How to not "give up"?

[sorrowful1]

First off, I want to express my deep gratitude to those who have been continuously offering prayers on my behalf ( Katherine, St. Bede and others).

Now, turning to the actual intention of my post here , as the title suggests - how do I stop myself from giving up on prayers, and in life ? I’m not moaning or complaining. But then, why wouldn’t I? Born premature, I nearly died (or so I was told .I should have died I think.). I survived but there were so many health complications that to this day, I’m fighting. I’m really sick of it. And then, at school and college, my academic performances were excellent but what of that, I ended up not being able to pursue the higher education of my choice. Oh, yes- God has plans for us. He chooses what is right for us. But I’ve failed to see that. For years, I’ve been like a lost soul in search of its body. I find jobs but I do them for survival (I work hard though) rather than out of passion. If I manage to find passion, my health breaks and that’s it. It’s the same all over. I’ve not been able to give anything back to my parents who gave me everything.

To sustain and strengthen my health, I try to eat a healthy diet. I avoid clubbing , late night outs and etc. I meditate, pray (you name it) but somehow sickness pay a regular visit.

Sorry, I posted a similar question weeks ago but this time I’m like seriously done with everything. Why do some of us have to suffer this much? I’ve lost count(s) of how many times I’ve cried lying sick on my bed but acting all strong in front of the world. Is this how God loves us?

 

[Katherine438]

I understand exactly where you are coming from. I almost died when I was very young also … and what almost killed me then is now attacking me as I grew older … my kidneys. Along with that I’ve been ill with several diseases since I was 24 … I am now 59.

However, I look at my life of illness a little differently … I see it as a way that I am being allowed to do purgatory here on this earth … the Lord is actually blessing me.

Don’t get me wrong, there are days that I get down about my illnesses and I certainly ask for prayers when things get out of hand … but ultimately I return to the fact that I belong to our Lord and He knows what is best for me.

I will pray for you … that you can find a new way of looking at the painful life that you live.

God Bless you

Katherine

 

[1Lord1Faith]

One of the most popular prayers is the Hail Mary. The focus is to have Mary help us in the hour of our death. I think it’s significant that such a prayer is so popular. It seems to reinforce the notion that this life is temporary and the real treasure lies in heaven. Keep this in mind throughout dealing with struggles and it may give you some peace knowing that an easy, comfortable earthly life is not the treasure we should seek. Related to this is that those who do not seek their comfort in this life will die peacefully knowing that they’ve already accepted the spiritual reality of life here and after.

I don’t think this should be thought of as being morbid, but as the fact that some people are faced with this reality, and they sometimes come around to the acknowledgement that in order to accept things the way they are they must accept the spiritual reality as their gift and not the earthly comforts as their gift. The beatitudes speak to this reality very well, and also give a warning to people who have everything just honky dory that it’s much easier to fall.

 

[sorrowful1]

After I embraced Christianity, my life has been a lot different albeit the sufferings are the same. I mean, I’ve thought like you instead of groaning and moaning all the time and I’ve learnt to set up a positive mentality. After all, our Lord chose to lead a life of full of hardship and adversaries when He was the Son of God (this is what touches me most!). But then, at times, I feel so low that I begin to think God has forsaken me (otherwise, I’d not feel that way, is how and what I think). It’s wonderful to hear from like minded fellow humans who trust in the Lord.

Also, about employment, I’ve applied only in a few places (given the situation now-the spread of coronavirus). I’m constantly praying though ( I keep up with your prayers). In the end, it doesn’t matter what “job” I do; I want to save up and get to work for the sick and poor, and the underprivileged. I seriously doubt if I will be able to fulfill my wish before I bid farewell from the world ( graduated from Nursing School, did some brief stints volunteering at hospitals in South Asian countries where there were so many poor people - that was the “happiest” time of my life because I felt that I could do something for humanity - and then, realizing I wanted more than “nursing” that limited my passion for “healing” , I decided to join MBBS which was one of the most disastrous phases of my life. I mean I couldn’t go because I fell so grievously sick there was no point attempting it again. After that, for years I held life as a “burden” ).

Gosh, I’m ranting like a mad damsel in distress. Sorry. I just wanted to bare my soul open. Thank you and God bless you always!!

 

[po18guy]

Very sorry to hear that your struggles continue. You are not alone, physically or spiritually. I too have had a nightmare medical history handed to me. It forced me into early retirement in lieu of being terminated after 31 years. Blah blah blah…I could go on but what’s the point? I will tell you that my chance of being alive after the past 12 years, rounded off, is zero.

Can you get to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament? We benefit when we take our eyes and thoughts off ourselves and place them on the Lord. He will bear all of the burden that you care to give Him. He asks only that you remain faithful and journey with Him.

On the physical front, what does doctor say? Are you in therapy? Considering anti-depressants for a limited time?

Spiritually, have you read Fr. Benedict Groeschel’s book Arise from Darkness? Prof. Peter Kreeft’s book Making Sense out of suffering?

The Lord is ready to grant us all necessary grace, but we must cooperate with that grace - even when we do not feel like getting out of bed.