I don’t know how to answer all of the questions. I don’t know how to move forward somedays, but I put one foot in front of the other and it becomes a habit. I don’t know how I’ve come so far, but by the grace of God and having community rallying around me.
We All Have A Brave Pioneer Inside Of Us That Needs To Tell Her Story
I know I need a miracle! And I know I need community by my side, so here I am. I know my God can make miracles happen when we come together as one. He hasn’t failed me yet and I don’t expect Him to through this journey.
Back Story
Ten months ago I was diagnosed with a rare genetic heart condition. I’ve had four surgeries, lots of doctors, lots of hospital stays, lots of heartache, lots of baffled doctors, lots of testing and too many near death experiences.
At this moment it looks as if more surgeries may be needed.
With this condition being so rare it is a road less traveled, so we are at the mercy of God. It doesn’t even really have a name. As soon as they find a solid name or answer, my heart seems to defy the odds and brings shame to the diagnosis. I have an amazing team of doctors that Chris and I travel to see routinely. We are confident in their abilities and I believe God is using them in a mighty way through all of this. We’ve seen lots of miracles through this experience and in my condition.
I am paving the way for future heart patients with this condition, although I’m honored in some ways, we are still disheartened and even a bit scared at times.
We Are All Pioneers
You see when you walk down a road less traveled you are a pioneer, an adventurer of sorts. You take the good, the bad, and the ugly. You are paving a way for future generations.
Isn’t that what Jesus did?
He paved the way for you and me to go out into the world and preach the gospel. His gospel. His journey and “paving” was brutal at times. He was spat on, ridiculed, mocked and made fun of and was nailed to a cross.
God said this journey would not always be pleasant, but the reward is magnificant. And that my friend makes everything a-okay in my book.
When the going gets tough, remember the promises. Remember the pioneers before you. Remember that this too shall pass. Keep moving and be a brave pioneer.
We are all pioneers in some sort. We all have a story and a journey. No one has ever walked in your shoes and nor will they.
A pioneer is defined as: to be the first to use or apply (a new method, area of knowledge, or activity).
What you just read is YOUR life! You are a pioneer!
Tell Your Story Of Overcoming
Go out and tell your story. Pave the way for future generations with the lessons you have learned and the teachings God has given you. Pave the way for your kids, your youth group and church. We all need mentors and brave ones that have gone before us.
Being brave doesn’t mean you are fearless, being brave means you have God on your side. And you my friend, have Him right there with you.
Prayer Can Move Mountians
Please pray for my heart journey. Pray for healing. I know my healing is coming, it’s just taking a lot longer than anticipated. Pray for my husband and kids. Pray for my whole family. Sickness doesn’t just happen to the patient, it happens to everyone around the patient. Pray for answers. Help us pray that there will be NO MORE surgeries!
I’m will and determined that I will come out of this healed a better person and a better servant for God!
Keep Moving Forward In Your Journey
As I mentioned above and asked for prayer for myself, I realized we all have missed a simple step in our journeys at one time or another. It’s the easiest, but most defining.
Prayer is the key to your journey. Not just praying in the crisis and in the storm, but praying through the miracles and good days. Praying through all of life’s moments.
But the most defining step is to seek the Healer, not just the healing. Seek the Savior, not just the saving. We get so wrapped up in what we need in prayer, we forget we need to know Him. Having a relationship with Him is so much more rewarding in your everyday life.
If I have learned anything through this journey, it is just that. Having a relationship with Him is so much more important than anything else, even your own physical health.
The God Of Miracles
God is the God of miracles! Our God may not bring the miracles the way we think He should, but in the end it is better than we could have ever imagined. I know that God could make this all better for me with just a wave of His hand, but that may not be in His plan.
His plan isn’t for me or you to suffer, but for us and others’ to conquer.
See this journey isn’t just about me, it’s about His bigger picture. It’s about other people and their needs. It’s about Him.
Chris and I have already seen miracles come out of my story (I will share soon). They may not be the miracle of complete healing (at this moment), but to watch Him work has been eye opening and amazing. The people we have met on this journey are now like family. God knows what we need and when we need it. My miracle is coming and so is yours. Do. Not. Give. Up.
“For I, says the Lord, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her.”
Zechariah 2:5 AMPC
I would love for you to follow me on IG and watch me on IGTV! (By the way: I love the way this video froze! I had to keep it that way just for a good laugh!)
Until next time…
~xoxo
Mandi
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