Today, I turn a year older and while I thought I’d feel hyped, what I truly feel is gratitude. Gratitude for life. Gratitude for health.
Growing up, I used to hide my genotype. When people found out, they’d pity me or look at me like my death date was written on my forehead. It felt like something to be ashamed of. Eventually, I started saying it out loud just to see people’s reactions. At first, it felt strange but over time, the looks and comments stopped meaning anything.
I’ve had pain episodes so intense that I prayed for the pain to end even if it meant my life ending too. As I grew older, those episodes became less frequent, but I remained fragile. Then came the eye crisis, followed by multiple surgeries. The explanation? “It’s common with your genotype, caused by pain crises over the years.”
Despite it all, here I am. God kept me. Preserved His little pretty baby. I made it this far thanks to my Father, Atofarati… and I’m grateful.
When the Bible says, “In this world, you will have troubles” – for me, that’s the pain. During those episodes, I look forward to simply overcoming each day. The next day might be harder… or it might be easier. Pain, hurt, loss, bad times – they never last forever. That truth has shaped how I see life. I don’t dwell. I look forward to the next thing, the next day, the way forward. Overcoming. There’s healing after pain.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.16.33.KJV
Yes, I try to be of good cheer. It’s not easy, but I stay conscious of the fact that God is with me, reminding me that I will overcome the negatives, just as He has overcome the world.
I’m thankful for the strength to keep pushing against all odds. For the relationships that had to end, and the new ones that formed. For the support of loved ones. For the lessons from every event that shaped me into who I am today.
Lord, I’m grateful.
My thoughts may feel jumbled, but my heart is steady: I am grateful.
Happy Birthday to me. 🎉
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”
John 16:33 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.16.33.AMP
#Gratitude #Faith #LifeLessons #ChronicIllnessJourney #Resilience #BirthdayReflections #OvercomingOdds #Hope #SickleCellAwareness
Becoming Mo 
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