB: ILoveMyFamily.us |
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"The future of humanity passes by way of the family."
~ Pope St. John Paul II
We are families seeking to make our homes places of ever-deepening encounter with Jesus Christ.
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