June 12

June 12, 1998

Dear Friends,

In August of 1997 I was diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). I remember thinking my life has changed and it will never be the same again. Woe is me. Alas. Alas. As you may guess I was preparing for a "serious pity party" when something occurred to me: This was not the first time that my life had changed - never to be the same. When I left home for college, my life changed. When I got married - two weeks after college graduation - my life changed. When my son was born (I didn't know anything about babies) my life changed. When I became a single parent . . . When I moved to another city . . . Well, you get the point. MCS was yet another adjustment, another change, in a life filled with changes. And no, my life will never be the same again.

I have always felt that you can't keep "The Kid" (me) down; somehow, someway, no matter what I would make it. I may be down, but I'm never out for the count. I guess, to coin an old phrase, when life hands me a bushel of lemons I try my best to make lemonade! How, you might ask, am I so sure that I can make it, that I can overcome any obstacle that may come my way? That's easy! I have the greatest assurance of all. The Word of God says that,

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Philippians 4:13 KJV

A few months ago, I watched portions of a television program with Stephen Hawkings. Hawkings, as you may know, is a noted scientist who has a degenerative disease. He is confined to a wheel chair. He uses the limited range of motion in his hands to manipulate a computerized device to order to "speak." Hawkings has every right to give up. For all practical purposes, his body has failed him. And yet there he was on PBS "talking" about black holes and such! I realize that the term Multiple Chemical Sensitivity does not define me. It only defines the illness. MCS is not who I am, it is what I have. Although I am confined to my home, it is nothing compared to Hawkings confinement. I yield not. I concede no defeat. I press forward. ". . . I must be about the Father's business." (Luke 2:49b KJV)

And so . . . here I go . . . once again . . . squeezing lemons! Hahahahahahahahaha! Praise the Lord!

In the Master's Love,

The Preacher