I have lived with chronic illness for over 12 years, and I’m a childhood cancer survivor. Because of this, I'm very passionate about those who live with chronic illness. I know the many aspects of chronic illness: grief, loss, feeling misunderstood, loneliness, and losing who you used to be. I want to be a beacon and voice for those who are living with chronic illness. As a chronic illness warrior, I have the privilege of being an authentic writer geared towards bringing hope, sharing my faith, encouragement, and validation to others who face chronic illness. I hope you enjoy reading the books from my list as much as I have!
I love this book because I was able to relate to it so deeply. I learned so much about how Jesus can truly understand the many different facets that come with chronic illness. Each chapter I read left me wanting more and more.
I love the parallels the author shares of how Jesus is able to understand loss, grief, loneliness, and pain. Reading this book, I felt so validated, understood, and encouraged. I felt like the author was mirroring back to me exactly what I’ve felt, been through, and struggled with, and the courage I’ve found through Jesus with chronic illness.
This book was absolutely life-changing for me and brought me a sense of soul healing.
When a chronic illness shatters your future, how do you pick up the pieces? Three health conditions upended Shannon Cramer's life in her early twenties. Two years later, unanswered prayers for healing broke her heart. One truth she knew for sure . . . if she was going to face a lifetime of suffering, she needed to keep believing in God's love for her. Could Jesus restore her confidence in his goodness and teach her to survive this "new normal"? Twelve years into disability, Jesus has done so much more . . . This is a book for warriors. It…
I felt so much validation and empathy in this book.
Loss and grief from chronic illness can be difficult and complicated to deal with. I learned in this book that not only is it okay to grieve and notice my losses, but that I can still find joy even in the trenches with chronic illness. I loved the thought-provoking questions that I feel helped me to draw closer in my walk with God because I was encouraged to be fully honest with God.
After reading this book, I was left with the perspective that grief may be a part of chronic illness, but there is joy to be found in God in the midst of it all.
Chronic pain, illness, and disability take so much away. Sometimes it seems as though they take everything we have ever loved and held dear. Our physical abilities and our jobs. Our current passions and future dreams. Our finances and our friends. Our sense of community and our ability to engage the world in ways we could before.
Chronic pain takes away our sense of self and who we always thought ourselves to be. How in the world are we supposed to deal with this fact?
In this book, I hope to teach you how to mourn your losses – everything…
The Bridge provides a compassionate and well researched window into the worlds of linear and circular thinking. A core pattern to the inner workings of these two thinking styles is revealed, and most importantly, insight into how to cross the distance between them. Some fascinating features emerged such as, circular…
I love this book because it brought so much relatability and encouragement to me. I loved the author’s personal story, and I felt that I could truly relate to almost every word.
Having CFS myself, it brought me true validation hearing the author's words on how no matter how much sleep you get, it doesn’t cure CFS. The reminders of knowing your worth in Christ, taking care of your mental health, and how important community is really resonated with me. I felt so understood, encouraged, and known after reading this book. I felt very inspired and felt a new hope born within my journey with chronic illness.
At just 21 years old, Natalie was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/M.E., a debilitating health condition. In her quest for recovery, Natalie embarked on a long and challenging journey, learning that hope is never lost. This true story chronicles her path, highlighting how she leaned on her strong Christian faith to find resilience. Natalie's journey aims to inspire others who are also struggling with chronic illness and mental health challenges. Through her experiences, she offers a message of hope and strength to those facing similar battles.
I loved the different perspectives throughout this book on chronic illness. I loved how it displayed chronic illness from a caregiver's point of view, a personal point of view, and even shared how it can affect families and marriages. I loved the realness and rawness about chronic illness and how there was a faith aspect.
With so many different stories shared from different people, I was able to easily relate while also learning new perspectives about chronic illness. I was left feeling empathy, not just for those who live with chronic illness, but also for those who are impacted by the family member or friend suffering.
Sally Wilke gets it. She has lived with and through the serious chronic illness of someone she cared deeply about. And she has provided pastoral care to individuals and families in similar situations. Waiting for Good News captures her hard-won, helpful, and hope-filled wisdom.
Wilke organizes this book around seven questions that those who face serious illness often ask. From "What Is the Diagnosis" to "Where Do I Find More Help?" she accompanies readers on their own journey.
The heart of the book is the stories--Wilke's own, those of others who have struggled…
Of the 918 Americans who died in the shocking murder-suicides of November 18, 1978, in the tiny South American country of Guyana, a third were under eighteen. More than half were in their twenties or younger.
The authors taught in a small high school in San Francisco where Reverend Jim…
I loved this book because it was written from a man's perspective of chronic illness, showing me what it looks like from the eyes of a man, husband, and father.
As I read through the pages, I felt his heart, faith, and emotions throughout every chapter. I enjoyed learning how he shared his faith with other patients, medical staff, and his social media following during his long-term stay at the hospital. I was left feeling inspired to continue to share my faith and encouragement with others.
It's hard not to feel overwhelmed when you're going through a protracted illness. The feelings in suffering can lead you to ask,
"Why, Lord, am I going through this crisis that has me battling low self-esteem due to my debilitating disease?"
"Why am I wrestling with loneliness? It seems no one cares."
"Why am I living with anxiety and depression? Will I be able to experience joy?"
Many people experience chronic illness or physical disability from which they may not be healed fully or at all. They may find it hard to stay upbeat while praying for healing, especially when…
Beautifully Broken is a 40-day devotional. Each devotion provides scripture, prayer, and space for journaling. The back of the book features poems and a coloring page of the front cover for an opportunity for creativity.
Leah takes you on her journey of highs and lows through chronic illness. She shares her vulnerabilities, struggles, faith, and how God has changed her perspective through her journey with chronic illness. With empathy and understanding, Leah encourages readers to self-reflect, cling to their faith in God, and seek the purpose Christ has for them in the midst of chronic illness. Leah’s words bring validation, comfort, and understanding to fellow chronic illness warriors.
Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools
by
Victoria Twead,
Wall Street Journal Top 10 and New York Times bestselling author.
"James Herriot meets Driving over Lemons"
If Joe and Vicky had known what relocating to a tiny mountain village in Andalucía would REALLY be like, they might have hesitated... They have no idea of the culture shock in store.…
Malcolm Before X is about finding a way to continue moving forward after everything has been taken from you. While in prison, Malcolm Little discovered the power of reading and found a way to transform his character and become a better man. This half-biography focuses on that transformation, especially his…
