I think I have mentioned before in this letter Michael Wenham’s excellent book My Donkey Body, which tells his own story as an Anglican vicar coming to terms with a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.
This year he has published a second book, I Choose Everything. This is jointly written with Jozanne Moss, whom he has been corresponding with by e-mail. Jozanne is South African, and also has Motor Neurone Disease. The book tells her story of the onset and diagnosis of the disease, as well as living with it. It is interspersed with Michael’s theological reflections on her experiences. It is another brilliant book, and I would highly recommend them, especially if you’re thinking about Christmas presents! Neither of them are cheerful reads on one level, as MND is not a cheerful disease. However, for both Michael and Jozanne, their vibrant faith in God shines through.
I follow Michael’s blog at http://mydonkeybody.blogspot.com/ and this is a brilliantly thoughtful and everyday blog, which often encourages me to reflect deeply. Last week he posted an update from Jozanne, which gives something of the flavour of her faith:
“Since my last mail, I have regressed considerably. I am no longer able to use my computer and spend most of my days in bed. My body is weak and my breathing is very shallow. I have lost most of my muscle mass and probably weigh between 35 & 40 kg's. I am on a 4 hourly dosage of morphine which brings me great relief from the pain I have been experiencing in my neck and shoulders. I am not able to eat anymore due to the weakened muscles in my mouth and swallowing process. I take all my feeds through a tube in my stomach. I am completely paralysed and I am grateful for the two full-time caregivers that assist me during the day and for [my husband] Dave who helps me at night.
“My greatest challenge now is speech and communication. This is very frustrating for me because I can no longer verbalise any words. It is difficult for me to express how I feel or what I need and also for those around me to understand what I am trying to say. We do seem to find ways around this but with much difficulty and effort.
“Despite all these challenges God has been so faithful to us. He daily gives me the strength to carry on, but not just that, He fills my life with joy as He reveals Himself to me more and more everyday....”
Sometimes in the midst of our hectic preparations and celebrations of Christmas we forget to be thankful to God for our life, faith and health. We sometimes forget those who are having a more difficult time. Our society tends to devalue those who are not fully able bodied and of sound mind. But each one of us has intrinsic value in God’s sight, because he made us, he loves us, and he sent Jesus into the world to save us.
This Christmas, do think if there is someone that you can encourage with Christ’s love.
Also, don’t forget to invite your friends and family to the Christmas services, especially our ‘Christingle’ service on December 12 at 5.00 pm, which is a new venture for us this year!
God bless,
Nik
