Aspiring Poet, heartfelt thoughts.I Have Dystonia, bipolar, and an Avid Southern Gospel Music fan

I didn't know Nathan Kistler as well as some of the others, but the impact of our conversation in December still resonates with me. We talked for about an hour and a half, covering everything from the Christian faith to Southern Gospel music. I remember telling him he must be a special man for Amber to choose him, and indeed, he was.   What struck me most about Nathan was his genuine love for people. His passion for lost souls was evident, especially when he spoke about his work with "Hope to the Hill." Nathan wasn’t focused on fixing the "system" but on uniting people through the glorious gospel of Christ. Whether Republican, Democrat, or anything in between, Nathan loved people. He never let himself get caught up in the hatred and rhetoric that are so deeply seated in our country today. Instead, he brought Christ and hope to Capitol Hill, no matter who you were.  Nathan was an example of Christ's love, leaving a legacy of loving God and one another. ...

  In the world of Gospel music, few names resonate as deeply as Jason Clark's. His extraordinary talent and humble spirit made him a cherished artist and friend. With the ability to write moving songs, produce soulful albums, and arrange spectacular harmonies, Jason set a standard of excellence and devotion that inspired everyone who knew him. One of Jason's most endearing qualities was his humility. Despite his immense talent, he remained approachable and genuine, always finding time to share meaningful conversations at sunset. We often talked on the phone during these peaceful moments, and his love for sunsets was palpable. However, what he loved even more was Christ. His faith was unshakeable, and he set the bar high for serving others with grace and compassion. Jason was the kind of friend you could always count on. Whenever I faced a problem, I knew I could reach out to him, and he would be there with wise words and unwavering support. His faith and kindness left an indeli...

Living with illness often feels like navigating a storm without a map. The unpredictability of each day can be overwhelming, making it easy to lose sight of the simple yet profound truth of God's enduring mercy. But in these moments of struggle, I am reminded of the psalm that dwells in my heart—a song of His everlasting kindness and the call to continually praise His Holy Name. God's mercy is like a river, flowing unceasingly, nourishing our weary souls and providing solace in our times of need. His love remains unchanging, a constant presence guiding us through life's uncertainties. In Lamentations 3:22-23, I find comfort: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." These words remind me that despite my circumstances, His compassion renews my spirit each day. As His children, we are called to lift our voices in praise, even when it's difficult, to sing of ...

 When I first met Amber, it was like meeting a bright spark in a world that often felt dim. It was about ten years ago at a concert in Seminole. Amid the music and laughter, our paths crossed, and it didn't take long for our friendly rivalry to surface. I was a staunch Celtics fan, proud of Boston's storied franchise and their legendary players. Amber, on the other hand, was a die-hard Lakers fan, with a special admiration for Kobe Bryant. Our playful debates about which team was superior became a cherished part of our interactions. Despite our differences in basketball loyalties, we shared a mutual respect for each other's passion and dedication. One memorable moment was when I gifted her a limited edition Kobe "Black Mamba" hat. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and I joked that she seemed more thrilled about the hat than about seeing me. But that was Amber—her love for the Lakers and Kobe was infectious, and her enthusiasm was always genuine and uplifting. Amber...

 In the world of music and faith, few souls shine as brightly as Kelly Nelon’s did. Her voice was a gift to many, but it was her kindness and unwavering support that left an even deeper imprint on those who had the privilege of knowing her. Today, as I reflect on the profound impact she had on my life, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and admiration for the kind of person she was. When I first learned I had dystonia, the diagnosis came with the chilling forecast that my singing days might be numbered. The thought of losing my voice—a cherished part of who I am—was a heavy blow. In those dark moments, Kelly Nelon stepped into my life, not as a distant star but as a beacon of hope and compassion. When I shared my struggle with Kelly, her response was nothing short of extraordinary. Without hesitation, she volunteered to help me, offering her expertise and coaching so I could sing for as long as possible. And she did all this free of charge, driven solely by the kindness of he...

 Life with dystonia is a journey filled with twists and turns, both literally and figuratively. For those of us living with this condition, even the most ordinary activities can feel like monumental tasks. Things many take for granted—like writing, eating, or even walking—can become intricate puzzles to solve each day. Twister is just a game for most people, but for me, it is a way of life. The involuntary twisting and contorting of my muscles is a painful dance that leaves my body exhausted and aching. The internal twisting can feel as if my body is turning against itself, muscles knotting and pulling in directions they’re not supposed to go. The pain can be sharp and unyielding, a relentless reminder of the battle happening within me. This constant struggle makes even the most mundane tasks—such as brushing my teeth or tying my shoes—feel like Herculean feats. Yet, despite these challenges, I’ve discovered the power of perseverance and the importance of a positive attitude. When ...

 Dystonia is a complex neurological movement disorder that manifests through involuntary muscle contractions, leading to repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It can affect various parts of the body, presenting a range of challenges for those who live with it. In this post, I aim to shed light on the nuances of dystonia, including my personal experience with generalized dystonia, and explore the different types and treatment options available. What is Dystonia? Dystonia is characterized by persistent muscle contractions that cause involuntary twisting and abnormal postures. This condition varies significantly among individuals, affecting a single muscle in some and multiple regions in others. The severity and areas impacted by dystonia can lead to different experiences, but the underlying struggle is universal. My Journey with Generalized Dystonia In my life, dystonia is genetic, manifesting as generalized dystonia, which means it affects multiple parts of my body. This type o...