​Today I am sharing a guest post by Shona Smith. I must admit, I have mixed feelings about ​this topic, but it is an important issue and needs to be addressed. I​t is not just a few isolated cases, pastoral care in the church is something that is in desperate need of an overhaul. ​This shouldn't be an issue, but sadly it is and Shona is working hard to find solutions.  

​I hope you do not relate to our shared experience, but if you do or know of somebody who might, please participate in the surveys and help us move towards better pastoral care in the church.

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind - By Shona Smith

So many of us with chronic illness were leading such busy active lives full of people and places and we were church members, regularly enjoying spending time and energy with like minded friends and often serving and caring for each other in the crises of life. BUT when we have been absent for a while it seems like we are easily forgotten. Do you recognise your experience in the musings below?

After almost a year of severe, chronic migraines, I am happy to announce that I am finally feeling better. I’m not 100% yet, but I have had several pain-free days for the first time in ten months.

I am over-the-moon excited and thankful for the relief.

But as much as I clung to God over the past year, I’m sad to say that my faith still suffered.

For months I was unable to read my Bible (or anything else for that matter), and I am struggling to get back into the groove.

Welcome to another guest interview in our Faith Through Illness series. In each interview we will meet a new warrior who'll share their faith journey with us. How does chronic illness affect their faith and how does their faith affect their condition?

This week I have the honour of sharing Tracy Cooper's story. Tracy has a beautiful blog where she writes about faith, family and life as she deals with chronic pain. She is also a freelance writer and speaker who is passionate about encouraging others.  I hope you will be as encouraged by her story as I am.

Welcome to the second interview on Faith Through Illness.  In this series we will meet a variety of Christians from around the world, people who all struggle with different chronic conditions.

We will hear from them how their faith has been affected by their health and how the Lord gets them through it. Their struggles and their victories. 

Welcome to the first interview in a new series called Faith Through Illness. I hope you will find these stories to be encouraging and a blessing. I know I am loving each one that arrives in my inbox and I cannot wait to share them with you!

Today I'm sharing Nicole's beautiful journey of faith. She ​is the co-founder of "Jumpstart Positivity", a community focus​ed on personal growth, positive thinking and making impactful change. Do go visit her site and leave some comment love!