Last September, while training for my first marathon, I begin to experience redness and blurred vision in my left eye. After seeing three doctors and receiving the proper treatment, my eye healed. However, the right eye soon began to experience the same thing- but worse. Since March, I have been under the care of a specialist from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (always ranking 1 or 2 in the entire country for eye care).  Unfortunately, the right eye has not healed despite more aggressive treatments. Although I have had numerous lab tests, there is no diagnosis for what I am experiencing, and we may never know the root cause of it. So yesterday I took my third trip down south, and my doctor had to do a “sure fire” injection into my eye and also have me continue on the meds that I have been taking. Because I understand the importance of nutrition and prefer to treat my body with natural means, this process has been difficult.  I know that I have done all possible to heal my body naturally- eating the right foods, seeing a nutritionist, and more-  but I know there is a time for traditional medicine as well. And I know that my body is able to tolerate the meds and fight off infection because I have taken steps to ensure that it is strong and healthy.

Throughout these months,  I have been  on a journey with Jesus that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Having your vision affected is definitely a reminder to stay in constant prayer with the Savior,  I am not sure why He has chosen not to heal me physically, but He has taught me and reminded me of truths that would have otherwise gone unnoticed or neglected:

• My friends and family have been faithful in prayer for me, and I am humbled by their faithfulness to lift me up, and am reminded to do the same for others.
• His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). I have had to rely on His strength to help me to mentally, emotionally, and physically get through this.
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps 139:14) No matter what physical flaws I have, God created me and designed me for His purpose.
• God’s beauty is not seen with human eyes. It is the Holy Spirit that resides within me that reveals His splendor and glory to me. His peace, His plan, and His faithfulness are the most beautiful aspects of His character that He has shown me through this.
• This is not my home. One day I will have a glorified body and live with my God. Every time I hear Building 429’s “Where I Belong”, I am reminded of this truth.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:35-37