How Lyme Disease Lead Me to Writing
As a chronic Lyme sufferer, and a Christian, I am learning that good health is a precious gift to not be taken for granted.
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 henslae (also known as “cat-scratch fever”) is often transmitted by fleas, and Lyme is usually transmitted by ticks. 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 and diagnosed 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 who had this many health issues, something didn’t add up. I have since learned that Lyme Disease is nicknamed “The Great Imitator”. It can mimic other conditions, leading to incorrect diagnoses.
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.
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 have been working to get that flare under control ever since. 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