AAA Christian Encouragement and Fellowship Community Group
Anyone can join, you don't have to be "Christian". Belief in God is all you need. We have only 2 rules---1. God is in control 2. When all else fails, refer to rule #1.
I joined this group several weeks ago, perused the board, and stayed away for awhile, for no particular reason. But tonight, I feel that God has led me here to share my story, pray for others, and hopefully to encourage and be encouraged by others.
The last couple of years have been pretty difficult for me, and though I love the Lord, very much, I think I have faced my greatest faith challenges ever during this time. So, here's my story. I love to sing, and I began singing on my church's praise team a couple of years ago. I began having trouble with vocal fatigue and pain when singing or talking, and later learned I had vocal cord paresis, though mild. I had to quit singing on the praise team at that time, as I was unable to practice or sing for long periods without discomfort and fatigue. Many months of vocal therapy pretty much corrected the issue, and I was once again able to sing. Not long after I got better, I was diagnosed with TMJ disorder, which has caused chronic pain in my head, face, ears, neck, shoulders, and yes, my throat. So far, dentists, oral surgeons, doctors, etc., have been little to no help. My throat issues come and go, but I have still been unable to sing very much, if at all, with my praise team due to jaw and throat pain that occurs. I have this chronic pain, pretty much all the time, with some periods of relief. My throat got better for a while, but has worsened again. I hope it's temporary. I have also been afflicted with chronic tinnitus (ringing and roaring in my ears) since TMJ onset. It has been horrendous, and I have been more heart broken these last two years, than I ever have been in my life.
Needless to say, I've been through quite a bit, and my faith struggled in the beginning. God has been faithful to me though, and I have not given up on Him, even though at times, I wasn't sure if my faith was strong enough to endure. I thought for a while that God had left me, but I know better now. God has been with me every step of the way, and I know He will never leave nor forsake me, even though the enemy has relentlessly tried to convince me otherwise. I've finally begun to see that my blessings are abundant, even with my current afflictions. I'm back on the praise team now, playing guitar (or trying to) instead of singing, for now. And while I miss being able to sing so much, there is still a song in my heart, one that I'm certain I'll be able to sing in the future. I covet your prayers, and will be so happy to return the favor to each and every one of you. I look forward to getting to know you all. I'm sorry for this long story, but I felt I needed to share it with someone. Please feel free to share yours with me if you wish. May God bless you all.
The last couple of years have been pretty difficult for me, and though I love the Lord, very much, I think I have faced my greatest faith challenges ever during this time. So, here's my story. I love to sing, and I began singing on my church's praise team a couple of years ago. I began having trouble with vocal fatigue and pain when singing or talking, and later learned I had vocal cord paresis, though mild. I had to quit singing on the praise team at that time, as I was unable to practice or sing for long periods without discomfort and fatigue. Many months of vocal therapy pretty much corrected the issue, and I was once again able to sing. Not long after I got better, I was diagnosed with TMJ disorder, which has caused chronic pain in my head, face, ears, neck, shoulders, and yes, my throat. So far, dentists, oral surgeons, doctors, etc., have been little to no help. My throat issues come and go, but I have still been unable to sing very much, if at all, with my praise team due to jaw and throat pain that occurs. I have this chronic pain, pretty much all the time, with some periods of relief. My throat got better for a while, but has worsened again. I hope it's temporary. I have also been afflicted with chronic tinnitus (ringing and roaring in my ears) since TMJ onset. It has been horrendous, and I have been more heart broken these last two years, than I ever have been in my life.
Needless to say, I've been through quite a bit, and my faith struggled in the beginning. God has been faithful to me though, and I have not given up on Him, even though at times, I wasn't sure if my faith was strong enough to endure. I thought for a while that God had left me, but I know better now. God has been with me every step of the way, and I know He will never leave nor forsake me, even though the enemy has relentlessly tried to convince me otherwise. I've finally begun to see that my blessings are abundant, even with my current afflictions. I'm back on the praise team now, playing guitar (or trying to) instead of singing, for now. And while I miss being able to sing so much, there is still a song in my heart, one that I'm certain I'll be able to sing in the future. I covet your prayers, and will be so happy to return the favor to each and every one of you. I look forward to getting to know you all. I'm sorry for this long story, but I felt I needed to share it with someone. Please feel free to share yours with me if you wish. May God bless you all.
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. I understand a lot of what you are sharing. I too, struggle with feelings that God has abandoned me, for many years. That's such a difficult place to be. I will pray for your problems. I hope to become friends with you all. May God bless you in your trials.
I am sorry for what you have had to suffer. I was very moved and humbled by your suffering. You have gone through a lot. My last year has been the worst of my life because of the emotional and physical pain I have been in, and I have felt abandoned and unloved by God too, and even now sometimes I am afraid because I do not feel strong enough to keep going. I am impressed by your courage and determintion.
Have you tried a chiropractor? TMJ and tinnitus can both be caused by a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in your neck. And this can also cause problem with your immune system, which could make you more susceptible to infections. If you're interested in trying this, ask around for a chiropractor who has helped others. They don't all have the same training, and it takes a special touch even with good training, so some are a lot better than others.
I'm praying for you! Thanks for posting and sharing.