Category: Spirit

Be Gentle

Posted on by Ginger

So in order to chronicle all the changes during my 40 Day Fast, I decided I needed to take measurements and pictures today. I stepped on the scale yesterday, but long ago I learned that the scale alone is not a good indicator of health. I have also come to realize that neither are our own eyes a very good judge. We are our own worst critic and often see blemishes where others see beauty. As I look in the mirror, at my less than trim waistline, I struggle to love all my curves. I look at my puffy face and struggle with feeling  betrayed by my failing adrenals that force me to take daily hydrocortisone. I see the red inflamed malar rash spread across my nose and wonder if it’s just Lyme, or has another autoimmune disorder been activated. I look at the reddish-purple spot on my left foot (from the CRPS), and wonder if I will ever be able to put on a regular shoe again. It’s not only a struggle to love the outside view, but it’s a struggle to not feel betrayed by all that is going on inside my body.

When I stopped looking in the mirror and directed my concerns to God, I felt like He was said to me- “Be gentle with your body, it’s been through a lot.” It occurred to me that maybe my body felt a bit betrayed too, by some of my own neglect. The neglected hours of sleep, the neglected treatments, detoxes and more that were put off while focusing on caring for those around me. Let me clarify- taking care of others is not bad. We are certainly called to serve those around us with love. But notice what Philippians 2:4 says- “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” God expects us to take care of ourselves. We are His creation, His work of art! There are more verses that talk about loving others as we love ourselves, as well as many examples of how even Christ took time away from ministering to rest. So instead of being angry with my body, I decided I would obey and be gentle with it. It is often easiest to decide what I need to do, or how I need to view myself, when I ask the question, “What would I tell my daughter?” Somehow my responses are always much more gracious, loving and nurturing when put in that perspective. The truth is that my self-talk and “self-care actions” speak louder to her about her own body image and value, than anything I could ever say. Being gentle and taking care of myself goes way beyond my own health- little eyes are watching!!!

So today I made myself an AMAZING mango smoothie! I drank homemade bone broth that was seasoned perfectly, and a couple different healing herbal teas. I took the time to use an It Works Wrap to help my body detox, and then dry brushed before a nice long hot shower. I even took a nap without feeling guilty! I sat down with my children and explained why mommy was doing all these crazy things. I told them that mommy was doing things that would help me be healthier so I can better take care of them. They were fully supportive and quick to add reasons why it was important to have a healthy mommy. I learned a lot by listening to their simple wisdom… now to live it out!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

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Ready, Set, Leap!

Posted on by Ginger

It’s with fear and trembling that I start this blog! For more than 5 years, God has been gently nudging me to be brave and share my story publicly. A few months ago it went from a quiet nudge to an all out, in-your-face kind of message! Now, do it now! So here I am. With faith that God goes before me… I leap!


I am almost laughing that the launch of my blog is also coinciding with the start of what I am calling my “40 Day Fast.” This past week I was terribly sick with a 102 fever and barely able to breathe. The infection in my body was causing my Lyme and autoimmune conditions to painfully flare up. As I laid on the couch, drifting in and out of sleep, I was reminded that I have to take care of me too. As moms it’s so easy to get so busy caring for everyone else that we start to neglect ourselves. Over the next couple days, as I lay in bed recovering, my 40 Day Fast was born.

My health has drastically declined over the past several months, and despite my best efforts to eat healthy and take my supplements, I have seen very little improvement. At my last doctor appointment my doctor told me point blank, if I don’t get my EBV and CMV levels to drop, my next diagnosis will likely be cancer. For over a year I have taken various anti-viral herbs and supplements to try to lower them, but they have only continued to rise. The damage to my lungs from toxic mold and asbestos exposure has increasingly become more and more of an issue. It’s no longer just a chronic cough. Taking a deep breath is consistently painful and I have been waking with asthmatic like episodes in the middle of the night. Add to that joint pain, nerve issues, and ongoing migraines and you will understand why I am desperate. And desperate times call for desperate measures!

Today is Day 1 of my fast and that means I am starting an only liquid diet. The goal is to give my body a break from the work of digesting so it can focus on healing. I am flooding my body with easy to utilize nutrients like fruit smoothies, vegetable juices and bone broth. Today because I was craving salty foods I made myself two bowls of pureed acorn squash in bone broth with sea salt. It was very satisfying. I also have the goal to do at least 2 detox protocols each day. Today I did 30 minutes in the infrared sauna after Epsoak Epsom Salt 19lbs Magnesium Sulfate USP""” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Epsom Salt bath. I don’t think it is helpful to sugarcoat my health journey, so I will always try to be as honest as possible without being inappropriate. So in the spirit of honesty, let me just say that this first day was quite cleansing and my body reacted by “purging” my gut. I was slightly nauseous after detoxing and tired, but overall I would call it a good day. I will be adding in new treatment and detox protocols as I go and I look forward to sharing them with you. As often as I can I will share links to articles I love about the protocols I am doing and any other resource I feel would be helpful. My desire is that my journey will inspire and encourage you on your own! Here’s to taking the leap and beginning a new quest!!!

 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 (NASB)

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