How Lyme Disease Lead Me to Writing
Happy New Year 2026!
It is hard to believe that another new year is upon us. Thank you for reading! While The Persistent Christian has been around since Summer 2024, I just transitioned it to Substack in December 2025.
The Story Behind The Persistent Christian
In the summer of 2023, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and chronic bartonellosis. You may have heard of Lyme, but bartonellosis is like a “cousin” to Lyme. Bartonella (also known as “cat-scratch fever”) is often transmitted by fleas, and Lyme is usually transmitted by ticks. And lucky me, at some unknown point in my life, I contracted both.
This diagnosis was a big surprise, yet made sense. For years, I had suffered from many uncomfortable symptoms. However, these symptoms were passed off as other conditions. It wasn’t until the symptoms starting piling up, that I realized something else could be wrong. As someone in her mid-20s, having this many health issues, something didn’t add up.
When I finally received the correct diagnosis, I soon would discover this was only the beginning. While it is a win to finally name the condition, now I had to address it properly.
I resigned from my job as a youth minister at my local parish, so that I could focus solely on getting well. I moved forward in commitment to an intense treatment plan. I was prescribed high doses of antibiotics, supplements, and more. And for months, Lyme disease treatment became my life.
There were many days I could not get off the couch. I was crippled by this illness. Life became so different. As someone who had once been out in the workforce and living a very busy, active life, suddenly, I had to adapt to life at home.
In the midst of all of this, I heard the gentle call of His voice. It became clear, slowly, that the Lord was calling me to write. Writing is something I can do from anywhere. I can write, even when my body confines me to the couch.
So, in the summer of 2024, I decided to launch my own website. I started posting devotions, and found new purpose in the Lord through writing. I also wrote my first book, which I just finished, and I am now trying to get it published!
Today
In the summer of 2025, the Lyme disease and bartonellosis were in remission. I had a great summer of finally feeling like I had my life back. However, in the fall, symptoms flared again. I am now working to get that flare under control. As a chronic Lyme sufferer, and a Christian, I am learning that good health is a precious gift to not be taken for granted.
There are days I am tempted to despair, but I know the Lord is with me through it all. My faith is something I lean heavily on daily. And God is my ultimate guide! He sustains me and strengthens me through the most difficult of days.
Last month, I transitioned my website over to the Substack platform. Yay! I transferred my devotions, and they can all be found here! I write about mental health, physical health, grief, my Catholic faith, and more.
You are most welcome here, and I thank you for reading.
May God bless you in this new year!
In Christ,
Lauren
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, Bartonella, or another vector-borne illness, please know of my prayers for you! Do not hesitate to reach out - I would love to connect with you.