My Ultimate Hope Despite My Invisible Disabilities

Hope, the optimistic belief that my life still matters, derives from a variety of sources. Hope is needed in diverse situations. In Navigating the Storms, we talk about chronic illnesses not able to be seen by others; sometimes, not even understood by doctors. So, where do I find hope despite my invisible disabilities?

Forty-plus years ago, I sustained extreme muscle injuries for no discernible reason. My family and I were Christians at the time, so we trusted God through this storm, believing it would soon end. Several years later, we concluded our storms would be unending. And we accepted that God had not healed me. Yet, we still hoped for a miracle, though we realized we had to live with what was. Where, then, was our hope?

Did I still hope in God? In your pain and limitations, can you?

This post chronicles my beliefs and experiences. Even though hope arises in several areas, I have one ultimate hope despite my invisible disabilities.

Four sources of hope in my life

1. Joe

For twelve years before my first injury, we enjoyed a strong marriage. This strength continued throughout these past forty years when Joe has been my strongest supporter. He cared for me, providing physical, spiritual, and emotional support. He increasingly carries more duties. Yet, he has never given up on me. So, Joe plays an important part in hope.

2. Family

Our two sons were young children at the time of my first injury. Therefore, they had extra responsibilities as they grew up. They both became professional men. Both are happily married. We have seven grandchildren, several of whom are successful adults. During all these years, Tom, Bill, and their families provided needed encouragement and aid for me. So they, too, are sources of hope.

3. Friends

Over these decades, friends have come and gone. (We have moved a lot.) But, their friendship and support have also provided hope.

4. Medical personnel

And, of course, there are all the medical personnel – doctors, therapists, and technicians – who have provided excellent care and hope for me. Unfortunately, there were a few here and there lacking in this area.

And then … my ultimate hope in the storms: God

Just a few reasons

• God loves me

First and foremost, is the love God has for me. (And not just for me – for anyone who accepts Him.) John 3:16 (NIV) tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

• His presence always there

Another cause for hope is God’s promise to always be with me in Matthew 28:20 (NIV). “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

• He empowers me

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), God says to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” To know that no matter how weak I am, God’s power still works in my life creates optimism. And who knows what He can do!

Summing up my hope

Hope, an optimistic frame of mind that despite my invisible disabilities, abounds in my life. It ebbs and flows but never disappears completely. Many times, Joe fosters this hope. Sometimes, our sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren encourage hope. At times, hope shines through my friends. And, of course, doctors often bring hope. But, for me, God remains my ultimate hope.

A song by the Cathedral Quartet, “I Enjoy the Trip,” epitomizes my feelings. The words speak about enjoying this life’s trip because I am walking with Jesus and holding His hand. Or, more accurately, Jesus is walking with me and holding my hand.

May God be holding your hand and offering you hope.