Two Years Later
- Lauren
- May 1
- 2 min read
"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
Today is the first day of #lymeawarenessmonth
In the summer of 2023, I was diagnosed with chronic bartonellosis and Lyme disease. I found out that I have likely had these vector borne infections for most of my life, and I had no idea these infections were a likely cause of my wide variety of mental and physical health symptoms. This prompted my resignation from my youth ministry position to pursue treatment.
It was a major turning point in my faith life. Either I keep my pain and struggling to myself, or I turn it into something beautiful in pursuit of my savior, Jesus.
A year after resigning from my job, I created The Persistent Christian as a place to share my walk with Jesus and my journey towards healing. My relationship with God affects all aspects of my health: mental, physical, and spiritual.
My transition from ministry to a writing career was no easy one, and it continues to be a learning experience. I am currently working on my first book, as well as run The Persistent Christian.
Almost two years later, I am almost at the conclusion of my Lyme disease treatment. It has been two years of high dose antibiotic treatment/regular lab work/constant symptom monitoring. Many of my mental and physical symptoms that I thought I'd live with for the rest of my life are resolved or greatly improved.
But, while I am kicking b.burgdorferi out of my body, writing is here to stay. God taught me that even in my most difficult trials, I can turn them into something that glorifies Him.
In Christ,
Lauren
All scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible
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