What is COPD? It is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is usually associated with emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis. So it is often common with smokers or people who have been exposed to environmental irritants, like asbestos. This is what I have too, but not from bad lungs but from weak muscles that keep the lungs capacity to work limited. The best illustration to demonstrate to you the breath of a COPD patient is for you to take a deep breath, then without exhaling, take a second breath. That second breath is what every breath with this disease feels like. It does make a person easily fatigued but can be managed with the right lifestyle and medicine.
'If you're still breathing, you can keep going.' Yes, sometimes I have to take a breather break but that doesn't mean you succumb to a quitter attitude. ''In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.'' John 16:33 ''In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of every human being.'' Job 12:10 Maybe with the weather being so hot and humid now, you can feel the increased effort to breathe for yourself. It is one of those gifts we easily take for granted but without it we cease to exist. I picked out the following verses to remind ourselves how much each breath of ours means, Who gives it and what to do with it.
Job 33:4 ''The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.''
Psalm 39:5 ''You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.''
Psalm 150:6 ''Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.''
Angie, this is a wonderful word for us all! As I was walking this morning, I thought at one point if I didn't have to climb the big hill behind me, I'd go back the way I came, because it was so hard to breathe. And that's much less than what you go through every day! I trudged on, enjoying my prayer time, even if I didn't enjoy the extra humidity and ozone (or whatever was making it hard to breathe.) Indeed, let everything that has breath praise the Lord! How good He is to us all--and how thankful I am for your friendship and your tenacity, an example for us all. You are dearly loved.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I watch you trying to get your breath, and I KNOW how difficult it is for you. At least, I can imagine. I did what you just said...taking that second breath before exhaling after the first one. WOW! That is scary. Yet you never complain about it. I just see your perseverance and your strength. You are such a tremendous example to me...someone I admire so much for so many reasons. One of the main ones is your great faith and dependence on our amazing God. I am so thankful He put you in my life. I have learned so much from you. Like Gloria said, you are a wonderful example for us all....love you dearly, T.
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