I thought I would like to share with fellow Christians some scripture which I can really identify with and I wondered if others of you did the same. I say for fellow Christians because one who does not know Christ as his Savior could not identify with these verses at all. But in Christ, we can have great hope not only for our eternity, but also for right now in our present state.
Let me just explain a little bit about myself first. I am 52 years father of two and was diagnosed with this disease back in 2001. Within four years I had lost mobility from my neck level down and my lung volume went down to 47%. My swallowing and speech are still pretty good. I'm able to dictate this message with a Dragon NaturallySpeaking program as my hands and fingers won't type anymore. I went through all the typical stages of grief with this disease from initial denial that I had it at all, through venting anger at the world and especially my friends that they could carry on enjoying the pleasures of this world while I got left in the dust. Yes, definite self-pity. I would scream out in anger at God -- "this is unfair!" Finally I came to the realization I had a choice to make -- either continue being bitter and angry or to accept what was happening to my body and what God had in store for my life.
So here comes that passage that I really identified with: 2 Corinthians 4: 7 -- 18. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels" -- that definitely describe me, a friable clay vessel that was hardly displaying strong Christian faith and values. But he graciously gave that precious treasure of salvation to this body, "that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us!" Oh what an attitude changer. Taking the focus off myself and putting it on God! Then I can embrace the following verses: "we are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed -- always caring about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."
The next part feels like is just written for a person with ALS, because his body is literally withering away before his eyes: "therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." God has my focus where it should be now -- on the unseen things and not the seen things! My attention is not on the things of the world that I am missing out on but on the joys there are in Fellowship with Christ Jesus my Savior! I hope there are others of you out there that can identify with this too.

Welcome Dougly. Wow another Albertan! I knew that there were more of us out there. Thanks for your post and letting us know about you and how you are coping with this horrible disease.

Dear Dougly,
I strongly agree with your insight and focus on our Lord. I am so glad this body is just and "earthen vessel"! He is the Potter and we, His clay. Isn't it incredible how His peace comes with focusing on Him? I want my will to be totally aligned with His, knowing that He will be--and is--my strength and comfort. It is indeed already "eternity", although our sight is still by faith.
Love,
Ann

It is good to welcome a fellow Christian and a fellow Canadian as well.

For me, I did not go through the usual stages. I accepted it right away and got on with my life.

Here are some scriptures that I love;

ISA 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Philippians 4:7-9 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Very encouraging posts in this thread! Thanks fellows!

Zaphoon

Dougly,

Thank you so much for sharing this thought. I love that scripture and it was a blessing to be reminded of it tonight. It is very touching especially to those of us touched by ALS. This body is truly just a shell, just what your spirit is taking residence in while on this earth. We depend on them so heavily, when our true dependence should be on the Lord. I appreciate your courage and strength.

Many blessings to you!
Love
Holly

Hi, my name is Jozanne and this is my first posting on this forum. I am 40 and was diagnosed in 2005. I often read this forum. I am so happy to see that others also feel like I do.
I wrote a poem that I would like to share.

Pity me not

Pity me not
For I am the rich one
With treasures stored up in the sky

Pity me not
God's spirit's inside me
I don't feel alone or afraid

Pity me not
Though my body is limp
My spirit soars up there on high

Pity me not
Though my life may seem shortened
Today is all we can count on

Pity me not
My life may seem useless
But my Father chose me for His glory

Pity me not
My joy is complete
For my purpose before me is clear

Pity me not
For our time in this life
Withers and wastes away

It's the life after this
When we stand with the Son
That will last for Eternity

So, Pity me not
No Pity me not
I'm right where God wants me to be.

By Jozanne Moss

I don't know what is wrong yet but found comfort in your post, thank you! I will put you on my prayer list with your permision.

Jozanne,

Great work on the poem! There is solace in God's grace.

Kim

Jozanne, very well put. I love it--Thank you for sharing, and welcome!!!

Thanks so much for all these beautiful replies! I am deeply touched. Thank you Joel for those versus you suggested. And Jozanne, your poem is perfect! I'm going to print it off and hang it up on my wall. I am assuming that the country "SA" stands for South Africa? Very good to hear from you. And Barry G. you do not live far for me. I live on a farm northwest of Ponoka.
I'd like to share another verse from Ephesians 3: 17 -- 19
17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I love Beth Moore's comments on this verse. We need to be rooted in God's love so that we are not disillusioned when tragedy such as the disease strikes us. " -- we need to be rooted cause ‘everything was supposed to just turn out happy.’ So when tribulation comes, we need to be grounded in God’s incomprehensible love. We won’t be able to figure out why we’re going through certain things. It will remain a mystery to us. But this we can know, we will be rooted to the degree that we are absolutely convinced that God’s love for us is both lavish and unchanging. Were going to live our lives as offended people if we are not rooted in God’s love. Remember Romans 8. 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, If God is for us, who can be against us? 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demonsneither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How much do we embrace that. How utterly convinced are we of God’s love for us? To the marrow of our bone? We will be getting mad at God our whole lives if we do not settle in our minds that we are utterly convinced to the marrow of our bones that we are completely loved by God! That there’s absolutely nothing that can change that!"

Doug H

For more encouraging words please visit
http://www.alsforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4711&highlight=Christians
Dougly,
Thank you for your wonderful encouraging words. What an outlook. I know how hard it is to get to that point.
I hope you do not mind but I copied your post to this thread above so others can be lifted by your comments.
God bless you my brother in Christ.

Dougly,

I can sure identify with you!! 2Cor.4:17-18 is one of my choicest scriptures I hold on too:
"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. "
This disease has brought me to a closer relationship with Jesus that I would not give up for healthy flesh!!
This light affliction in this earthen vessel is only momentary. I am looking forward to eternity with Jesus, when I will be completely whole.
I look forward to seeing you, Dougly, on the other side!!

Jozanne,
Thanks for sharing. I am right there with you!!

Judith

Hi, my name is Jozanne and this is my first posting on this forum. I am 40 and was diagnosed in 2005. I often read this forum. I am so happy to see that others also feel like I do.
I wrote a poem that I would like to share.

Pity me not

Pity me not
For I am the rich one
With treasures stored up in the sky

Pity me not
God's spirit's inside me
I don't feel alone or afraid

Pity me not
Though my body is limp
My spirit soars up there on high

Pity me not
Though my life may seem shortened
Today is all we can count on

Pity me not
My life may seem useless
But my Father chose me for His glory

Pity me not
My joy is complete
For my purpose before me is clear

Pity me not
For our time in this life
Withers and wastes away

It's the life after this
When we stand with the Son
That will last for Eternity

So, Pity me not
No Pity me not
I'm right where God wants me to be.

By Jozanne Moss

I am a 37 year old wife and mother of 3 and was diagnosed ten days ago with als and ms both (i know, almost a statistically impossibility). this thread is just what I needed to hear today. I even skipped my bible study with my friends yesterday, just too emotional. I believe we are all in the same boat, most people are just sitting in the deck chairs..we all have no guarantees of tomorrow, some of us are just really aware of it. I may have 2 years or ten or more, but I really want to be strong and courageous, I am just waiting on the Lord to make that happen, think i will go soak myself in some scripture. Thanks all,

love and prayers,

jennifer

Welcome to the Forum and thanks for your encouraging words.

Jennifer, that's a very tough set of diagnoses to receive. The Lord promised to never leave or forsake you, and I'll be praying for you to know His amazing power to give comfort and peace as you go to His Word and carry it with you. And, I pray He will give you lots of support right here. This is a good place!
Your sister,
Ann

Dear friends:

Our favorite verse during George's battle with ALS reads:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

George went home with Jesus 6/22/09. The hardest part is that I have to wait my turn but will rejoice in his freedom from this disease.

You are all always in my prayers for God to love you and give you His peace. Also, for a miracle and end to this beast of a disease.

In His name,
Patty

Patty, It's nice to fellow Christians to share with. Isn't it exciting to think of George in his glorified body completly healed. I know I'm looking forward to seeing my Jesus face to fac.

Jennifer,

Welcome to the website.
I hope all the scriptural input from these wonderful brothers and sisters will help to strengthen and encourage you.
One thing that helped me and I hope will help you is not to look back to how your life used to be, but look forward to see what the Lord wants to do in your life now, in this new chapter of your life.
Jesus will not let go of you, Jennifer. Surrender your life to Him, put your focus on Him and see the amazing closeness that it will bring in your relationship with Him.

Phil. 3:12b-14, "but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. "

Press on, my sister.
Love,
Judy

2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

He that shall endure untill the end shall be saved.

2 Thessalonians 1
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks all,

What an encouragement to hear from you all, we just spent the weekend in south bend, indiana. at the world pulse festival for a very hot day of christian concerts. I love it but I kept thinking, "I hope I get back here next year." I needed to hear what you all said about looking to what is next in what the Lord is doing. Not quite getting the "count it all joy, my brothers" part yet. I am still just a mess with the rollercoaster of this can't be happening...to why should i be exempt...to the truth of we all will suffer here...to my little boy is just 6...to i want to make it to my fortieth birthday...to i may get killed in a car wreck tomorrow and none of this matters...to the million other things i could vent about. Not my will, right?

I read on this site once to focus on the things you can do, so I thank God I am here today and I am right handed (left hand doesn't work too well). I thank God for my girls who have been such an amazing help, although I wish they didn't have to and I am frightened for the things they may have to help with down the road. oops, that veered from thanking, huh? I thank God for my DH who said "I will be you left hand, honey"

And thanks for this place where I can let this out to people who understand,

love and prayers,

jen

One of the small blessings of this disease is we have been given time to get things ready. To right any wrongs in our relationships. So many people are not given this gift of time, they die of heart attack, car wreck, etc.
There are several threads that discuss this. If you do a search on the above link you may find them interesting.

Please, please know that I do not want to upset anyone by my sharing and questions...I am a Christian in the making...lately I have been thinking about the option for cremation at my end...if anyone has also thought about this or has had experience with it I would appreciate your feedback. So far in my very large family we have only had two cremations...neither family member was public about any religious faith.

Moderators, if you feel that I should go forward with this discussion via the more private PM option let me know. I'll try to learn how to use it.

Thank you.

This is just my personal opinion based on what I can remember from the bible and family situations. Let me start by saying my mother put in her Will that she was to be cremated. My dad carried out her wishes.
Her main reason for this was cost. It cost about $500 total for her cremation and cost about $7000 for my Dad's regular funeral.
I know of no scripture that forbids this. I know in church I was taught, now this is mans interpretation, that in the Old Testament under the Law a witch was to be burned. Why? I never really got an explanation to the one.
God created man from the dust of the earth and to dust shall he return. Nothing more dusty than ashes. When Jesus returns and gathers his children home I'm sure He can find what he needs to put us back together, after all we will have a new body. The soul does not burn up in cremation, Since it has already gone onto glory. My personal preferences to be buried.
Maybe Joel can help us out.

What lovely scriptures and views I have found on this thread! I follow the other Christian thread as well, but this one missed my radar! Doug, your very first post is EXACTLY what my Andy went through, regarding your faith and grief journey. I wish you two could have compared notes!

Senegal, I think helping your family make a decision will bring them some comfort in knowing your wishes, so ask away! One family I know went with cremation. They each have a locket with some ashes in it, and they find comfort wearing their lockets next to their heart. Andy wanted to be buried, and his teen children now have a place to go and mourn. (As opposed to having ashes spread somewhere). Of course, ashes could have been buried as well, but I think it's a personal matter, and whatever brings you and them comfort is what you should direct your family to do. Since we as Christians believe that our body is but an earthly vessel for our spirit, I don't think I've ever heard or read about cremating being a wrong thing to do.

Blessings,
Pam

You ask tough questions! LOL.

I have never done a study on Cremation so this is good because now I am.

In all my studying it has never been discussed or come up, I have always thought it to be okay, and as Al said we were formed by the dust of the earth and scripture says we will return to that so ashes are pretty close.

2 Samuel 2:5–7. The men of Jabesh-gilead had cremated and buried Saul; David now sends to thank them for that kindness, but also to ask them to join him and the people of Judah in order to present a united front to the common enemies of Israel. The call for political unity under God is phrased, let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant. David refers also to the confirmation of God’s choice by the house of Judah, who had anointed him as king.

Amos 6:9 He that burneth him, to bring out the bones. So many will die in the judgment that it will be impossible to bury their remains; so cremation will be resorted to in order to prevent the spread of disease.

Cremation was rarely used by the Hebrews in Old Testament times, but it was done and there is no reference that I could find that says it is wrong. Cremation was at times a sign of shame. Ie Leviticus 20:14 ‘a If there is a man who marries a woman and her mother, it is immorality; both he and they shall be burned with fire, so that there will be no immorality in your midst.

1 Samuel 31:12 the valiant men arose: Out of gratitude to Saul for delivering their city, the men of Jabesh Gilead risked their lives to recover the bodies of Saul and his sons and to give them a proper burial. burned them: Cremation was not the normal practice for disposing of the dead among the ancient Hebrews. The reason they burned the bodies of Saul and his sons may be that the corpses had been mutilated by the Philistines (v. 9).
31:13 Although the bodies of Saul and his sons were burned, the bones were recovered and buried. Later, David exhumed the bodies of Saul and Jonathan and had them reburied in Benjamin (2 Sam. 21:11–14). fasted seven days: In ancient Israel, fasting was a way of expressing sorrow in mourning. With their fasting, the men of Jabesh showed their respect for Israel’s first king.

LEV 21:9 'Also the daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by harlotry, she profanes her father; she shall be burned with fire.

So after this I still find no Biblical reason for us not to be cremated.

If someone else finds something please jump in.

Senegal, I plan to be cremated myself. My Christian mother in law was cremated, with her ashes next to my father in law's, and a plaque covering them. I hope my ashes will be near theirs. We fall asleep in Jesus, and our soul and spirit awaken in His presence. If there was a problem with cremation, the New Testament would surely address it.

And, Senegal, welcome, as a Christian "in the making." May you know the peace and love of the Lord in abundance.
Ann

I personally want to be cremated, I am having my nephew and his new wife over for the weekend. They are both recent graduates of Liberty University, and are both very aware of the bible, and are very well read, and follow the bible much like Al. I like the idea of having a place for my son to visit though also, so now I am kind of mixed. h4c

I knew you could do it Joel. Thanks

My mother made the request to my older brother that she be cremated but did not put this into writing. There are 9 of us kids and we had never experienced anything other than a regular funeral. I'll never forget making the trip to the funeral home to pick up my mother's cremanes. It didn't bother me because of my familiarity with cremanes for burials at sea (I've been the command bugler). One of my older sisters just freaked when she saw the small box of ashes.

At the gravesite, I opened up the Bible to a passage of scripture that reads: "Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God:" 1 Cor 15:50

A few verses later, it goes on to state the we will be changed into an imperishable body.

This leads me to believe that whether our bodies are naturally turned to dust in the decomposition process or into ashes thru incineration, neither of those will be allowed entry through the pearly gates.

At the end of the day, if your loved one has requested to be cremated, I feel that request should be honored. Just another reason to have our last wishes in writing.

Zaphoon

Thank you all very much for your feedback.
-Senegal