As I write this, my heart is filled with gratitude and excitement. On Monday, June 24th, John and I will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary—eighteen years of love, support, and countless memories that have shaped our lives together. To celebrate our special day, we’ve decided to take a trip that is both exciting and, for me, somewhat daunting. Weather permitting, we will be hiking to see a few waterfalls in Tennessee.

For many, a hike might seem like a simple, enjoyable activity. But for me, it’s a testament to resilience and determination. As a double-lung transplant recipient living with chronic rejection, every breath I take and each step I make are gifts. This hike is a way for me to prove to myself and hopefully inspire others that we can still reach new heights even in the face of immense trials.

The trek to the waterfalls symbolizes more than just a physical challenge. It represents the strength of our bond, the power of our faith, and the courage to keep moving forward despite the obstacles. John has been my rock, encourager, and greatest support through all the ups and downs. This hike is as much a celebration of our love as it is a personal triumph for me.

Living with chronic rejection means that each day comes with its set of challenges and uncertainties. Yet, it also comes with opportunities to embrace life fully and to cherish the moments that truly matter. As we prepare for this hike, I am reminded of Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” This faith fuels my spirit and gives me the strength to continue taking on endeavors like this.

To my wonderful community, I invite you to join us in spirit on this special day. Your support, prayers, and positive thoughts have been a source of immense strength for me. Let’s celebrate not just our anniversary but also how the Lord’s faithfulness sustains us, giving us the strength to endure and the resilience to overcome.

Maintaining Resilience: Practical Strategies

In facing adversity, my faith has been a cornerstone of my resilience. I want to share with you three practical strategies that have helped me maintain strength and hope as a Christian:

1. Ground Yourself in Scripture Regularly reading and meditating on the Bible is a source of great comfort and strength. Verses like Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all this through him who gives me strength”) remind me of God’s promises and His power in my life. I encourage you to set aside time for scripture reading and reflection each day. This practice can provide the perspective and encouragement needed to face life’s challenges.
2. Cultivate a Strong Prayer Life My personal relationship with God is the foundation of my faith, and prayer is vital in maintaining resilience. Prayer is communing with the Lord. It’s when I sit in His presence, share my burdens, and seek His guidance. Making prayer a daily habit, not just during crises, is transformative. Praying with others can also be incredibly uplifting. I’ve found that partnering with prayerful friends is a wonderful way to support each other through trials. Joining a prayer group is another excellent option, as it provides communal support and shared strength.
3. Engage in a Supportive Faith Community Surrounding myself with fellow believers has provided immense emotional and spiritual support. Engaging actively in my church and faith community has been essential. Participating in small groups and Bible studies has offered me practical help and a sense of belonging. Serving others within my community has also shifted my focus from my struggles to the needs of others, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can build and maintain resilience through whatever challenges come your way. Remember, it’s the Lord’s steadfast love that sustains us and gives us the strength to endure.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and believing in the power of living well.

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM TO WITNESS OUR ANNIVERSARY ADVENTURE!

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If you’d like to learn more about my unexpected journey as a double-lung transplant recipient, I invite you to read my book, Breathing in the Unexpected.