Yesterday was the first time Lydia has brought her kids over for a playdate. Her oldest son, 4 or 5 years old, is the most well spoken kid I know. He is confident, articulate, matter of fact and has definite leadership skills. On the way over to my house, he asked his mom the question that many are afraid to ask. 'Why does Angie wear a mask sometimes? Did God make it that way? Why did God make it that way?' Good questions from the mouth of a babe.
The answer lies within muscle weakness. The muscles that inflate and deflate my lungs are affected by a nerve disorder. So, I'm like a bicycle with an old tire that needs air pumped into to make it ride better. My mask gives me room air, not oxygen, so that my muscles can still work but with less effort and energy by me. If you see football players on the sideline with a mask, they are getting oxygen to refuel their energy level quickly because of shortness of breath. It's kind of the same concept.
God did graciously provide my mask. I used a more confining system for 13 yrs when I only needed help when I slept. My mask is a great thing that allows me to be out and about like I want to be and not being stuck in and home bound. Of course that means a lot more pride swallowing than I ever thought possible.. I care more about what makes me happy than what other people think of me.........a great lesson for all.
We learn by asking questions so I'm glad to hear this little one is seeking wisdom and getting understanding.
Hi Angie,
ReplyDeleteI so appreciated this explanation of what you deal with each day because I had wondered about it. It makes me love you even more. You are such a trooper and an inspiration to all of us. May God strengthen you and give you healing in your body.
Enjoyed all the pics from last night. It lets us share your day. Your life is much more exciting than mine with all the activities you do. Love it.
Blessing to you.
Love,
Marie
Great entry, Angie. I really love it - the picture of the little boy, the explanation of the why, what, and wheres of the mask. I'm so glad you have it and can go and enjoy life. Wish they had a spiritual mask like that - I could use an infusion on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good, simple explanation and it is so gracious of you to share, may people learn of your daily struggles. Love You ....Dad
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angie, for being so willing to let people see through your struggles. It means so much to me, as my body gets older and more decrepit, to have an example like you to follow. My pride wants to hide the flaws (as some would see them--not God) rather than to embrace them as From Him For Me, to grow me more into HIs likeness. I love you, Angie, my friend.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely a great lesson for us all.....to care more about what God thinks of us than what people do. We all have our "flaws" (or what the world thinks of as flaws)....some more evident than others. As Gloria said, the older we get, the more evident they become. However, if we are happy with out trust in Christ and in using our bodies to worship Him and love others, it might be a lot easier to forget about what is not as "pretty" as it used to be! Praying to be beautiful on the inside....and that others will see it!! Love you, T.
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