The collaborative campaign is simple to participate in: wear a pair of sunglasses of June 21, post a photo to social media with the hashtag #ShadesForMigraine, and challenge others to take part, too.
Taking part in headache disorders advocacy is an important part of my journey living with chronic pain. While I participate in advocacy work throughout the year, one of my favorite events is Headache on the Hill (HOH) - you can follow the link to read about my HOH 2020 experience.
HOH is an annual event that brings together a large group of advocates in DC to share our stories, and call on lawmakers to recognize the impact and take action to reduce the burden (individual and societal) of headache disorders.
The Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) organizes the annual HOH event and covers one night hotel for each attending advocate. Most advocates must cover the remaining travel costs out of their own pockets.
In order to support the HOH event and provide assistance with travel scholarships for advocates to participate, Miles for Migraine is collaboratively* hosting a first-annual walk/run/relax fundraiser event from June 29 to July 7.
There are a few different ways you can show your support:
Donate (any amount is greatly appreciated)
Participate by walking, running, or relaxing (from 6/29 to 7/7)
This link takes you to the event page: HOH walk run relax event. From there, you can Pledge a Team (Chronic Migraine Warrior), Donate to a Participant (Jamie Valendy), or Register (and join my team).
This link takes you to my team page: Team Chronic Migraine Warrior. From there, you can Make a donation or Join my team.
The Migraine World Summit is a virtual event that broadcasts interviews from over 30 leading experts, including doctors and specialists, to share about treatments, research, and strategies to help you manage and improve your headache disorder.
The 2020 event took place in March. Due to the significant challenges we’re facing in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the event is being offered again from June 10-19.
The event is FREE: the interviews will be open according to the event schedule (4 per day, plus 1 webinar), changing each day at 6pm ET. You can access the interviews directly on the website free for 24 hours. If you’d like to have lifetime access to the interviews, you can purchase the Summit All-Access Pass (affiliate link).
Tune in June 9 at 5pm ET for a Live Pre-Summit Q&A with Hosts, Carl Cincinnato and Paula Dumas. They’ll explain why the Summit is being replayed, what’s new about the June Replay, and answer other questions. It’s free to join, but you must register beforehand. Click the link to register (no sign up required) for the Live Pre-Summit Q&A.
The National Headache Foundation (NHF) created an initiative to help promote migraine and headache awareness: Wear Purple to Work (at Home). On June 1, wear purple and share a photo on social media to show solidarity for the 40+ million people in America living with headache disorders.
When you share on social media, please use the hashtags: #MHAM #MHAM2020.
Headache at Work
Work often includes facing a slew of headache and migraine triggers that can stack and result in increased attacks: bright lights, computer screens, strong odors / scents, loud noises, stress, rigid schedules and deadlines, the list goes on.
Many people are working from home during the pandemic. For some, work being moved to a virtual / from home format is proving to allow the flexibility needed to be a more productive worker and have improved quality of life.
It’s unclear what the work landscape will look like, as more workplaces decide how to move forward. It remains important to recognize the need for employer accommodations for those living with headache disorders. Hopefully these months of virtual workplaces will provide the evidence needed for companies to consider offering employees more options moving forward.
Once workplaces bring people back to the office, the Migraine at Work campaign provides tools and resources for employers and employees to utilize.
"I don't have a dis-ability, I have a different-ability." - Robert M. Hensel
June is Migraine and Headache Awareness (MHAM) Month. This year’s theme is: You need community. #MHAM #MHAM2020 #YouNeedCommunity
If you're interested in learning more or getting involved, Migraine Headache Awareness Month is a great resource for information regarding upcoming activities being hosted by various individuals and organizations within the headache disorders community.
I’ve participated in Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, since it started in 2012. Some years, I’ve been able to participate more than others. One thing that hasn’t changed, is the excitement of coming together with others in the community to share our stories and do what we can to raise awareness, decrease stigma, and make the invisible visible.
In the past, there have been daily blog and social media challenges. I’ve enjoyed participating in those ways, but I’ve also struggled with feeling guilt and shame for not being able to keep up. That’s something I continue to work on, as the pressure to perform is self-inflicted.
I’m not sure how this year’s awareness month will look, from my participation standpoint. Perhaps I’ll take the opportunity to share some photos and stories from previous advocacy activities and even some attacks (I’ll be sure to label with the date, so it’s clear when they were). Whatever it looks like, I’ll write and share… and, I’ll be proud to be part of a community of people that “get it.”
As I began writing about my Headache on the Hill 2020 experience, I found a post that was written but never posted from last year's event. The following post is from 2019, though much of it is timeless.
In writing about my experience and the asks of Headache on the Hill (HOH) 2019, I realized that there's another side that needs to be shared.
Every person that went through the process to participate in HOH has their own story of the event. Some people weren't able to make the trip because of health, financial, or other reasons. Some pushed to make the trip, but were then unable to attend training and/or their meetings on the Hill because of health. Some pushed to participate, and then crashed hard afterward.
Headache diseases can be unpredictable. And, everything that participating in a lobbying event like HOH entails adds up and can be difficult to do while living with the uncertainty of chronic health conditions.
Sometimes you can push through, and sometimes you can't. There is no shame in that. Oh! But, I know that those unable to attend their meetings were overwhelmed by enormous emotions.
Traveling alone
I haven't traveled much alone, since I became chronic after my car accident in 2008. My husband and I have traveled, but my only solo travel has been to visit and stay with family. Attending HOH was the first non-family related travel that I ventured out on my own. I was both excited for the independence and anxious about managing on my own. Knowing that I had friends also attending HOH helped put my mind at ease.
The day before the HOH training was a travel day for me. I flew across the country alone. Time in a plane is hard on the body, and I was hurting badly, when I arrived in Washington, D.C. I made it to the hotel, checked in, and collapsed onto my bed. A friend of mine invited me to dinner and encouraged me to come, despite my exhaustion and pain. I appreciated being around people that get it, and I know that my body needed an actual meal after a day of snacking. I made it back to my room after dinner, but I was completely spent. The weather outside was worsening, and my head and body pain mirrored that.
Reaching out for support
I reached out to my sister, in tears. The exchange of messages revealed the spiral that pain often takes me on.
"When I hurt, my brain catastrophizes. I'm trying to not be overcome with thoughts about not being prepared tomorrow, should I take meds today, if I take today I can't take more tomorrow, etc... It's just a spiral I go through. It's hard."
My sister doesn't experience migraine herself. She has a truly beautiful heart, though, and has taken note of things that I've mentioned help me in the past. She recommended heat... all I had were hand warmers, but she encouraged me to use them to try to help manage the pain (specifically my neck pain).
One thing that I appreciated was that she made a couple simple recommendations (heat and ice), which can sometimes slip my mind. She acknowledged what she wasn't equipped to guide me on. Through it all, she offered me what I needed most... herself. Knowledge that I wasn't alone. Prayers being sent up on my behalf. Reminders that my my painful groans are wordless prayers that reach our Father, when we cannot find the words. Sharing a beautiful song to speak truth to my heart in a way that it could hear it. The song she sent on that night: Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams.
The person that was supposed to be my roommate wasn't able to make it because of a status migraine, but she did her best to try to help from afar... even going so far as to try to get some supplies delivered to me to help me through the attack.
I ended up treating the migraine attack, and made it through the night. My mind and body felt the effects of the battle that had raged on the previous day, but I was able to attend the training day. After training, I gave my body rest and quiet.
The day we went to the Hill for our meetings, one of the people in my group was having a bad migraine attack. I offered support in the ways that I was able to, and checked up on him throughout the day. We shared that he was missing the day's meetings due to a migraine attack, which highlighted the impact of this disease.
I've observed, heard others' stories, and experienced first-hand, the love and support that this community has among its members. There is an often unspoken understanding that we all experience pain and other symptoms, allowing for deeper connections and support in ways that can feel like home. There is such great power and hope in knowing that we're not alone.
This was my second time participating in Headache on the Hill (Headache on the Hill 2019: My Experience). We spent Monday in training and preparing for our Hill visits. On Tuesday, we loaded onto buses to head to the Capitol for a group photo, before splitting up to head to our congressional meetings.
Team Arizona
Team Arizona
The group for Arizona was made up of six amazing advocates: Kerrie Smyres, Dr. Amaal Starling, Amy Tees, Jenn Tingwald, Jamie Valendy, and Don Vanderpool.
We had a full schedule, meeting with the offices of: Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Senator Martha McSally, Representative Greg Stanton, Representative Ruben Gallego, Representative Paul Gosar, Representative David Schweikert, Representative Ann Kirkpatrick.
Our meetings went well, and we were able to make some connections with the staffers we met with. I never cease to be amazed at the prevalence of headache disorders. Everyone has some connection to them. It reminds me that my voice and story speak for so many others that live with migraine or other headache disorders... and that gives me a push to continue advocating.
Migraine Impact
The impact that migraine has on individuals, families, and society is profound. Sharing my story with legislators gives a face to the disease, while sharing statistics speaks to the pervasiveness and burden of migraine and other headache disorders.
Migraine is a prevalent and serious public health issue:
Migraine is the 2nd leading cause of disability in the United States (1).
47 million Americans will have migraine attacks this year (1).
5 million Americans with migraine will have 10 or more days with headache per month (2).
Migraine is part of the Chronic Pain Crisis in the United States:
There are more than 1.2 million emergency department visits for migraine annually in the United States (3).
59% of emergency department visits in the United States for migraine include opioid treatments (2).
Opioids are not indicated for the treatment of migraine (4), and opioid use may increase the frequency and severity of migraine attacks (5).
Migraine disease management requires patient access to headache medicine physicians:
At least 8 headache medicine physicians are needed per 100k people with migraine (6).
There are currently only 1.2 certified headache medicine physicians per 100k people with migraine in the United States (7).
There are only 574 headache specialists in the United States (6). Given the prevalence and burden of all headache disorders, the disparity of current and needed headache specialists is devastating.
The 'Asks'
The United States is facing a huge shortage of doctors, including specialists (8). The Opioid Workforce Act H.R.3414 / S.2892) would fund 1,000 new physician training positions in addiction medicine, addiction psychiatry, and pain medicine.
However, there is a problem with the bill language. It explicitly supports "approved residency training programs in... pain medicine." However, residency training programs do not exist in pain medicine. There are only approved fellowships in pain medicine. There is also no specific mention of headache medicine, which also has only fellowships.
The asks:
Urge amendment to H.R.3414 / S.2892 to ensure support of US physician training in:
Co-sponsor the bill and support pain medicine and headache medicine fellowships.
Advocacy Work
Taking part in advocacy work is an important part of my journey living with chronic pain. Being surrounded by others that are passionate about coming together as a unified voice for all people living with headache disorders fills me with hope. There is power in sharing our stories and making connections with others. I'm honored to have been able to participate in Headache on the Hill, again; and I look forward to continuing to do so.
"Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved."
(3) Friedman, B. W., West, J., Vinson, D. R., Minen, M. T., Restivo, A., & Gallagher, E. J. (2015). Current management of migraine in US emergency departments: An analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Cephalalgia, 35(4), 301–309. https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102414539055. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24948146.
(4) Loder, E., Weizenbaum, E., Frishberg, B., Silberstein, S. and (2013), Choosing Wisely in Headache Medicine: The American Headache Society's List of Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 53: 1651-1659. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.12233. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24266337.
(5) Thorlund, K., Sun-Edelstein, C., Druyts, E., Kanters, S., Ebrahim, S., Bhambri, R., Ramos, E., Mills, E. J., Lanteri-Minet, M., & Tepper, S. (2016). Risk of medication overuse headache across classes of treatments for acute migraine. The journal of headache and pain, 17(1), 107. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-016-0696-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27882516.
(6) Begasse de Dhaem, O., Burch, R., Rosen, N., Shubin Stein, K., Loder, E. and Shapiro, R.E. (2020), Workforce Gap Analysis in the Field of Headache Medicine in the United States. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 60: 478-481. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13752. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31985046.
In my previous post, Headache on the Hill 2019: My Experience, I shared about my personal experience at the annual advocacy event. Below is what I wrote at the end of my time in DC. The majority of this post, however, will speak to our 'asks' for 2019.
"The last few days have been an amazing, exhausting, powerful experience. I joined a wonderful group of patients, advocates, headache specialists, and other supporters in Washington, DC for the 12th annual Headache on the Hill. We met with lawmakers to raise awareness, request increased research funding commensurate to the burden of headache disorders, and demand equal protection and just coverage under Social Security Disability Insurance. I was honored to participate - it was especially rewarding to be working alongside my headache specialist. I will continue advocating for all those affected by headache disorders, and look forward to future visits to the Hill."
This year, we asked our members of Congress to support increased research funding for headache disorders from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and to support requests directing the Social Security Administration (SSA) to revise disease listings for determination of disability benefits for those disabled by migraine and other headache disorders.
Our 'ask' for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was to prioritize research funding commensurate to the burden of headache disorders. Congress has already appropriated funds for the HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative to address the need for non-opioid therapies for chronic pain. Some of those funds have been set aside for research in specific areas (back pain and hemodialysis pain). Our request was that some of the appropriated funds be allocated specifically for headache disorders, in proportion to the disease burden.
Migraine is the 2nd leading cause of all global disability (1).
Headache disorders are the least funded NIH research area among the most burdensome US diseases (2).
Migraine research comprises just 0.6% of all NINDS extramural funding (3).
Our 'ask' for the Security Administration (SSA) was to seek equal protection and just coverage under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). When a person applies for SSDI benefits, they are faced with an unfairly arduous process. When that person is filing a claim for benefits due to a headache disorder, they are often initially denied. What I didn't know until Headache on the Hill is why...
The SSA uses a "Blue Book" listing of impairments, when making decisions for disability benefits. If one's impairments meet or exceed the listing, benefits are granted. However, there are NO listings for any headache disorder!
When a person applies for disability due to a headache disorder, the claim is compared to impairment listings for epilepsy. There is no guidance on how to apply an epilepsy listing to headache disorder impairments, and the two aren't sufficiently comparable.
This is unacceptable, given the prevalence and impact of headache disorders:
1 in 7 Americans will experience a migraine attack this year (4).
Active migraine attacks disable with impacts comparable to severe dementia or amputation of both legs (5).
Only 37% of Americans with chronic migraine are employed full time (6).
Socioeconomic status decreases as migraine prevalence increases (7).
Our 'ask' was to reform the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book for fair adjudication of headache disorder claims. We requested that the SSA offer clarification for how SSDI claimants with headache disorders should apply current Blue Book listings, ensure that all listings are updated at least every five years (it was last updated in 2016, but before that was 1985), and add a listing for headache disorders at the earliest opportunity.
UPDATE: On August 26th, the SSA released a new Ruling or SSR with guidance specific for "Evaluating Cases Involving Primary Headache Disorders."
In February, I joined a group of 160 advocates in Washington, DC at the 12th annual Headache on the Hill lobbying initiative. The event is organized by the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA). Healthcare professionals, advocates, and patients come together to request that lawmakers recognize the impact of headache disorders and take action to increase research funding and awareness.
This was my first time participating in Headache on the Hill. The first day was filled with advocacy issue training and Hill visit preparation. We learned more about what our 'asks' would be (I'll share more in a separate post, Headache on the Hill 2019: The Asks, if you're interested) and we practiced sharing our personal stories of living with headache disorders, so that we'd be prepared to approach and interact with our policymakers.
The following day, we all came together for a group photo and a policy meeting, and then we broke up into small groups to visit our respective congressional members' offices.
My group didn't have scheduled meetings until the afternoon, so we split up to rest until then. One of our group members was unable to attend meetings because he was dealing with a migraine attack. While I know that being unable to participate was in many ways just as excruciating, we carried his story with us and used it in our meetings as a powerful example of what living with migraine disease is really like.
One group member down, I spent the day partnered up with my headache specialist (Dr. Amaal Starling) to attend our scheduled meetings.
Our first meeting was with a staff member, and we felt a lack of interest in what we were sharing.
Our second meeting ended up being part of a "roundtable" situation, which basically meant that there were multiple groups there during the same time-slot, but the Representative was there in person. He had some personal interest in headache / migraine, but was dismissive to me as someone living with migraine and focused his attention on my partner (as a healthcare provider).
Our third meeting revealed the misunderstanding and stigma of headache disorders, but was where we really leaned on the story of our missing group member, as it was his congressional district's office we were visiting.
Based on conversations with others that have attended Headache on the Hill before, my experience during the three meetings I attended were a bit different or rougher than "normal." It may have been a push into the deep end, but Dr. Starling and I worked well together in advocating for the headache community.
It was quite powerful to be surrounded by so many people with a passion for advocacy work. We were all on a single mission: to be the voice of all people living with headache disorders. We bravely shared our stories, to help others better understand what it's like to live with these diseases. I'm honored to have been able to participate, and I look forward to continuing to do so.
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about."
Headache on the Hill is an annual lobbying event in Washington, DC, where healthcare professionals, advocates, and patients come together to request that lawmakers recognize the impact of headache disorders and take action to increase research funding and awareness.
Miles for Migraine is focused on improving the lives of those living with headache disorders, by increasing public awareness, fighting stigma, and raising funds for migraine research.
Migraine World Summit is a virtual event that will provide talks from "over 30 of the world’s top migraine and headache experts, doctors, specialists, researchers, scientists, geneticists, psychologists, authors, and advocates." The event is FREE (4-5 talks will be released per day, and will be available for free for 24 hours). If you can't listen during those dates, the Summit will be available for purchase. Click here, to claim your ticket for the 2019 Migraine World Summit.
RetreatMigraine is a conference focused on people living with migraine disease. It will provide "support, community, disease and treatment education, advocacy training, and complementary therapy experiences."
The Migraine World Summit has ended, but it's not too late to have access to information from over 30 world leading migraine experts, doctors, and specialists. If you're interested in finding out more, you can go to The Migraine World Summit.
The Migraine World Summit started today. I just listened to the first lecture / presentation, and I found it very informative. The presentations are available free for 24 hours from when they are posted online. There is an All Access Pass that you can purchase, so that you can watch / listen at your leisure (part of the proceeds go to migraine research). They have a website and Facebook page, and it runs daily from April 15-20, 2016 - the schedule is available on the website.
*** If you do order the All Access Pass, please use THIS LINK (or click on photo above) so I get credit for referring you!
Kerrie Smyres started a "30 Things About Your Life With Migraine" meme to encourage others to share their experience with migraine. Migraine and Headache Awareness month is a great time to share, so here we go.
I know a migraine attack is coming on when: I have difficulty controlling body temperature and moods, my ears feel hot and achy, increasing visual disturbance, certain cravings, aphasia, inability to focus.
The most frustrating part about having a migraine attack is: being suddenly unable to function well, and not knowing when one will hit or how long it will last.
During a migraine attack, I worry most about: how well my migraine treatment will work, and how long I'm going to be out of commission.
When I think about migraine between attacks, I think: please don't worsen today.
When I tell someone I have migraine, the response is usually: kind, but often indicative of the lack of public awareness of what migraine truly is.
When someone tells me they have migraine, I think: that migraine is so much more common than most people think. I also think about how I might be able to help them cope with migraine.
When I see commercials about migraine treatments, I think: how far we have to go (and how important it really is that we do so, every chance we get) to inform and raise awareness of migraine and the potentially debilitating affects this disease.
My best coping tools are: my faith, distraction (often involving Netflix).
I find comfort in: my husband, my dog, my house, my support system (family and friends, both in person and online).
I get angry when people say: "It's just a headache," which is sometimes followed by,"Just take a pill and keep going / move on" and/or "It can't be that bad."
I like it when people say: a sincere, "You're in my thoughts and prayers."
Something kind someone can do for me during a migraine attack is: allow me to escape to a dark, quiet place. Ask if I need anything (water, food, blanket, pillow, to be alone, etc) to help make me more comfortable. Be patient with me, as it can be difficult for me to think, speak, and move.
The best thing(s) a doctor has ever said to me about migraine is: "I won't give up on you."
The hardest thing to accept about having migraine is: that it is unpredictable.
Migraine has taught me: to recognize the strength that I DO have. It is teaching me to have more patience, and to trust God more.
The quotation, motto, mantra, or scripture that gets me through an attack is: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
If I could go back to the early days of my diagnosis, I would tell myself: to prepare for things to be beyond difficult, but to never give up hope.
The people who support me most are: my husband, my support system (family and friends, both in person and online).
The thing I most wish people understood about migraine is: it's a genetic neurological disease for which, there is currently NO cure.
Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is important to me because: I feel that we need to speak up/out to raise awareness, increase research, and help correct misinformation.
One more thing I’d like to say about life with migraine is: that it's hard, but find yourself a support system and be your own best advocate to getting the care and treatment you need to live the best life possible.
"You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" Watch the Josh Groban video below and listen to the lyrics. How does it make you feel? Which lyrics do you find especially inspiring?
This song immediately brought to mind my relationship with God. He is always there. He is my strength, my comfort, my guiding light.
As I listened further, I thought of relationships I've grown over the years. I'm blessed to have people in my life that will help me:
when my load feels too heavy, when I feel unheard or misunderstood, when I get lost in the pain, when I feel the light in me has been blown out.
They are there to help lift me back up... to help me find hope. They remind me to look to my faith for grace, mercy, and hope. And, they hold onto hope, when I struggle to hold on myself. Their love, patience, and grace is beautiful and amazing.
I strive to be that kind of person, as well.
When you feel invisible, unheard, misunderstood... you are not alone. Reach out. You are loved!
You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) by Josh Groban
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you
[Chorus] Everybody wants to be understood Well I can hear you Everybody wants to be loved Don't give up Because you are loved
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you
[Chorus]
You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved
"YOUR Hope," What do you hope for most in your journey with Headaches or Migraines? Please share with us about what you hope for and why.
What I hope for most in my journey with Migraines is my life hope / goal:
To faithfully follow God, allowing Him to work in and through me wherever I am and however He desires.
My life doesn't look the way I ever imagined. Chronic pain, especially chronic disabling pain, wasn't part of my life plan. But, life continues on, and I choose to participate in whatever capacity I'm able.
Regarding Migraine, I hope to improve my quality of life by continuing to learn, cope, share, grow. I want to make a difference...
To help advocate for myself and others. To help others know that they're not alone. To help disseminate information about Migraine and other headache disorders. To help raise awareness, educate others, reduce stigma, and increase funding for research.
"Hope lies in dreams," Interpret the Quote: Tell us what the quote on the image below means to you.
"Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality." (Jonas Salk)
So, this quote immediately brings another quote to mind: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" (Eleanor Roosevelt).
I believe that allowing ourselves to dream and have hope for the future is important. Having lived with a disability now for over 6 years, I've come to find that my hopes and dreams for the future have changed... but, it's okay to change them!
I can envision a world in which Migraine has a cure. I know that it will take a lot of imagination and courage to reach a point of better understanding of the disease, and then to develop a cure. And, I will do my part in helping to realize that dream. I will continue to help educate myself and others about Migraine. I will continue to share my experiences with living / coping with Migraine. I will continue to contribute monetarily to Migraine research. I will pray for the Migraine community, as well as for the Migraine doctors and researchers out there. I will not give up on hope of a better future for Migraineurs.
What in Nature Brings You Hope? Tell us what things in nature bring you hope and why.
This ties into one of my recent blog posts, Birds of Hope. As I shared in that post, "Everything in nature is a beautiful echo and reminder of the greatness of our Father."
There's something so wonderful about nature. There's something mesmerizing about the simplicity, complexity, and interconnectedness of everything.
It's so easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of life. But, nature provides relief from the chaos. A place to slow down. You can enjoy the present moment, reminisce about the past, dream about the future... anything is possible because nature surrounds you with infinite possibility.
It's difficult to narrow down what in nature brings me hope, as so many do. What first comes to mind, though, is the starry night sky. There is nothing that can take me out of myself better than just looking up into the night sky. My mind is overwhelmed by the infinite power of our Creator; while simultaneously, my heart is overcome with the truth that our Lord, the Maker of the universe, loves and cherishes me. What an awesome God!
I just listened to this song for the first time, and the chorus has some words that stick out to me:
"I'll never give up, never give in / Never let a ray of doubt slip in / And if I fall, I'll never fail / I'll just get up and try again / Never lose hope, never lose faith / There's much too much at stake."
While I'd like to say that they're entirely true, I can't. Doubt slips in. I struggle with losing hope and faith. But, it's okay, as long as I don't stay in that place... as long as I continue to get up and try again.
Win by Brian McKnight
Dark is the night I can weather the storm
Never say die I've been down this road before
I'll never quit
I'll never lay down
See, I've promised myself
That I'd never let me down, so
[Chorus]
I'll never give up, never give in Never let a ray of doubt slip in And if I fall, I'll never fail I'll just get up and try again
Never lose hope, never lose faith There's much too much at stake Upon myself I must depend I'm not looking for place to show, I'm gonna win
No stopping now
There's still a way to go
Ohh, someway, somehow
Whatever it takes I know
I'll never quit, no, no
I'll never go down
I'll make sure they remember my name
A hundred years from now
[Chorus]
When it's all said and done
My once in a lifetime, will be back again Now is the time, to take a stand Here is my chance, that's why I'll
"When You Believe:" Watch and listen to the video of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston performing "When You Believe," then tell us how it can inspire hope.
During difficult times, it can feel like our prayers fall on deaf ears. We may feel alone or abandoned. We may even question our faith. We may feel like hope is gone.
But, as this song beautifully shares: "when you're blinded by your pain / Can't see the way, get through the rain / A small but still, resilient voice / Says hope is very near"... "though hope is frail, it's hard to kill."
The Bible reminds us that: "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20).
In the same way that "faith as small as a mustard seed" can move mountains, I believe that even the smallest bit of hope can help light our darkest days.
Keep praying. Keep the faith. Keep hoping. Keep believing and trusting in God... miracles can happen.
When You Believe by Whitney Houston
Many nights we've prayed With no proof anyone could hear In our hearts, a hopeful song We barely understood
Now we are not afraid Although we know there's much to fear We were moving mountains long Before we knew we could, oh yes
[Chorus]
There can be miracles when you believe Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill Who knows what miracles you can achieve When you believe, somehow you will You will when you believe
Oh yeah, in this time of fear When prayer so often proves in vain Hope seems like the summer birds Too swiftly flown away Yet now I'm standing here My heart so full I can't explain Seeking faith and speaking words I never thought I'll say
[Chorus]
They don't always happen when you ask And it's easy to give in to your fears But when you're blinded by your pain Can't see the way, get through the rain A small but still, resilient voice Says hope is very near, oh
[Chorus]
You will when you You will when you believe Just believe I believe, I believe Just believe You will when you believe
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