Desperately Alone in Your Chronic Pain? There is Hope Amid the Pain.

I find so much comfort in interviewing other chronic pain warriors. They encourage me to keep on keeping on. And while we know we have the Lord with us, it is also good to know that we have other fellow friends who are here to love and support each other.

Today, I interview Leslie McKee. Leslie is an author, editor, and reviewer. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN. Her devotions have been published in compilations by Ellie Claire (2017 and 2020). And her flash fiction stories have been published with Havok, Splickety, and Spark. Her devotional journal (HOPE Amid The Pain: Hanging on to Positive Expectations When Battling Chronic Illness and Pain) was released in 2021. She enjoys reading, crocheting, spending time with family and friends (and her turtle Speedy!), and rooting for the NY Giants. 

Without further ado, let’s hear from Leslie!

Share the short story of your chronic pain journey. What is your diagnosis? Share some about the journey to this diagnosis. 

My chronic pain and illness journey began on 10/26/94 after I was hit by a car. I now have multiple diagnoses, but the one that started everything was fibromyalgia. It took me ten years to get that first diagnosis, and I literally hugged the NP because I was so thrilled to have found someone who listened to me, took me seriously and gave me a name for what was going on without just assuming it was all in my head. 

Throughout this time, how was your faith walk impacted? Did you lose faith? Get Stronger? 

A:  While there have been moments where I’ve questioned God, my faith has remained. In fact, this is key to my debut book, Hope Amid the Pain (a devotional journal for women with chronic pain and illness), which was released on 10/26/2021. (Notice God’s hand in the release date? The same day, 10/26, my journey began.) I know, without a doubt, that I wouldn’t have made it this far without my faith. 

What scripture has become a comfort for you in this journey? Why? 

A: There are many, but the main one is Romans 8:37, which states, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” This verse is a reminder that I’m an overcomer because the Lord is with me.  This verse is also special to me because it’s the verse I used for the very first devotion I ever wrote, which ended up being included in Just Breathe (a 365-day devotional by Ellie Claire/Worthy Publishing.) 

How do you find comfort on especially painful days?  

A: I try not to push myself, which is challenging for me. I’m getting better at listening to my body and learning to accept that it’s okay to rest and binge-watch some of my favorite shows! I also listen to worship music and watch my pets (a turtle and a betta fish), and that always puts a smile on my face. 

What are some things that your family and friends do that bring comfort in your pain? 

I have a wonderful husband who is very patient and helpful. He does what he can to help me, as well as help around the house. He also tells me what my body often tells me, and that is that I need to rest or let it go and that it’s okay to do so. 

Are you involved in any ministries or community service to reach out to others with chronic pain? Share about this.  

A:  I’m not involved in specific ministries, though I do have a Facebook group for women with chronic pain and illness. I want them to have a place where they can connect with others who “get it.” I also want them to have a place where they can find encouragement, laugh, learn some helpful tips/hacks, etc., as well as have a place to request prayers, ask questions, and even vent a bit, if needed. 

Offer some words of encouragement to those who may be searching for comfort in their own chronic pain journey. 

You are not alone!

A: You are not alone! This is the main reason I wrote my book, as well as why I started my Facebook group and Instagram pages (both called Hope Amid the Pain). Thanks to social media, you can connect with others who “get it.” I want to remind others that, while living with chronic pain and illness can feel extremely lonely, that’s not the case, as the Lord is with us. And as long as we’re still here on Earth, He has a purpose for us—one that no one else can fulfill. 

Thank you, Leslie!

I appreciate you taking the time to share with me and others who read my posts. You are a blessing to many. I have started working through Leslie’s devotional book and I find it encouraging and hope-filled. I recommend it to anyone looking for a devotional book written for the chronically ill; though, you will find hope here while going through any trial in life.

To connect with Leslie follow any of her links below…

Leslie L. McKeeFreelance Editor/Proofreader, Author, and Reviewer

Hope Amid the Pain: Hanging On to Positive Expectations When Battling Chronic Pain and Illness (a 60-Day devotional journal) – released October 26, 2021

https://leslielmckee.com/
http://lmckeeediting.wixsite.com/lmckeeediting
lmckeeediting.blogspot.com
www.Facebook.com/leslielmckee
www.Instagram.com/leslielmckee

www.Instagram.com/hopeamidthepain

www.Twitter.com/leslielmckee

Other Interviews with Chronic Pain Warriors

• No Light at the End of the Tunnel for Chronic Pain
• Your Identity is More Than Your Chronic Pain
• Finding Purpose with Chronic Pain & Link-Up
• Finding Joy in the Pain
• Finding New Creative Projects for Coping with Pain

Thanks for Sharing

Mandy Farmer

Pastor’s Wife (retired) &  Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.

www.mandyandmichele.com