It was freezing rain outside. The dark clouds loomed ahead as is foreshadowing a future happening. The gale of wind was causing the leaves to dance across the lawn. The Sun was shining brilliantly a scant minute ago; I thought how quickly things can change. Suddenly, reflective, I became aware of mortality. “You never know what tomorrow holds,” this is something, I’ve always heard as a child growing up. “No one can control nature,” this much is true. The loss of control is uncomforting and frightening; it leaves you with a sense of loss. The rain continued to fall and the wind picked up its tempo. I wasn’t frightened, to the contrary, I felt quite safe and protected. Drawing my Bible near, I began to take comfort of the words, recording in them. 1 Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.” I reflected on a testimony of young woman, who endured physical pain for over a decade. I glanced at the calendar, and remembered that March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.

This young woman suffered with Endometriosis. What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is one of those diseases that can hardly be explained; as some women may experience excruciating pain and some women may experience no pain. It affects women in so many different ways; medical professionals are still at a loss as to what causes Endometriosis. It doesn’t matter what race and ethnic background you hail from one shared factor remains the same and that is pain. Pain and the NEED (and it is a need) to find a cure. To date, sadly there is no cure for Endometriosis; only subjective treatment.

So, this brings us back to the question of: What is Endometriosis? According to Live science the definition of Endometriosis: A disorder in which the tissue that lines the uterus, the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can cause pain, internal scar tissue and fertility problems. The NIH estimates 2 to 10 percent of women in their reproductive years have endometriosis. Below is a brief overview of the causes, symptoms and treatments, plus links to more information.

Symptoms include:

•pelvic pain apart from menses

•severe menstrual cramps

•backache

•painful intercourse or pain associated with sexual activity

•painful bowel movements

•fatigue

•bloating

•constipation

•menstrual diarrhea

•pain with exercise

•painful pelvic exams

•painful and frequent urination

I was a witness to this young woman’s daily painful living, — and yet she still smiled, shared, and loved. She was determined to live and not exist. Suddenly, I was pulled away from my reflections from the song “He Has His Hands on You.” by gospel recording artist, Pastor Marvin Sapp.

Listen:

(He sees) He sees the tears you cry

(And He shares) He shares your pain inside

(And sometimes) And sometimes you wonder why He allows you to go through what you go through

(Listen) Just know He has His hands on you.

(See your days) Your days are filled with dark clouds

(Even when the sun is out)Even when the sun is out

(And from the top of your lungs)And from the top of your lungs you shout will there ever be a change, what shall I do

Just know He has His hands on you

He has his hands on you

He says He’ll see you through

When you cry He’s holding you

So just lift your hands up high

For He will provide

Just know He has his hands on you

I allowed the words to register; as sometimes it’s hard to digest comforting words; when your heart is heavy. I fought past the outside noises and my inner distractions. With combined scripture of 1 Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.” And Pastor Sapp’s inspiring song. I remembered, that true: “You never know what tomorrow holds,” but, I know who holds my tomorrow. God. There was strange warmth that began to run through me. I began to smile…this smile was for real this time. No pretending and waiting for joy to come, it was there. I felt it. Also true: “No one can control nature.” I began to change my attitude, I remembered But, Jesus did and can. He spoke to the winds and waves and commanded them to become still and they obeyed. I looked outside again, the rain had stopped. The Sun was shining again! Just like that! I would encourage you to know God has hands on you, in the good and must assuredly in the bad times. That young woman chose to keep on because her faith told her, she was free. I got it. Never give up, someone is praying for your testimony.

(Editor’s note: Vanessa Richardson can be contacted at vanessajackso90@hotmail.com)