Show Off Your Stripes

Today is Rare Disease Day, the day that spreads world wide awareness about diseases that are unheard of by many, plaguing over 300 million people.

I'll be honest, I never took much notice to this day until I became a part of this category by 5 diseases two and a half years ago.

The struggle is real some days. People don't see the aches, the emotional battles, the physical challenges, the mental struggles and so much more that a rare disease, or any disease for that matter, causes.

But I know, speaking for myself, and I bet many others too, no matter what your hardest days bring, God's been good.

Your battle can make you bitter or it can make you faithful (let's face it- this could be a life motto too!). It can bring you closer to God or it can make you angry, and sometimes, sometimes, it can be both, depending on the day.

But God is waking each of us up to a new day. God has a plan for us. God has purpose for your earthly life. God has provided for us. God has brought new friendships into our lives and we've overcome obstacles that some days seem nearly impossible.

To the ones that don't have but know someone that does- please check in on your friends. Lift them up with words of encouragement and pray for them extra on the days you can see just how tough it is for them.

To those who are battling and living with a rare disease- I encourage you to share your story. I had someone share their story with me. It changed my life and I will forever be grateful to God for bringing me into a Sunday school teaching position that allowed me to meet the mom of one of my students. She still continues to help me in my rare disease walk- all because she shared her story with me. It's ok to be vulnerable and to be humble enough to share your weaknesses with someone else. You never know who's life you may touch. And if you're like me, it will be in the most unexpected way.

On this Rare Disease Day, I ask that you say an extra prayer for all those that are affected by a rare disease, world wide- for their physical and mental health, spiritual well being, medical care, caregivers, provisions and for guidance and direction from God.

We all struggle with something in our lives, let's show those affected by rare diseases some extra love today!

**So why a zebra you may ask? The zebra becoming the symbol for rare disease and a zebra striped ribbon for awareness is actually quite opposite of the original origin. After a University of Maryland physician directed his medical students "When you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras", rare disease advocates turned that statement over. Basically, don't assume it's always a common illness for the cause, rare is a possibility too and need not be brushed aside.