lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
Angels, messengers from God, can come in many forms, in my opinion. The Holy Spirit can also come to you and help you understand things.
I would say this was a message from God. I don't know if you are a believer, since you mentioned a Roman collar. I don't know if that was a joke, or real.
Anyway, that's my take on it all.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
I'm a firm believer in God, and strangly perhaps, also science.
So, the first thing you should do is look for a rational explanation, if any can be found, and if not, then you should start praying, NOW.
Rarley, and I mean RARLEY does God provide tanglable evidence of His glorious existance. Jesus talks about this subject specifically in the parable of the Rich man and Lazzarus (different from the one raised from the dead). The rich man asked for his brothers to be sent a sign so that they might believe, and Christ basically explained that it would do no good.
So, while I believe these things DO happen. They are INCREDIBLY INFREQUENT. Why would I say so, well, I've good reference, Christ, aka GOD.
So, first thing that strikes me is that you claim she was out of breath??
Now, why would an angel be out of breath. Of course since being a human, and mortal, I known nothing tangleble relating to the angelic physical properties when they appear on earth.
I do remember Jacob wrestling with the angel of God in the old testament, and I remember the story of the angels staying with the cousin of Abraham in the city of Soddom.
So, angels might become tired after running, but more likely, that is referring to a human. Someone with a more intimate knowledge of scripture can freely correct me on that point.
Now, how can we explain this event if we assume this wasn't an angel.
You were hallucinating.
It was a dream.
Someone was paid to do this.
If we assume she really did know a lot about you, and she wasn't just some crazy loon who was saying this to everyone, and every 10th person or so happened to be named " " and you happened to be that person, and also happened to fit her description of someone wondering about either MS or Lyme.... see where I'm going with this.
That explanation above is HIGHLY UNLIKELY.
The other explanation I can think of is that this was a sign from God, but it came not from an angel. This woman was some kind of prophet, and when she said she knew you wouldn't believe what she did, she refered to her commune with the Holy One.
Now, in the Bible, there are FAR more examples of this event occuring where true (as opposed to false) profits (or others for whom God shares tangelble information) speak to a random person and tell them knowledge only the Lord would know.
So, search within yourself, and if you can come to no logical conclusion as to why this happened, then my friend, count yourself HIGHLY BLESSED. Whether this came from man(prophet) or an angelic being, it was by the hand of God, and HE DOES NOT DO THIS OFTEN IN THE TANGEABLE.
When God speaks, take heed, LISTEN.
Posts: 559 | From Cary, NC | Registered: May 2006
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posted
ON jUNE 14TH Wyatt Sexton, Flordia stste quarterback was doused with pepper spray and taken to the hospital after he was found lying in the street and identifying himself as GOD. He was diagnosed with lyme disease. LYME DISEASE CAN CAUSE HALLUCINATIONS.
Posts: 789 | From CT, | Registered: Jun 2006
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posted
PS: If you are not pulling our chain by making up something false, then what you have described, assuming you can discredit the non God involved scenario's described, then that story is absolutly mind blowing.
Whether you're faking this story or not, I'm picking up my Bible, goodnight!
Posts: 559 | From Cary, NC | Registered: May 2006
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
The fact that you were not looking for this kind of encounter, and this woman was a stranger who knew your heart, means a spiritual encounter.
In this context, I have a personal experience to share, and I'm not asking for judgment, but just to let you know that I understand where you are coming from.
God meets us where we are. My daughter heard men talking in our living room in the darkness of the night. She thought it was part of her hallucinations or nightmares, so she stood at the end of our hallway and listened to them; our door was closed, which it is never closed, so she didn't come in to get us.
She said they had melodic voices, but she KNEW they were NOT angels.
In this case, God was allowing her to get a glimpse of a spiritual battle that was going on among us. My husband had been in oppression for 13 years due to a sabotage of a ministry he headed up for, oddly, 13 years. He was in deep pain and frozen in life. These melodic voices spoke of "Jesus", and "a plan". But, she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were not angels.
The next day, my husband came home from his counseling meeting and said, "I know that what happened in my ministry 13 years ago was not from God". He felt an immediate relief, and when I told him his daughter's experience the night before, it was affirmed to him.
The point: There was a spiritual battle for my husband, and God revealed it through our daughter. Satan used my daughter knowing that she would question her sanity due to her illness. But, God is greater. If we didn't know about this spiritual battle, she would still be questioning her sanity.
This wierdness went on for a month, we had to have people come over and pray. My husband was getting healthier in spirit.
Since that time...no more voices. Peaceful sleep, My husband is excited about ministry again. My daughter knows that although ill and "useless" that she can still be used for a greater purpose.
What Satan meant for harm, God meant for good.
If you KNOW that what you encountered was from God, and you have a relationship with Him. Then, I personally believe that this was from Him.
If you have a peace about this, then I am excited for where God is going to take you.
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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Let me throw out another possibility -- what if the woman was a psychic? That might would explain why she said "you don't believe in what I do" (unless, of course, I'm all wet and you DO believe in psychics...)
I do happen to believe -- know actually -- that some real psychics exist (along with a lot of fakes, don't get me wrong) -- perhaps she was compelled to deliver the message to you?
I also know that very sane people sometimes have some very uncanny experiences.
G-d, so I'm told, works in mysterious ways, after all....
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
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klutzo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5701
posted
I agree with minimonkey. I think this woman was a medical intuitive, which is a specific type of psychic ability.
I have some of this ability myself, though I cannot control when or for whom I get a diagnosis. This does come from God and is meant only to help you on your path. Iwas also misdiagnosed with MS for four years.
I was privledged to see an angel only once, and he was about 8 feet tall and "spoke" only through telepathy. He certainly was not out of breath!
Blessings, Klutzo
Posts: 1269 | From Clearwater, Florida, USA | Registered: May 2004
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posted
Are you guys serious? An 8 ft. angel who only speaks through telepathy?
What's the probability that so many people on a single board have supposedly seen or interacted with an angel? And let's not forget that everyone here has Lyme.....
Could it be hallucinations like previously mentioned? If not, this is really freaking me out...
Posts: 27 | From CA | Registered: May 2006
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Thank you for being brave enough to post your expereince here on this forum. I myself have been rather chicken to post my experiences of this nature.
I agree with Minimonkey -- my guess is the woman was psychic or medical intuitive. Psychic is not the same thing as spiritual, and yet it really feels to me that that message had some wings behind it. Sometimes when you have gifts (like this woman has) you find yourself in the strangest circumstances because there's a reason for you to be there to help someone.
Maybe your guardian angel or higher self saw an opportune moment to offer you guidance and assistance through this woman and nudged her to stop you.
Now, regarding the Lyme/hallucination business. When strange stuff started happening to me, I immediately thought I was going crazy, it's sort of natural to want to rule that out. Because it *seems* too crazy to be true.
Wow, so mxch to say here and it's too long. Objectively speaking, how likely is it that you experienced a full blown hallucination out of the blue? Have you been hallucinating at other times? Lost time? Had a psychotic break or two? I didn't think so.
One of the things I have really come to feel about Lyme specifically is that it has the potential to awaken latent gifts and abilities. I know I am not alone in this. You know how some people with a disability have a strength in another area (i.e. blind but excellent hearing, autistic savants, er lyme-savants, etc.).
Well, Lyme to me is this completely devastating disease that has also somehow managed to unlock my intuition and associated abilities. I think the hyperreflexia is taken to the next level in a way.
I still doubt and question myself on a regular basis, yet I can't explain away the number of amazing things that have happened to me that even other people have witnessed.
The one thing I always keep in mind is to always use my discernement. I have to gut check it. I can't rely on any outside information, it all has do feel right to me on an intuitive level. This has helped me through a lot of "I think I'm going crazy" moments.
Perhaps this message came at the most appropriate time for you, perhaps there is a reason for every part of the message, perhaps if you check with your discernment and your intuition it will become clearer what that was all about.
Very cool, John. Thank you again for sharing this.
Alison
--------------------
The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
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Have you really thought that you have MS, instead of Lyme?
Unless you can think of another explaination, I would like to think of this as a small miracle.
Angels, messengers sent from God, do not have to have flowing blonde hair, white garb, and wings!
You said that this attractive woman did not scare you, nor did she appear crazy. Yet she knew you and your situation.
Angels can appear as humans on a mission. They give guidance and offer compassion. I have read many books on angels, and stories that have been written by those who have experienced their intervention. I am convinced of their presence here on earth. Very exciting!
I beleive that God sends His angels to comfort and encourage us.
Angels always disappear once their mission is accomplished.
(This being may have had some major battles in the spirit world getting to you. Maybe that was part of the "short of breath". I can't explain it. Maybe it was to show an urgency)
Of course, this is my belief, and many may not agree. But I prefer to believe that God is in charge, and makes all things work for my good.
Even if I do have Lyme!
I hope I have encouraged you. Keep your faith level high! God loves you!
Blessings! Margie Posts: 89 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Oct 2005
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
LostCityAgent Iam happy for you ! With all your sympyoms and such I think its lyme {gut feeling}Not MS I believe Ms is caused by bacteria forms of it maybe by lyme other forms more severe maybe result of lyme and other bacteria and our own immune system being absorbed by spirochetes.
That said cool! I have had dreams that have happened some biggies but I dont usually tell anyone because I have trouble telling the difference between just a dream and a real prophesy until after its happened.
So whatch and tret the lyme and if this was real it will prove itself out.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
John, she said, "I know that you do not believe in what I do." Does this mean that she is psychic? I know that the church doesn't (officially)believe in supernatural powers.
Could it be that is what she meant? If she is a psychic, she's an extraordinary one, to know your name and everything.
What do you think it means("you must do what you know He wants you to do"), that it is(part of)your calling to spread the word about Lyme disease???
Well, whether she was human(a psychic)or an angel, either way, that was an extraordinary and profound experience.
Thanks for sharing!
Posts: 366 | From MA | Registered: Apr 2006
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Wow!
I personally believe God uses people and animals for his purpose.
It really doesn't matter to me whether she was person or angel. It was a clear message to you from God and awesome in that light.
I don't look beyond it. Just believe and draw the good from it. Your belief will draw you closer to God and that is a good thing.
Of course, if she had asked for donations, then I would have stepped back and analysed the situation carefully.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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Sue vG
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Member # 3143
posted
Accept the gift.
Posts: 1307 | From TX | Registered: Sep 2002
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
My dear John!
I believe God supplies exactly what we need.
Albeit perhaps not in a form we're expecting!
The reassurances of your doctor and the whole of LymeNet might not convince you, but you might now be convinced.
A very interesting milestone in your personal journey.
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
There ARE people with unbelievable gifts.
I also met one once.
When I was 17, I went to a card reader for kicks.
Bottom line...I wished (silently) to know who I was going to marry. Keep in mind, I was only 17.
She said..."This is strange. Your wish cards circle the letter M or W depending on the direction you read it."
I have been married twice. First time, my last name began with a "M". It now begins with a "W".
Yes, some people have "gifts"!
Wow...what an amazing story...and I, for one, believe you.
As far as I am concerned, I am glad you posted this here in the most read section of this website. Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual are all part of our being.
It's a total package. We must focus on the complete package, not merely on "physical".
When one is very ill, it is not unusual to feel "forsaken". You are not! We are all part of a tremendous life force. I believe we come from and return to that force. The circle of life.
Posts: 9481 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Lyme hallunciations are very real when a person has them. I don't doubt what you saw. It sounds as if you really do have lyme. It was thought at first that I also had lyme at first. Thankfully you have found the proper diagnosis. Good luck. I wish you well.
Posts: 547 | From Maryland | Registered: Mar 2005
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
LostCityAgent~
God has a way of getting our attention. It seems to me that He has gotten yours. I would listen.
I am currently reading the book Seizing Your Divine Moment by Erwin Raphael McManus. It is all about "doing what you know God wants you to do" (to quote your words.)
If you were once a believer in God, and had turned away from Him, as you stated....God, as you know is the Good Shepherd, who goes after His sheep. He is going after you...I'd turn around and follow Him. He loves you and will guide you, even through the whole lyme mess.
If you run the other way, you might end up like Jonah!
God has so convinced me that He is present in my whole lyme thing that even friends of mine are going "wow...I can't believe that this that and the other have all happened."
Take this moment, and revel in the miraculous ways that God works in our lives. Get a journal and write down what happened. Then add to it periodically, as you see God's hand in your life. You will soon be convinced, as I am, that God IS in control. And He has a plan.
Walk back towards Him, John, He's waiting for you. If you run the other way, I'll be fishing out out of Puget Sound...the whales are running now you know.
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
Reading through the posts, it seems to me that two different points of view have emerged. One side is convinced that this is a Lyme Halluciniation, the other is convinced that it is some supernatural event.
Since, I seem to have given a quasi nuetral stance on this issue, and I think this is a highly important topic that actually should be in medical, I will follow up with some points we all must consider.
First, if this was a hallucination, the topic SHOULD be in medical, as it helps the rest of us to understand what may happen durring such an event. Also, since hallucinations are not uncommon (though not nessesarily frequent) in CNS Lyme Disease, I don't believe that we have fully explored this possibility, which frankly seems the most legitamate reason for this occurance.
However, as I have two faiths, Christianity, and the Scientific method, I'm always curious to find and follow the evidence regardless of where it leads. Remember folks, the evidence was highly unlikely that a chronic bacterial infection caused by a spirochete found in ticks was even possible.
So, the truth is stranger than fiction. We must all be carefull before we proclaim anything from the roof tops unless we have very good reasoning.
Now, I'll share a story with you, John, as you have been so brave to share with the rest of us. A few years ago before my Lyme Diagnosis, I was engaging in a certain immoral act. Now, its nothing horrible, its actually rather common with Men when left to the internet alone (I'll leave the rest of you to guess, but I'm not gonna specify), and being an ethical person, I was very ashamed of my problem. I felt I was letting down my God, my faith, my parents, my girlfriend, and frankly myself.
But, I just couldn't stop.
One night, as I lay in bed, I felt that I had heard a voice telling me that what I was doing had angered God, and one of the reasons I had not yet discovered my illness was directly related to this problem.
So, did God speak to me?? Maybe, but probally not.
I had a Lyme Hallucination. You see, durring that time, I had severe CNS Lyme, and I had hallucinated before, but it had always been visual, and never auditory as it had been that night. Also, the problem I had, was something I had been feeling very guilty about for some time, so it makes sense that this problem which had been brewing in my conscious mind would be brought up by my uncouscious mind as well durring such a hallucination.
Now, was the advice wrong? Of course not, it was good advice, it was the advice my conscious was giving me all along.
Truth be told, that problem of mine actually had a biological basis. Turns out that this problem is caused by hypometabolism to certain parts of the brain, and I had that finding in exactly the area where my "morals" had been failing.
Still, did God have a hand in this? Meaning, was my hallucination, though purly a physical event, still a message from God?
Now, here is where I differ from many people who told you this was a story of huey.
My perception, and I think most rational Christians perspective on the nature of God's interaction with the tangeble is very similar to the concept portrayed in Mel Gibson's move Signs.
God, being not bound by time or space see's everything at once, and in his infinite wisdom and power can set up events just like the one I described to nail home a point using all the laws of the natural world.
So, just because an event can be explained naturally, it does not mean that God had no hand in its unfolding.
In fact, this is how God acts 99.9999999999999 percent of the time in all occurances that happen on Earth. At least, to the the human mind and eye it seems that he is acting like that. Now, of course, after I die and see God (hopefully not Satan) I may find out that I was completely wrong, but for now lets assume that God acts this way as a given.
And of course, Why would he choose to do this? I mean, why not just jump right on in, solve everything and send us all back to Eden?
Well, being that God says he is the same today, yesterday, and forever, how about we examine the few times God has acted in overt ways that would seem to contradict the laws of nature, and what preceded these events, and what transpired afterwards. Afterwards, I think we will all be able to agree that God does interject physically into this 4 dementional universe, but as God is never wrong, as he says He is always the same. It seems that HE does this kind of thing almost EXCLUSIVLY (though there are some exceptions) durring crucially important points in Biblical history (remember not human history, because God has a different historian than the ones we employ)
First, lets start with Adam, after the fall, God didn't show up every weekday and teach Adam how to get food from the sweat of his Labor, God chose to allow Adam to learn this himself, and remember, Adam is one of the Few humans to ever actually see God as a mortal man. So, he isn't showing up everyday even for the first man.
Now, how about Moses, pretty compelling story ehe? How many times was God visible to Him?? As opposed to say, in a dream? (which seems to be the preferred method for God to communicate when he does so directly)
As important as Moses was, other than the burning bush and the giving of the Ten Comandments, I can't think of God Appearing physically to Moses anywhere else in the Bible, there may be one I'm leaving out (by the way, I'm not counting the miracles God allowed to be performed such as the parting of the Red Sea, which arguably, could have occured naturally through the laws of nature, ie: a strong gale parts the sea, even though God causes the gale, its still a natural occurance)
God didn't appear nor did his angels in the physical form often, even to Moses.
This story is played out many times in the Bible. God does appear in the physical, or allow one of his messengers to do such a thing, but often, if not exclusivly, this is a once, or really at most a couple times in a lifetime. God doesn't do this everday, and remember, the examples I'm referencing are some of the most profound characters in the Bible, and human history.
So, the best example is Jesus. Ok, excluding his childhood, as we know almost nothing about it. How many times did God reveal himself to His Only Son in the physical (not in relation to the miracles Christ performed, different subject). Well, lets think, several times heralding the birth of God's son, that's acceptable, its the most important point in all of history, a likely intrance point for God to suspend the way things normally go. Next time we hear of this happening to Christ is when God calls out in a voice from heaven as Jesus is baptized, again, hugely important in the timeline of history, then again he sees the Devil as he is tempted in the dessert, and afterwards is comforted by angels, another huge point in history. The last time Jesus is confronted with the visual messengers of God is in the transfiguration.
In his mortal life, we have no further evidence that Christ communed with God in any other way than prayer. We know he prayed a lot.
So, God's only Son saw with his eyes confirmation of His Father only 3 times in his life, and the other time before He was born.
I think that makes my point rather clearly.
This is an exceedingly RARE EVENT for GOD TO NOT ACT THROUGH THE PHYSICAL.
Though I'm not certain, these kind of things only seem to happen at incredibly crucial points in human history.
Now, is it possible that is was not a hullicination, yes. Could you have been given confirmation in the physical, yes. But, make sure you fully explore the hallucinatory route first, as it does seem many Lymies report similar, though not as spectacular phenomina. It doesn't mean that what you experienced wasn't real, or from God.
It simply means that you must first Love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your MIND.
Now, after you have exhausted all other possiblities, including a rational undertaking of explaning this event away through hallucination, and you come to believe you have experienced a miricle, then rejoyce my friend, because you have experienced something the rest of us will most likely never have the joy of having this side of eternity.
I suggest talking this over with the head of your order, as you're studying to become a priest, which I thank you for doing as we need good people serving God in this world.
Now, contrary to what has been said earlier, the church DOES BELIEVE in the supernatural, but they take an approach similar to the one I described. They EXHAUSTIVLY RULE OUT THE NATURAL, and after extensive investigation by preists who also are scientists, and after a vote of the cardinals, something can be declared a miricle, or as one put it earlier, supernatural.
So, I suggest you do something for good. Speak to your bishop, have this story fully investigated. If this seems to be an important point in history for God to interject as he may have done here in the natural, then having the Catholic Church declare your experience to be a miracle would all but confirm beyond all reasonable doubt that you were physically touched by the hand of one of God's messengers.
Its just that we should be open to the possibilty that God, though acting here, used the physical world instead of interjecting into the four dementional physical plane.
Posts: 559 | From Cary, NC | Registered: May 2006
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TheCrimeOfLyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4019
posted
Who cares where this was posted?
Anyhow, the day after my grandfather died, he appeared in my kitchen. I screamed, cried, freaked out and blinked. He just stayed there , touched my sons highchair, and the back of my daughters chair where she eats, folded his arms, smiled and disappeared.
THAT WAS NOT a hallucination. My husband had to pry me out of the corner of the kitchen. i was scared witless. I KNEW in my head "this man is dead, he cannot be here"
Now, the horse that I saw in my living room and the ninjas that used to watch me drive? Yeah, those were hallucinations. I also saw a seal once or twice. I went to a psychic/medium once who told me there were people in the room with me. I actually looked around like a jerk. She kept saying
"there are two men here, an older man and a younger man, father and son- both holding guns and beer".. Yeah I was REALLY freaked. And then she said like it was nothing "and their names are Henry and Sonny"...my grandfather and Uncle, both deceased.
In any instance, STRANGE things DO happen, things that CANNOT be explained. You were touched by something, either that or you smoked WAY too much wacky weed today. And some of us ourselves, are slightly gifted.
-------------------- You want your life back? Take it. Posts: 3169 | From Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
PS: I hope skeptics don't take my meaning of a confirmed miracle to say that it doesn't exist, or wasn't a miracle unless confirmed by the catholic church. As I said earlier, I believe God does allow these things to happen, just that though they are through Him, they can be explained naturally through the existing laws that govern our universe. That does not mean God did not mean for him to see what he saw, and hear the message given to him.
In the end, faith is a matter of personal belief. Faith is not the confirmation beyond all reasonable doubt so that skeptics will believe. Regardless of miracles, many will not believe, so those of us who choose to have faith must believe in God not because we understand the story told to us by John to be a statment of fact that God angel appeared in the physical to John in Seattle. If we allow that to happen, we decieve ourselves, for that was not God's purpose.
"Blessed is he who believed, but has not yet seen"
After His resurrection, these words were said to Thomas. Better known as "doubting" Thomas to the rest of us for his denial of Christ's resurrection until after he put his fingers in the wounds.
Take care all, be blessed, and support each other.
We must find a way to end the Lyme Wars.
Posts: 559 | From Cary, NC | Registered: May 2006
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
John,
Your experience gave me goose-bumps, and I'm glad you took the time to share it with us.
While the source of the experience may be ultimately unknowable, the message couldn't have been clearer.
As a lot of you know, I've written quite a few magazine and newspaper articles about AIDS in the past (before I got too sick myself). There were a number of cases of "signs" and "miracles" that were reported to me by people, often at a critical point in someone's life, illness or recovery.
I also don't discount stories of Lyme hallucinations, but honestly, until Lymescience, I've never heard of any of them being auditory. The writer Amy Tan saw men in her doorway and poodles hanging from her ceiling, but as I remember, those were only visual, not auditory. Does anyone else know about auditory hallucinations in concert with visual ones with Lyme?
Personally, my bet would be on the angels.
John, you've given me a lot to think about; thank you again.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
John,
I just wrote a whole long post about my religious beliefs and how I see the psychic realm as really just a part of the energy that exists in this world.
But I decided to write something else instead. I was struck by the woman's statement "you must do what you know he wants you to do."
I am Jewish. And because of my upbringing in the Jewish religion I have always believed that I need to leave the world a better place than I found it.
Although I am not religious in a traditional sense, I do live my life by the values of my religion. One of the most important to me is Tikkun Olam, which translates to "repairing the world."
Most of my life, I have been searching for how I was to repair the world. I have worked on some extremely important issues. I have worked to make peoples lives easier.
But a few months ago it dawned on me. I'm halfway through law school. I applied to law school because I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and, to quote Rabbi Hillel "if not now, when."
Suddenly, it dawned on me. I am meant to use this education to fight for people in my condition. Especially, to fight for those who are not as lucky as I am to have a body that could fight this thing off for over 15 years with so few symptoms and who don't have access to medical care or financial support.
I personally do not think this is a path that God designed for me. I simply don't believe that God works in that way. But I do realize that I now know of great injustices that so few really have an understanding of. And I have the power and the education to fight that injustice.
So perhaps you, John, are also meant to fight the injustice that is happening to those of us with Lyme. I think it is an injustice against people with a variety of pain and neurological disorders.
You will be able to reach so many people in your calling to the seminary. You will automatically garner the respect of communities just because of the Roman Collar. You can use that to help change things. Even if it is as simple as making sure that every person in your parish (I'm not sure if that's the right word) is educated about Lyme, how to prevent it, and how to get treatment.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
John, hope my pc doesn't freeze up again while I attempt to reply to you.
GOOD DEAL! I do believe! Also thought you might have run into psychic, Sylvia Brown. Haven't read all the replies; only last night's when my pc was on the fritz.
Now you don't have to worry about MS anymore and can concentrate on our lyme issues. Bettyg
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I, personally, feel I have been drawn much closer to G-d, as I understand Him, since realizing I was ill. I also find I have certain "gifts" that I think are amplified by my illness -- (they aren't psychic ones, though.)
John, you said something about another message being something you didn't want to believe about your future --- now I have no idea what may have been said, but it seems there were some messages in this experience that you probably shouldn't ignore --- IMO, sometimes the path we think we should be taking just isn't the one we are meant to take.
Anyhow, thanks so much for sharing your experience. I hope you find the clarity and meaning you are seeking.
I keep thinking that part of the reason I have this illness is that my mission is to seek out truth and fight dishonesty in the world -- and the politics of lyme really highlight dishonesty and corruption of power at its worst, I think.
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
Amazing! I'm happy for you - what an incredible experience.
You're not alone - probably many of us are too uncomfortable to share our stories like this, & I'm happy that you are the brave one to do so.
4 years ago, I met a medical intuitive, quite by accident, who told me that I did NOT have MS (I, too, had been incorrectly diagnosed with MS). She did not specify Lyme, but described in detail a "parasite" - whose description perfectly fits babesia. According to her, I'd had it since I was 11, and I would not get well until it was treated.
It took me another 3 years to find the courage to tell the right doctor & get tested! And, yep, from my history, it certainly seems that I've had it since I was 11 - my LLMD agrees.
I've tried to find her again, the medical intuitive, but without luck. We only met the once, accidentally. I believe she was put in my path to nudge me in the right direction. I'm grateful.
I hope this experience gives you what you need - confirmation about your diagnosis being a part of that.
Wishing you well...
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
John, I didn't realize that you had changed your mind about the priesthood. I was afraid that this woman may have told you NOT to consider being a priest.
What a remarkable sign.
Carol
[ 20. July 2006, 12:19 AM: Message edited by: Carol in PA ]
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
I wouldn't presume to give you advice, John, but here are a couple of thoughts to consider. May we assume from your post that you've been trying to figure out whether you have Lyme or MS? If so, how far are you along in your search as to whether it's lyme? Have you been to an LLMD? I had to smile when I read your initial post, because you don't know how many times I've wished I could have a divine messenger just tell me flat out--yes lyme or no lyme, and what's the right treatment! So far, nobody's shown up. So, I am left to puzzle out a course of action from the other clues....If perhaps, you've been reluctant to pursue the lyme diagnosis, maybe this is the universe's way of nudging you in that direction. Might you defer your decision to stay or leave the priesthood until after you've gotten a handle on your health issues? Best of luck to you. Peace. DKL.
Posts: 991 | From California | Registered: Feb 2006
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Well you certainly have enlivend my faith.I have been talking silently to God , asking for my faith to be stronger.You see I was diagnosed with M.S. 15 years ago and have declined over the years to being disabled now to were I need a wheelchair .A few years ago it was found that I tested positive for lyme, So lyme/ M.S. call it what you want but I have had much anger over the years , with myself with God and anyone else who may had been in my path. I was baptised Catholic as a child but dont have much belief in the Church or organized religeon for that matter. But after reading your story I belive in spirit, for your story inspired me. Terri
Posts: 203 | From tipp city oh.45371 | Registered: Jul 2003
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
John~ Some good points have been made by jblral: Have you pursued lyme testing and diagnosis by an LLMD? Is it possible to delay your decision about becoming a priest or not until you have your health issues sorted out a bit more?
Perhaps your faith is dead now...or at least headed in that direction. It would be a shame to close the door forever on something that you have worked years towards.
If it were possible, I'd ask for a "time out" (for lack of better words--my brain is not working at the moment ) from your decision about the priest hood. Figure out your health issues first.
And, whatever you decide....priest or no priest, or "wait and see" on the priest....God can still use you.
He is looking out for you John. It's OK if you don't believe in Him at the moment, or have any kind of faith. That does not negate his loving care for you.
Hang in there....take things one step at a time. God promises enough light for our path (meaning a few steps at a time) not a beacon for our entire future.
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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lymemomtooo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5396
posted
John, I am very moved by your story..I think God has also given me wisdom thru dreams on 2 occasions..
I think only thru time will you work thru the meaning of all of this..
I am not Catholic, but I know the church could stand more that seem as compassionate as you. But a break may be what you need.. Maybe a trip back to CT to see if anything happens there to lead you further.
I am convinced that God does not want everyone so ill and perhaps he will lead you to help many.
You must Believe..My daughter should not be here if it was up to the physical world..God has intervened to save her many times. Almost all of her attempts (15 and now a cutting that went into life threatening)should have been life ending..But she survives.
Listen to God and follow your heart..lymemomtooo
Posts: 2360 | From SE PA | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
We can consider all existence as being in layers of multiple universes, as in slices of a loaf of bread, as the quantum physicists postulate.
Even with all those slices, there is still something bigger than that loaf of bread.
No one can say that what happened to you wasn't real. It was your experience.
The Irish have a saying "Just because you don't believe in leprecauns doesn't mean they aren't there."
I'm not Catholic, I'm not a member of any religion. But I struggle with the basic questions of faith and life. And why there has to be so much suffering (including my own.)
At this point, it's no wonder you're tired of it all. You have a serious medical condition. You have to take care of yourself, love yourself, before you can take on the job of taking care of the spiritual needs of other people.
I would be pretty freaked out if anything like that had happened to me. Whatever she was, it is an extraordinary story.
Posts: 353 | From Florida boonies | Registered: Nov 2005
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
John~ Calling her is a good idea. You may gain further insights into the incident.
We all "get tired of it all" at times. Being ill takes its toll on us all.
If you have a friend you can vent too, that will help. However, I've found that if you have someone who has lyme/MS that is the best support system, for they truly understand what you are going through.
Lymenet is great for that! So, stick around here and post often. I'll be praying that God would send you a friend "in the flesh" to support you through this time.
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
John, You have been visited. Plain and simple. That is how God and the universe works. Angels come in many forms.
I wrote a book about it called "Right Behind You, Spiritual Helpers From Beyond the Earth Plane", available at: www.lulu.com/lyme right along with my lyme book I wrote.
Consider yourself blessed. Take the angel's advice and instructions. Many people never get this type of visitation in person, but many people do.
Its not a hallucination. Its a bona fide spiritual intervention.
AS for your faith being lost, put it right back where it belongs. Life tests us immeasurably, to see if we retain our faith, even in the toughest times. God is giving you a little tap on the shoulder (or both shoulders), that HE or SHE sees you.
Isn't it wonderful? Its not a hallucination, its not a symptom of lyme disease. It was a real experience. You have just joined the "club" of millions who have had similar experiences.
-------------------- PJ
www.LymeLeague.com"Together We Grow Stronger" Posts: 139 | From A tiny little home office in the middle of Wisconsin | Registered: Feb 2005
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John, I believe that you have been "touched by an angel." Praise the Lord!!![[hi]](graemlins/hi.gif)
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) from your decision about the priest hood. Figure out your health issues first.
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