Dana and I have known of each other for many years. Her husband, Marcus, has ministered several times at our church through song and testimony. So, I have heard on many occasions from his perspective how God has walked them through the unthinkable. Due to Dana’s poor health, she rarely travels with Marcus from Georgia to Indiana. That is until last year.
Evelyn Sherwood
As I sat across the lunch table from Dana, I hung on every word as she shared the evidence of God’s faithfulness in her life through a 30+ year battle with chronic illness. I knew I was in the presence of a true warrior.
And though Dana is currently facing significant health issues requiring 24-hour care, I am humbled and grateful that she took her energy to share her story briefly and how God has been her mainstay. May her story encourage you to hold on to the One holding you.
I am 54 years old, and I have been diagnosed with an extremely rare blood disease called SCD. Statistics say most people with this disease don’t live to see 20 because of the deterioration the disease causes to the body.
The doctors say that I suffer from sickle cell disease. My diagnosis also includes congestive heart failure, asthma, anxiety, and depression, and I have no gallbladder; I have also had both shoulders replaced and knee ablations on both knees.
My joints become red and swollen when my body has a crisis. The condition is excruciating in the fact my cells sickle and do not travel efficiently to all organs of my body, thus causing severe bouts of pain. God healed me of the crises’ of SCD many years ago, but my body still carries the effects of the disease from all the years I’ve had it.
I am blessed to say there has been one constant throughout the years: my friend Jesus Christ. He is always there with me when I am down and feel alone. And when I am at my lowest, an old song reminds me I am not alone.-“He’s All I Need”.
He’s all I need
He’s All I Need
When I just need someone to talk to,
He’s always there
To hear my prayer each time I call him.
My every need He will supply,
My thirsty soul, He’ll satisfy!
He’s my everything. He’s all I need!
Do you know this friend? He’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). He will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Let me encourage you that you can make it. When you’re troubled or down and out, call out to Jesus. I promise He won’t be far!
I pray that I might always be found doing work for the Lord, and hopefully, my testimony helps someone who thinks they can’t go on any further say, “Lord, help me to make it another day.”
God bless you, is my prayer. Your sister in Christ,
Dana Faulknor
4 Responses
Truly this is strength from the Lord. Thanks for sharing.