There are many people who walked this journey of chronic illness and disability before me and provided a “well in the valley.”

Psalm 84:6, “As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools.” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ps 84:6.

Grandma had not had an easy life at all. Health issues multiplied; poverty was part of her story. Yet, she served God up until the day she passed. She always did for others, giving of the little she had. I never heard a word of complaint. She simply loved and gave God her all.

My mom carried on that legacy. Mom taught us to simply go to God with our problems. She listened when I was overwhelmed by my disability, but didn’t let me stay there. She somehow made little food stretch for all of us, made our clothes, and showed us by example that we could go to God in prayer for all our needs.

Later in life, I met Grandma Y. Grandma Y was crippled by arthritis and widowed. Life was anything but easy for her. Yet, she simply glowed with joy. She became an example to me of how to shine for Jesus through in credibly tough times.

There are so many more saints that I could tell you of. They each provided a well in the valley. As I walk through it, their example shows me how to push forward as well, living for God. I am so thankful for them! What are you thankful for today?