Re: Re: A question of faith

[Guest guest]

Thank you, and as always, I am humbled by getting to share this path with all of you.

Compassionately,

Tracie

To: Neurosarcoidosis Sent: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 2:30:47 PMSubject: Re: A question of faith

Tracie,No words, your faith is expressed in your words all I can say isThank You for your expression. May have very Merry Christmas and mayit be blessed for you and your family.Greg>> I sit here tonight, having read a story of a man who needed to behit by a brick to slow down and see that someone needed help. It's astory I've read many times over the years-- and it always reminds methat it is important to be aware of the needs of those around me.> I also watched the last episode of Boston Legal-- and it was aboutthe fact that there is a drug that does not have FDA approval in theStates, but is in clinical trial in Europe. It can cure or at leastmake

better-- the disease of Alzheimers. Danny Crane has the money topay for the medication, is willing to risk any side effects- even thepossiblity of it making the disease worse-- is willing to sign up fora clinical trial, is willing to risk death- to save his mind. Anattorney without a brain is not worth much-- and so the story goes-- > (I won't go into the whole thing here, as some of you haven't seenit yet- but do watch it.) > More importantly, I see all of us facing similar decisions. Decisions about what to do test wise; do we have this biopsied, do wetry that "chemo" drug, do we risk the possible side effects oflongterm steroid use, do we push the envelope and try one of the new"biologicals" and maybe get cancer. > Do we turn it all over in Faith-- and hope that our fellow memberssee us as strong enough in Faith in their eyes to deserve thathealing-- ( maybe it's a zealous family member

or friend that hasdecided we aren't real with our disease or active enough in our churchor faith - and if only we were we'd be healed.)> > Do we do enough with the research we share to help each other makethose decisions, or do we apologize if something we post that hints ofneeding to slow down and be grateful that someone throws a brick at usto make us realize that we needed to slow down is not an insult but astory and allow the story to feed our souls. > Do we say Merry Christmas or Happy Hanakah, or Namaste (The Devinein me honors the Devine in you, or Una-maste (one Master) ) andrecognize that each of us celebrates and learns to rely on more thanis just what we've grown to believe-- or quote Scripture withoutunderstanding the Whole-ness (holyness) of what we share.> This journey takes faith. Mustard seeds, watermelon seeds,sunflower seeds-- seeds of grace, seeds of love,

nurturing,forgiveness, trust, honesty, open-ness, life changing faith. > There is a beautiful passage in Melody Beattie's book, THE LANGUAGEOF LETTING GO--- that states-- Feb. 12, You have started on ajourney, and the path has not been easy. You've made it across thebridge, and there are some that are left behind. You can't go backand drag them forcefully across the bridge-- they aren't ready yet. You can, however, shine your light from the side you are on, you cancheer them on, and you can greet them when they grow strong enough tomake the journey across the bridge and into the light. > Be aware, if you try to force them across before they are ready,they might come across, but they will go back to their destructiveways. For that is what they know as "safe." Even if they want to bewith you in the light. It - the journey- must be their choice tomake. Trust that the light you carry forward will

be enough for themto want to join you, or not-- and that must be okay for them. It isyour path you must walk-- and share the small victories. > Even if they never choose to cross the bridge-- you must for yourown healing, allow this journey.> (I don't have the exact words here- so I've not put it in quotes.)> > This is what I have envisioned this group to be-- never did any ofus dream that over 550 people would be on this path and that wecollectively light the way for each other. What and how you decide totake this journey is your choice. We don't yet know what causessarcoidosis, and we don't yet have a cure. We do have a WHOLE lot ofpeople lighting the way-- in their own fashion, in their own title offaith-- but it is a journey of extreme faith. That is what we mustrespect- more than any other-- that faith is what keeps each of usgoing. Not necessarily religion, but FAITH.>

> My love to all this wonderful Christmas season,> Happy Hanakah, Namaste, PAZ on Earth, Goodwill, > Always,> Tracie> NS Co-owner/moderator>