Today I was hoping to go to Mass, but instead I have a migraine.
So I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations (2 Corinthians 12:7; TM).
Migraine is my Mass today,
And codeine is my bread.
All my hopes and plans are gone:
A quiet day, instead.
Migraine is my liturgy,
And water is my wine;
So, Lord, I accept this cross
As a part of your design.
Migraine is my service,
And I know it’s not in vain,
Because I can embrace this chance
To plead for those in pain.
Migraine is my crown of thorns;
It gives me time to pray.
Thank you, Lord, that I can share
Your suffering today.
Since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).
References
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10; NLT).
My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done (Matthew 26:42; NLT).
The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head (John 19:2; NLT).
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church (Colossians 1:24; NLT).
Oh my gosh, I have never thought of it like this… I’ve always considered migraines my ‘cross to bare’… but a migraine really is a crown of thorns. Linda
Thank you for your wonderful message. Yes, all pain and suffering can act as a call or reminder to pray for others. I treat my frequent, unending hot sweats in the same way, and it’s a huge help. In fact, I’m beginning to think that I wouldn’t want them to be taken away, if that were ever made possible. The “Crown of thorns” way of seeing each migraine didn’t come from me. It came from my friend Keith, who is acknowledged at the top of the post. I’m so sorry you have to face up to repeated migraines, too. The spiritual group I belong to has a particularly helpful charism of saying, “Yes”, to everything, and thanking God for everything. I could tell you more if you are interested. I couldn’t manage without the COLW approach to life now. With best wishes and blessings, from Ruth XXXXXX
Thanks Ruth (and Keith). I’ve mostly turned the corner on my health (only one migraine every couple of weeks, instead of 3 or 4 days a week) – a big part of that is due to saying ‘ok’ (rather than yes) to each one. No more rage, regret or fear… it is what it is… for now. I too have days where I see my migraines and the strength and patience and empathy they have taught me as a super-power rather than a weakness. Pain doesn’t have to be suffering. It’s taken a year of reflection to reach that point, with regular back-sliding, but it is possible. Best wishes, and thanks again for reminding me of the power of positivity, Linda x
So sorry, Linda, I’ve only just found your last message. Our migraine history sounds remarkably similar! You are doing so well as you strive to cope with this life-changing chronic condition. I understood and echoed pretty well everything you wrote. May God bless you as you continue to learn from all your experiences. With love from Ruth xxxxx
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