How Vulnerability Builds Community When You are Living with Invisible Chronic Illness – Kimberli West
Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast
English - August 13, 2020 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB - ★★★★★ - 224 ratingsChristianity Religion & Spirituality Education hope through hardship luke 14 inclusion joni and friends disability ministry special needs joni eareckson tada christian ministry disability ministry Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
“You may feel alone, like you shouldn’t talk about what is going on, but the worst thing you can do it isolate yourself… When you’re honest and vulnerable, it’s incredible how many places it will take you.”
Last week on the podcast, Kimberli West talked about her unexpected battle with invisible chronic illness and how she’s seen God’s hand at work in her hardship. As a young woman with an on-the-go lifestyle, Kimberli had ignored her symptoms until she ended up passed out in the emergency room. Diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases, what she thought would be easily controlled by medication led to 20 surgeries, the loss of 9 organs, and the fight of her life.
Crystal has invited Kimberli back to the podcast to talk about the importance of vulnerability and transparency when facing challenges. Chronic conditions can often lead to loneliness and isolation, but vulnerability opens the door for deepening relationships, sharing support, and finding joy in suffering. Listen as Kimberli shares how her transparency has helped her develop a strong community of support and opportunities for Kimberli to minister to others even when she is house-bound.
Questions or comments? Email Crystal at [email protected]
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*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. For more than 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 180,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.