Don’t Give Up

Life throws us many curve balls causing us to throw our hands up. In fact, as a teenager, I had a poster on my bedroom wall showing two cartoon kids dangling on the end of a rope. Below them, it stated,

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot, and hang on.”

Covid-19 has about everyone feeling that way. No matter what, we can’t give up! Shortly after starting college, I received the diagnosis of a hereditary, progressive eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. While my reaction was positive, “Why not me?” instead of “Why me?” I strongly considered giving up my original career choice. Instead, I tied my knot and hung on.

Nothing had really changed other than my diagnosis so it wasn’t necessary to give up.

Trudging forward, I pursued my dream of becoming a special education teacher. Adaptions would be needed, but I knew I could cross that bridge when I got to it. Too many times in life, we give up, fearing we don’t know how to cross a bridge and believing one exists, is closer than it really is, or we won’t have the courage and tools necessary when we reach it.

As time passed, my eyes worsened. Each time I felt the loss over again. Each time I had to tell myself not to give up. I tied my knot and hung on by focusing on what I could do, rather than on what I couldn’t do from more vision loss. Yes, I focused on what I could still do.

Limitations increased as sight decreased, and the process repeated itself. To this day, I’ve always been able to find something I can do. Admittedly, it became harder, but perseverance prevailed.

Through the years I managed to marry, have children, run my household and several businesses, home school my youngest, become a pastor’s wife, and co-found a ministry to the poor and broken-hearted with my husband. If I hadn’t learned to focus on what I could do, and lean on Jesus, I would have given. up when all of the obstacles, hardships, and trials presented themselves. I survive by refocusing on what I can do.

EXAMPLES:

• I can’t see the stars, but I can hear the birds singing
• I can’t write notes, but I can use my digital voice recorder or email myself. . .and do
• I can’t read books to my grandchildren, but I can hold them while they look at a book, or tell them stories
• I can’t read words to hymns/songs at church, but I can play my flute on the praise and worship team
• I can’t watch games at sporting events, but I can attend to show my support to my family
• I can’t do technical stuff dealing with my blog, but I can hire a virtual assistant (VA)
• I can’t send cards, but I can make phone calls or send texts
• I can’t formally teach, but I can teach Sun day School and Bible studies at our church
• I can’t exercise at a gym or go for a walk, but I can do stretching exercises, some bands, and a treadmill
• I can’t help load boxes when moving, but I can pack some, can definitely direct, and can open the door for others

It’s no wonder this principle became one of the five keys listed in my E-book, “5 Keys to Surviving Life’s Storms“. Loss, hardships in natural disasters, medical issues, wayward children, finances, and more are part of everyone’s life. Even aging, makes it harder to cope as our bodies do less and less. We don’t want to be victims, but victors!

The way to accomplish that is to avoid complaints or playing the “I wish…” game. Instead, focus on what you can do, and do it… large or small. This turns you from a victim to a victor!

Refocus and start being more victorious today. You can share this blog to encourage others on your social media. You can subscribe to my blog for weekly encouragement. You can buy my eBook for yourself, others, and you can leave a review. (couldn’t resist)

Be blessed!