Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why (Conquering the Confusions of Chronic Illness) - Softcover

Lisa J. Copen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0971660042 ISBN 13: 9780971660045

Publisher: Rest Ministries Publishers, 2004

Synopsis

"No one gets it!" we all exclaim at one time or another when we live with chronic illness. But if you feel this way on a regular basis you may be in trouble!

Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness gives you unique insight into why you crave the understanding of those around you when you are suffering with a chronic illness and helps you get past the frustrations you feel when people say things like, "no pain, no gain!" or "if you'd just get out of the house more you'd feel much better."

No matter how much we love our friends and family, we can become "sick and tired" of hearing about how we are causing ourselves to be "sick and tired."

Even when you've come to terms with your illness and all the emotions involved one comment or look can send us reeling back to when we were first diagnosed and dealing with all the well-meaning advice and skepticism.

Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness will help you work through this and more, such as. . .

* What happens to your spiritual life when you feel alone and misunderstood in your pain?

* How does your attitude affect if you get the understanding you seek or not?

* How should you pray for others to understand and change their attitude about your illness?

* Why do some prayers get answered but with poor results?

* How should you respond when people say hurtful things about your chronic illness?

* What Biblical responsibilities are you exempt from?

* Is it okay to get mad at God about it all and express your true feelings about your illness and the pain others are causing?

* How can your relationship with Christ help all of the above become less important?

About this title

About the Author

Lisa Copen is the founder and director of Rest Ministries, a Christian organization that serves millions of people who live with chronic illness. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1993, and later with fibromyalgia, she has found God's purpose in reaching out to others who live with daily pain.

Lisa has authored various books for people who live with chronic illness, including "Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the Chronically Ill" and "A Woman's Health Resource Journal." She lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and son.

She is the founder of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week held annually in September featuring a virtual conference.

Review

I just finished reading Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why. It gave me new insight into some of my own emotions and frustration in my 4-year struggle with fibromyalgia, especially with my extended family members. It addresses many of the emotions that people with a chronic (and sometimes invisible) illness face and shows how to reflect on God's perfect Will for our lives through His Word (the Bible); how to be a blessing to others through the pain; and because of the pain, we are in a unique position to bless and encourage others to turn to Jesus for their comfort in their times of trial.I highly recommend it. ~Kathryn D.

My daughter loved the book Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why. It helped her a lot but it helped me--as her mother--just as much. A lot of the things in the book, she wanted me to know but had difficulty telling me herself. Thank you so much for enlightening me, and for giving me ways to help my daughter in her struggle. ~Karen

Your website and ministry are such a blessing! I received my order and my husband is reading the book Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why and it has really helped him so much. I can see the Lord working in his spirit and helping him with all of the conflicting emotions that he has inside. I know it is such a struggle for him but I think just knowing that he isn't alone in this is such a help and a comfort! Thank you again for all that you do! --~Carrie

My daughter loved the book Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why. It helped her a lot but it helped me--as her mother--just as much. A lot of the things in the book, she wanted me to know but had difficulty telling me herself. Thank you so much for enlightening me, and for giving me ways to help my daughter in her struggle. --~Karen

Your website and ministry are such a blessing! I received my order and my husband is reading the book Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why and it has really helped him so much. I can see the Lord working in his spirit and helping him with all of the conflicting emotions that he has inside. I know it is such a struggle for him but I think just knowing that he isn't alone in this is such a help and a comfort! Thank you again for all that you do! --~Carrie

Edition details

• Publisher: Rest Ministries Publishers
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0971660042
• ISBN 13: 9780971660045
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 140