When I was fourteen, I was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Then, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at sixteen. Living a normal teenage life and having chronic illnesses do not exist together. I have had to grieve the life I once had and the life I thought I would have. Not allowing these diseases to become my identity has been a struggle for me. I often wonder why I am having to go through this, especially when it feels like I am watching the world go on without me. I have really turned to God during this hard season. Sourcing my identity in Him and leaning on His promises help when I have tough days. I would not be where I am today without Him. As I look back on my health journey, I can see how my faith has flourished. I know God wove health problems into my story for a reason. He is crafting something beautiful that only He can do. Each day, I can see more clearly how God is using this for my calling. I firmly believe that God did not give me my health problems as a barrier, but as another way of breaking barriers. Therefore, through each hard step I face, I try to give Him glory. I feel called to share all I have learned throughout my journey. There are not many Christian resources for chronic illnesses and disabilities. It is mostly simple breathing techniques and flowery motivational quotes that only touch the surface. I want to change that, and God has opened doors for me to do so. I am currently working on a Christian children’s book that is inclusive to children with disabilities and health problems. I serve on APFED’s Student Advisory Committee and have participated in events for the Arthritis Foundation. I want to help others with health problems realize what God is doing in their lives. It is not the end of their story; it is just the beginning. The way my faith has grown throughout my health journey has helped give me a different perspective on college. I do not view a degree merely as a pathway to getting a job anymore. Instead, I view it as a large way to use my calling. All that God has been doing with my life has helped me realize what an impact I could make with my college degree.
