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  • Posted:
  • May 23, 2024
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Megan’s Story

Sometimes, we notice someone who’s differently abled and make assumptions or avoid asking questions for fear of offending or coming off rude or awkward. Megan shares some thoughts on her own experience and offers some guidance and advice for us as part of the FAC Deerfoot community:

Tell us a little about your personal experience around pain and suffering.

Well, to start off, I was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. I began my journey of pain and suffering with surgery to have the sac of fluid (also known as Spina Bifida) and the spinal column on my back sewn up. I also had surgery to place a shunt in my head to drain extra fluid buildup from around my brain. As the years went on, I had many other varying surgeries to help with my well-being.

How does your relationship with Jesus affect these experiences?

My relationship with Jesus has helped me get through many different struggles. I’ve had my share of times not knowing how I was going to get through the hard times that didn’t feel like they were ever going to end … but then those times were also when I felt God’s presence the most, and I knew I would make it to the other side of all the pain and suffering.

What advice do you have for people in the church who want to better understand someone who is differently-abled or deals with chronic pain?

Be a listening ear. Not all people who are differently abled like to talk about their problems, but if we genuinely want to hear and listen to them, they will often be open to sharing. If you don’t know how someone is differently abled, do some research, and if you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask! Most of the differently abled community would be happy to answer your questions.

What are some practical ways people can support you when it’s hard?

Just let us know you’re there and be willing to talk whenever it’s needed. Include us in activities that seem doable; invite us for coffee, a meal, or a night out with friends. Involve us in anything. Be an encourager, not a discourager.

What advice or encouragement do you have for someone who’s suffering physically, whether it’s visible to others or not?

Pray. Seek out support from friends and tell them what you’re going through; explain it in detail if you have to. God will intercede and help others understand in the way only He knows how to. 

Do you have Bible verse(s) that encourage you when you’re struggling?

A verse that’s encouraging for me is Jeremiah 29:11:

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'”

We are grateful for Megan; thank you for sharing your story and encouraging us to pray, connect, and uplift one another! Starting this weekend, we’re diving into a sermon series called “In Pain & Suffering“. Let’s learn about the ways Jesus heals and engage in the conversation about what it means for us to join Him in the ministry of healing, today!

 

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