True Beauty

Over the last few months, taking the time to reflect on how God has blessed me has helped me to be thankful.

Here's a tidbit:

I was diagnosed about two years ago with a disease called myesthenia gravis, which weakens the muscle that holds the eyelid up. I thought that I was ugly, now realizing that it was just my eyelid. How many times do I think about my eyelid during the day as of now? Rarely ever! :) 

In my right eye about 6 months later, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (my right eye bulges about five millimeters farther out than my left eye). I struggled with these diseases, because hyperthyroidism caused me to gain weight and myesthenia made my eyelid droop. For months and months all I did was complain! 

(spoiler alert- happy ending to come! :D)

Reconstructive surgery is necessary behind my right eye, and I am meeting with a surgeon to discuss my options on Monday! (this is probably the 7th or 8th doctor I've seen.) (Update: I'm having surgery in January!)

My cries have been heard, and God has brought me out of darkness and into the light.

Oddly enough, I'm thankful now that God gave me these diseases. They caused me to realize that true beauty comes from within, and depending on Christ is my only option. 

Obedience

 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." -Paul the Apostle (found in Colossians 3:1-3)




About a year and a half ago, I made the choice to follow Christ.

Little did I know (and trust me, I do not know everything) at the time that God would place a wildfire inside of my heart, more commonly known as the Holy Spirit.

This wildfire burned and I tended it occasionally, focusing more on boys than on God.
This frustrates me now because my friends are hurting, and I ignored this.

Today I talked to someone at my high school who has been bullied constantly. They felt forgotten,  and all I could focus on during my freshman year was myself. I am dedicating the next three years of my high school career to looking out for the kids who are bullied.
When I lived for myself, it dishonored God and showed Him that I didn't care. Yet Christ had died for me and I showed little compassion for those around me.

So, my friend, if you have made the choice to follow Christ, I encourage you to help your friends. Even if it's just one person, making an impact on their life will be so worth it..

Allowing God to consume every aspect of my life has made an impact on my family, and I'm working on being more kind to them. I would not be able to accomplish any of this without the redeeming love of Jesus.