How Much Pain Can One Person Bear?

Donna knows pain!

Not everything in Donna’s life has been sadness and pain. On November 5, 2005, Donna married Lynn Becker. He is a good man and loves Donna. Donna’s family, praises God for the happiness that Lynn has brought to Donna and her family.

However, Donna has experienced more pain than most of us. And it goes on and on.

• When her son, Tim, was in high school, he developed sugar diabetes. Donna was burdened for Tim and his restrictions. She faithfully continues to comfort and encourage Tim. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; Isaiah 66:13
• In 1999, John, her husband of 27 years, died of a heart attack. Donna survived by putting one foot in front of the other. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12: 9
• About 4 years ago, shortly after his college graduation, Tim was diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic. Tim is on disability and Donna is his only caretaker.Donna identified with David’s prayer in Psalm 4:1. Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
• On August 2, 2006, her 27 year old daughter— Sarah, the one that could make Donna laugh, the one that could have given Donna grandchildren, died. Donna identified with Paul. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. 2 Corinthians 1:8 & 9
• A little over a year ago, Donna was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration. (Donna recently wrote a blog updating her treatment.) Again what Paul says resonates with her. . .For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened. . . 2 Corinthians 5:4

These are the main hurdles but there have been others, also. About three years ago, Donna broke her leg and could not drive or work for 6 months. There have been financial concerns as well. When you meet Donna, you won’t be aware of the pain that she bears. She has a ready laugh. She works as a nurse and volunteers with a kids’ after school club. She has inner peace and faith in God and generally a smile on her face. When Sarah died, Donna said, “This was not a surprise to God. The hairs on our head our numbered and so are our days on earth.”

Please pray for Donna that she will not lose her eyesight. Pray that God will continue to encourage her and that she will not lose heart as she continues to work with Tim on his struggle with life.

Donna is courageous as she faces pain. I know this firsthand because Donna is my sister.