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

  Living with dystonia is like carrying a weight that never lets up. It’s an invisible anchor, pulling at every effort I make to live as normally as possible. The struggle with my body is relentless. Muscles that refuse to obey, spasms that hit without warning — dystonia doesn’t care about my plans or my family’s needs.   And sometimes, neither can I.   As much as I want to be t he one who takes care of my family — to provide for them, protect them, and be there in all the ways they deserve — dystonia has a way of keeping me from doing that. It steals time, energy, and ability, leaving me to watch as others step in to handle what I can’t. No matter how much they tell me I’m not a burden, there are days when that truth feels distant and hard to hold onto.     It’s not just the physical limitations. It’s the emotional toll of knowing that I can’t be the person I want to be for them. Every time I need help with something simple, like opening a jar or getting ...

  Gratitude is easy when life is smooth. When the sun shines and things fall into place, it’s natural to thank God for His blessings. But what happens when the storm clouds gather, when grief, confusion, and hardship strike? How do we give thanks when we don’t even know how?  This is something I wrestle with every day. Life can be heavy—grief for those we've lost, mental and physical struggles, challenges that seem insurmountable. In those moments, it feels almost impossible to bow my head and say, "Thank You, Lord."  Yet, even in the depths of my uncertainty, I am reminded of Paul’s words: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV) Notice that Paul doesn’t say to give thanks for everything, but *in* everything. We’re not expected to be thankful for pain or suffering. We’re simply called to find a way to give thanks *in* the midst of it. That’s the challenge for me: finding gratit...

 Dystonia. A term that often slips through the cracks of public consciousness, rarely acknowledged or understood. Yet, for those of us who live with its presence every day—like my sister—it is far more than just a medical diagnosis. It is a pervasive, life-altering condition that demands strength, resilience, and often, solitude in a world that doesn’t fully comprehend it. If the public truly grasped what dystonia entails, we wouldn't need awareness campaigns or designated months to educate people. The very idea of "raising awareness" implies that dystonia exists in the shadows, that it is a foreign concept to most. But if this condition were better understood, empathy and support would naturally follow. Dystonia is far more complex than mere involuntary muscle contractions. It manifests as prolonged, often painful spasms that contort the body into unnatural, debilitating postures. But beyond the physical symptoms lies an emotional burden—one that is often invisible to ou...

  Scripture: Proverbs 22:28 "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." In the book of Proverbs, we find this profound command: "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." This verse speaks of boundaries, both physical and spiritual, that were established by those who came before us—our ancestors in the faith. These landmarks were more than just property markers; they represented heritage, wisdom, and the timeless principles that have guided God's people through the ages. In ancient Israel, moving a landmark was not just an act of theft but a violation of trust and respect for the community. These markers were set by the fathers, those who laid down the foundations for future generations, ensuring that what was given to them was preserved and passed down in integrity. Spiritually, this verse calls us to honor the traditions and teachings that have been handed down through generations of faithful believers. It’s a reminder n...

  "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." —Luke 6:37 As Christians, we are called to live in love, extending grace and mercy to those around us. However, it's easy to fall into the trap of harshly judging others when we see their flaws and failures. We may forget that we too are imperfect, susceptible to the very sins we criticize in others. The Bible calls us to a different standard—one where love and compassion guide our judgments, not condemnation. Judgment Tempered by Love In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2. This passage is a reminder that the way we judge others is the same way we will be judged. If we judge harshly, without love or understanding, we set ourselves up for a similar judgment. Jesus'...

  The Unseen Battle: Living with Dystonia Dystonia is a relentless thief, stealing the peace and normalcy from those who suffer from it and those who love them. It’s no t just a physical ailment; it’s a heavy burden that affects the mind, spirit, and relationships. The pain it causes is multifaceted, extending far beyond the twisted muscles and spasms that mark its presence.  The Physical and Mental Toll Living with dystonia is like navigating a storm that never truly ends. The body becomes a battleground, muscles contorting and rebelling against the will, causing pain that can be as unpredictable as it is severe. But the physical pain is only one aspect of this cruel condition. Mentally, dystonia is exhausting. The constant discomfort and the knowledge that there is no cure can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Every day is a fight against not just the spasms but also the emotional turmoil that comes with the knowledge that there is no end in sight. The brain, str...

  In the world of Southern Gospel music, few names resonate as deeply as The Nelons. Their harmonies have uplifted countless hearts and souls, bringing joy and encouragement through their music. With the recent release of their final album, "Loving You," we are reminded of the beauty and power of their legacy. As I reflect on their last gift to us, I find myself crafting a haiku to capture the essence of their music and the impact it has had on my life. It goes like this: Final album glows, A testament of love— “Loving You,” a gift, A cherished hymn of praise, Encouragement bestowed. Their voices linger still, Echoes of joy and triumph, As they cross the veil. To sing face to face, With the King in radiant light— They will be missed here. Yet until that day dawns, When we gather once again, Their legacy endures, A melody of the heart. This haiku encapsulates not only the beauty of "Loving You" but also the profound emotional connection we sh...