When trying to decide if I wanted to start this blog or not,
I told God that I didn’t even know what I would call it. Right on cue the song
“Here’s My Life” by BarlowGirl came on my iPod. That’s pretty much when I knew
that my desire to start a blog truly came from God.
I’m currently 21 years old, and in the process of
transferring schools. I am studying to one day be a Christian counselor. Over
the years, God has shown me so many things that He wants me to do to bring Him
glory. The first is to have a career as a Christian counselor. I want so badly
to help people who have endured hard times and by showing them the life
changing power of God’s love. Others include writing, working with the
homeless, and photography. (Weird combination, right?) A few months back I started
my own photography business named Fearfully & Wonderfully Made, and I love
it!
At 18 I was diagnosed with both fibromyalgia and a spinal
arthritis. Though I began treatment a few months earlier for Crohn’s disease,
the doctors could only confirm a diagnosis of IBS. For those of you who don’t
know much about medical conditions, I’ll give you a brief summary. Fibromyalgia
is described as constant body-wide pain. Which I definitely agree with. My type
of arthritis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis. I have what’s called a
seronegative spondyloarthropathy. The seronegative part means that the
condition doesn’t show up in my blood. And although the arthritis is in all of
my joints, the second part means that the disease is centered in my spine. Crohn’s
disease is an autoimmune disease, which causes my immune system to attack my GI
tract. I’m literally on a ton of medicine, including a low-dose chemotherapy
treatment that I receive through an IV every six weeks. Thankfully I don’t
really have any side effects from the infusion or any of my other medications.
Being sick has cost me so much and has impacted me on such a
mighty way. Because of the severity of both the arthritis and fibromyalgia, I
am not only in horrible pain every single second of every single day, but I am
also practically bed-ridden. When I say these diseases have taken so much from
me, I truly mean it. I used to dance competitively for over 15 years, and I was
in show choir in high school. The pain took all that away. It’s affected every single
one of my friendships and relationships. I don’t say this to gain pity, or to
make you feel sorry for me. I say it to articulate my testimony, and what God
is doing in my life.
And for now, here’s a little tidbit of information about me :
). Jesus is my favorite thing in the whole wide world :). I’m a member of St.
Paul UMC. My mom is my best friend. You can always find me on pinterest! Hehe. I’m
obsessed with pearls, cowboy boots, leopard print, and anything teal. I’m involved
with a Christian retreat called Vida Nueva (I’ll have a post on that soon!). My
boyfriend spoils me : ). I love everything from The Walking Dead, to Pretty
Little Liars, no joke.
Periodically I’ll post random thoughts, Bible verses and
meditations, things I’m going through and pictures from different photo shoots. Naturally this blog will be
under construction for a while, but hopefully I can get it just how I want it
pretty soon. If there’s anything you’d like to know feel free to leave a
comment or send me an email at letsrockkk07@yahoo.com
.
All my love,
Victoria Rene’
P.S.- Here's the video with the lyrics to the song "Here's My Life" : )
Enjoy <3
Victoria this was beautifully written! And I had no idea you had those medical conditions. Although in the short time I was living in Georgia, I didn't get to know you as well as I should have. Apart from A. Women's Choir. I am very inspired that despite the pain you are going through on a daily basis you and still allowing God to work through you and live out your dreams. I am so glad you shared this with us.
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