extend that grace

My life is intimidating. I get it. I'm intimidated of  myself sometimes.




What do you say to someone who's sick every.single.day that isn't awkward? What do you do when you cannot relate to one's suffering? How do you approach talking about your happy times when in the company of the always ill? Can you share your "petty" comparing prayer requests without guilt? Does every conversation have to begin with "how are you feeling?" Does illness have to come up in every conversation? Are you freaked out by medical equipment?






 I know these things can race through your brain when you are healthy. In honesty, I cannot blame you for it, it makes sense so I will extend that grace to you who do what you can to avoid even being in these encounters at all. I understand it but let me help you.






1. I don't expect you to go too far from your comfort zone. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of taking me places, please know I don't expect you to do that.


2. If you are afraid of me passing out in your company it is ok to say you don't want to be alone in the vicinity.


3. If medical equipment freaks you out please note I don't need you to touch it. (besides wheelchairs)


4. I am prepared for my surroundings. If I am out and about with people who haven't been around and even on occasion with those that have I will give you the rundown of "what to do if"


5. scared that in the moment you won't remember the rundown? I have paper copies of that along with all medications, emergency contacts, all the things that a paramedic would need.
6.Talk to me. It's simple. Let me answer the above questions for you.

• It's not awkward unless you make it awkward. Once again just talk to me about whatever.
• When you cannot relate to one's suffering you listen, Please realize I don't expect you to relate so take that load off also, I don't want you to understand because if you did it would mean you were going through this too and nobody wants that. Just listen to me, it's all I ask. 
• talking about your happy times is ok even though it makes me a little sad sometimes that does not mean I don't want to hear about it at all.
• SHARE YOUR DARN PRAYER REQUESTS puhlease. pain, suffering, hardship, it's all HARD so the next time you hold back because my issues are "bigger than yours" please slap yourself 5 times.
• Please don't forget I am still human. My daily life might look different than yours but don't let that intimidate you. I have the same thoughts, emotions, and issues as anybody else.

The moral of the story is that you can communicate with me like you would with anybody else. The worst thing you can do is pull away. Don't let my list intimidate you either. It's okay if you happen to slip up, I won't hate you. Grace is a thing. I hope this helps you feel more comfortable. A lot of people just don't know what to say but now you know.