Hope in the Midst of Chronic Illness, with Sara Willoughby

SUMMARY:
*Sarah Willoughby shares her personal journey with chronic illness and how it has impacted her life and faith.
*Sarah emphasizes the importance of knowing one is not alone in their struggles, which can be a lifeline for many.
*She details her journey to getting a diagnosis, which took seeing 13 doctors and being misdiagnosed multiple times.
*Sarah highlights the impact of chronic illness on her family, community, and personal dreams.
*She discusses the spiritual journey and questions that arose during her illness, including struggles with understanding God's love and purpose.
*Sarah shares how her faith was strengthened by wrestling with difficult questions and seeking God's presence.
*She emphasizes the value of asking God questions and the importance of being honest in one's relationship with Him.
*Sarah has found new ways to serve and connect with others through writing, speaking, and organizing online conferences for those with chronic illnesses.
*The conversation concludes with resources for those struggling with chronic illness and the reassurance that they are not alone and have purpose.

PODCAST INTRO:
My guest, Sara Willoughby is a young woman who is courageously navigating life with chronic illness. Sara's journey is not just a testament to her resilience but also a beacon of hope for many who find themselves battling similar challenges. Her story underscores the power of faith, the importance of community, and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from suffering.

The Beginning of a Long Journey

Sara’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, multiple chemical sensitivity, and toxic mold poisoning. Her path to diagnosis was long and stressful because of several misdiagnoses and various consultations with 13 different doctors—Sara shared that misdiagnoses and countless doctors is a journey that is very familiar in the chronic illness community. This prolonged uncertainty and the eventual diagnosis upended her life. One facet of her diagnosis of being exposed to mold in her home lead to her and her family losing their home and cherished possessions.

Faith Amidst Adversity

Sara's faith has been a cornerstone in her journey. She speaks candidly about the struggles she faced in reconciling her belief in a loving God with the suffering she endured. She talks about what it means to live a purposeful and fulfilling life in the midst of ongoing uncertainty. Her relationship with God deepened as she allowed herself to ask difficult questions and seek God for His answers.

Finding Purpose in Pain

Despite her limitations, Sara discovered new avenues to serve God and others. Her writing became a powerful tool for ministry, allowing her to connect with a global audience. Through her blog, the book she wrote and the Diamonds conference for Christians with chronic illnesses, Sara has fostered a community where individuals can share their experiences, find resources, and support each other.

The Beauty of a Slower Pace

Sara highlights the unique contributions that those with chronic illnesses can make to the world and the church. The slower pace of life, often imposed by illness, offers opportunities for deeper reflection, creativity, and meaningful/purposeful connection (something that I personally feel is no longer prioritized in our society; people are just too busy). Whether through snail mail ministries, prayer, or online conferences, Sara emphasizes that those with chronic illnesses have valuable gifts to share.

Embracing God's Love

Throughout her journey, Sara has learned to trust in God's plan, even when it doesn’t look like what she personally envisioned for herself. She has seen God resurrect her aspirations in unexpected ways, from publishing a book to serving overseas and marrying a supportive partner. Her story is a powerful reminder that God's love and purpose for us are not diminished by our circumstances.

Conclusion

Sara Willoughby's journey with chronic illness challenges how we naturally want to define a "normal life" and I loved it because the beauty that radiates from her life, the intimacy she has with the Lord, the significance of a slower pace, the creativeness born out of hitting a wall per se, it’s one of the most beautiful reminders that God uses everything about our life to deliver us into a deeper richness of identity, meaning, and purpose and on countless levels.

Her willingness to share her story offers hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges. Leaning into her limitations by trusting in God's love, Sara has found a fulfilling and purposeful life, inspiring others to do the same. Her message is clear: you are not alone, and there is beauty and purpose to be found, even in the midst of suffering.

Live Loved and Thrive! @ alifeofthrive.com

Connect with Sara:
Diamonds Conference Website: https://diamondsconference.org/ 
He's Making Diamonds devotional freebie: https://sgwilloughby.com/devotional/ 
Website: https://sgwilloughby.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgwilloughby/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgwilloughbyauthor 

Bio:
Sara is the author of He's Making Diamonds and the founder of the Diamonds Conference, an online event for Christians with chronic illnesses. She lives in California with her husband and loves dark chocolate and adventures.