Broken Bones
When I was sixteen, my best friend Paige had to have surgery on her legs. Paige has something called acondroplasia, a type of dwarfism that she was born with. A common issue among people with achondroplasia is bowed legs. This can cause issues down the road if it isn’t corrected, so doctors suggested that Paige have a procedure done where the fibula and tibia are broken in both her legs and set with pins having metal rings.
One of the most traumatizing days of my life was the day she got out of surgery. After a procedure like this, physical therapy starts immediately. The day she got out of surgery, my mom and I went to see her in the hospital. When the physical therapist walked in, we were all smiles and laughs until she told Paige that she had to get up and walk. Her face dropped slowly from a laughing smile to a furrowed frown.
“I can’t walk,” she said.
“You have to,” was the therapist’s only reply.
My mom and I stepped aside in shock.
The therapist then asked me if I could hold Paige under her arms and help her on her feet. So with giant rings around her legs with fresh bleeding pins holding the freshly broken bones in place, Paige put all her weight on her legs. The scream that came out of her mouth was scarier than any actor in a movie, the pain in her cry was pure torture and I couldn’t hold her up. My mom took over and tried to bear as much of Paige’s weight as she could, she helped Paige across the hospital room as I stood crying with both my hands over my mouth. How could so much pain be good for her?
Paige’s bones soon healed, she gained 2 inches (she is now proudly four foot one inch) and her procedure was successful.
In my journey as a christian, the most painful seasons of my life have been used by God much like Paige’s physical therapy. When I had no idea how I could get through, the time I spent in prayer during those seasons changed me.
So my friend, when you feel like life is too hard, your faith is too small or your hope is all gone- cry out to God in prayer. He hears you and like Romans 8:1 says- he can use the situation you are in for good. Prayer doesn’t always take away the pain, but it does make the pain worthwhile. Don’t let your hardships go to waste! Pray my friend - pray honestly, pray often as well as with and for those around you. And don’t forget to seek out friends who will be there with you, and don't be embarrassed if they have to hold you under your arms and help you on your feet.
Keep this verse in mind:
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8
Lacey Rozell
