Out of the Silence

 It had been quite some time since I have blogged. It is basically because I have been in pain. Unfortunately I have a condition called trigeminal neuralgia. It is extremely painful and it has taken the doctors a while to be able to help me manage it. I am now on very strong nerve medication and I’m seeing a neurologist. I had the same disease 20 years ago and had gamma knife surgery on my brain. That was something I had hoped would never happen again but here I am suffering from it.

I have tried to go through my daily routines and have managed to do so for most of the time. My energy level was low as pain set in. There was a lot of silence. Often, in my past, I have gone on silent retreats for one and two weeks at a time. People would kid me because I am a person who likes to talk and they could not imagine that I could stay quiet for two weeks. They do not know me well. My soul gets regenerated through silence and praise and meditation. I am able to lower my blood pressure and heal my body through silence.

The pictures you see at the top are in my backyard. I’m incredibly blessed to have a garden created that nurtures me immensely. Each day I wonder what message Saint Francis will have for me. DARYL and I traveled to Italy a few years ago and were able to enjoy much of the history of Saint Francis’ life and walked the path where he lived.

During this time of silence and struggle, I have prayed for many of you, wondering what you’re up to and hoping that your days are full of joy. I’m making new friends with neighbors and we found a church where we feel at home. It is Saint Philip Lutheran in Myrtle Beach. I like the ritual of the liturgy and the music is marvelous! The congregation sings heartily and it warms my soul. The pastor has meaningful sermons and connects with people of all ages. What a blessing to have found this sweet little church in the midst of a tourist town.

I am grateful that there are people who heal, people who pray, and the great love and tender care of my husband. It has been a challenge to manage this. But with medication, I am able to swim, cook, and write. It is my hope that you will discover what feeds you and find time to engage in it. May the silent times in your life be a blessing, love, Bonnie Lee.