Hope for Invisible Disability Warriors
(& those who love them)
Are you or someone you know affected by: autism, brain injury, chronic pain, diabetes, dementia, hearing loss, learning challenges, mental health or neurological disorders, speech or visual impairments, or other conditions? One in four adults (26%) in the United States have some type and degree of disability.
Perhaps a disability is not your story, but it’s likely the story of someone in your life - a friend, a family member, someone in your neighborhood, or a Bible study group. Often we associate disabilities with wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, or white canes. However, 74% of disabled Americans live with a severe disability, invisible or hidden from the world.
Each October, a week is set aside to encourage, raise awareness, and make connections for those with invisible disabilities and those who love them.
I teamed up with two fellow chronic illness suffers, Erica Baldwin and MaryBeth Eiler, to share our invisible disability experiences, offer inspiration, and lasting hope to help you during the other 51 weeks.
Featured Articles
Living with an invisible disability or illness can be isolating, painful, and just plain hard. You don't have to do it alone. Here, you'll find encouragement, hope, and Christ-centered resources from three chronic illness warriors who understand that your everyday struggles and “new normal” are anything but "normal."
We share our stories of loss and why we can still smile, despite the pain. Take heart - your invisible illness can bring visible hope.
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Advice
Kellie offers advice for those with invisible illness - like respecting your speed limit - and to those who wish to love their chronically ill friends well - a card or folded laundry goes a long way.
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Words
The most powerful words you can say to someone with an invisible illness is, "I believe you." MaryBeth helps us uncover what words help (and which ones don't) for those with invisible illness.
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Gifts
Labels we didn't want brought with them unexpected gifts. Erica shares how each of us have grown in our understanding of the nearness of God and His grace to recognize hope in the pain.
Your Invisible Illness Inspiration Bundle
Find Christ-centered hope Scriptures, books, podcasts, quotes, playlist, and more in a free Inspirational Bundle. You don't have to be disabled to be blessed by this collection of encouragement and hope.
The Sunflower Conversations: A Mass Radiation Accident Caused My Hidden Disability
The Sunflower Stories with Kellie La Follette
Kellie La Follette was burned in an unexpected mass radiation incident at the school she worked in. Unfortunately, Kellie was sitting at the epicentre of the radiation leaving her in unceasing pain 24 hours a day, which increases over time and failing vision. In spite of extreme pain and light sensitivity, Kellie lives as a “hope bearer” helping others “Reframe Rain” in their lives. Kellie uses her experiences to offer a gentle place of fresh perspectives through prayer, encouragement, and hope in Jesus. She is also a keen advocate for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in the US.
Watch Sunflower Stories Featuring Kellie & Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
The Sunflower is the international symbol for Hidden Disabilities. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is making the invisible, visible, in 18 countries and over 100 airports worldwide! It is recognized in airports, businesses, shopping malls, grocery stores, and other locations around the world from Portland, Oregon (PDX), to Keflavik, Iceland (KEF). Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to airport staff and other people you have a hidden disability and you may need additional support, help, or more time. Find out more from Hidden Disabilities USA.
“He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me. The more intense the pain, the closer His embrace. The greatest good suffering can do for me is to increase my capacity for God. Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character.
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