Chronic Pain Daily Devotional for August 27, 1999
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 1999 22:55:06 -0700
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
I remember the day I picked up a card that showed Winnie the Pooh and Piglet on the front, walking hand in hand. Their conversation when like this: "Pooh?" Piglet said. "Yes, Piglet?" "Oh, nothing," Piglet said. "I just wanted to be sure of you."
I've asked this question of close friends at different times in my life, in many different ways. I need the safety, the reassurance, the knowing that they are there and that I am loved.~Kathy Troccoli, Christian vocalist
Chronic illness affects friendships. It is no secret. Some of our friends will drive us to the doctor's appointment and take us to lunch afterwards just to listen. Others will ignorantly buy us a box of chocolates two days after we share that we are diabetic, forgetting that we can no longer eat sugar. Some will rush to our side. Others will never call again. How much we need friends along this chronic illness journey, however. Connie, a friend of mine with multiple sclerosis shared with me last week, "If I could have my health back but had to give up all of the friends I have made since my diagnosis, I wouldn't choose health. I can't imagine being without the friends I have made since then." That's saying a lot. I would hope that I would choose my friends over my health, but somedays I am not so sure.
One thing I am sure of: God wants us to have friends on this journey. He is sad when He sees us suffer alone. He desires for us to have fellowship with other Christians and I think He smiles when He sees two of us with chronic illness gather in His name. If you have been hurt by friends since you were diagnosed with a chronic illness--take heart! God has a special friend reservered out there just for you. Search for him or her. God doesn't want you to carry the burden alone. He knows we all need friends to walk beside us on this journey of chronic illness.
Lisa Copen invites you to find a friend through Rest Ministries. Some great options include:
Start a HopeKeepers group in your church or neighborhood
Find a pen pal
Join our email support list:
Sign up for our next Chat Aug 30
Are you a Mom? A Dad? We'd love to hear your story of becoming a parent who has a chronic illness and/or suggestions you may have for others-- Many of you have had experiences with pregnancy, adoption, fostering, and godparenting (even grandparenting!) and we would love to be able to share your encouragement with others. OR.Did you decide not to not parent due to your illness? We'd love to hear your story too! For details, visit us at
This devotional is compliments of Rest Ministries, Inc. at
We are a non-profit Christian organization serving people who live with chronic illness or pain. Please forward it to a friend! If you have received this from a friend, sign up for your own daily devotional at
Rest Ministries, Inc.
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
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