Young stroke survivor finds strength in determination

Photo from the U.S.
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention

Are we all destined to run after a stroke? No. BUT, I still like stories like this because they do illustrate that after a stroke, determination is often key.

If you've visited this blog before, you'll know that was a runner before my stroke in 1998, started running again several weeks later, and continue to run. People, though, have different outcomes - physical, speech, vision, etc. - and not everyone can run. In fact, as the last post noted, stroke is the most common cause of permanent disability in the United States.

But the story is more than running. It's about a stroke survivor who found strength, a story that can echo in other lives. People might have different levels of abilities and strengths, different disabilities, different challenges. The important thing is to keep those challenges challenged.

So, here's a link, an excerpt and a video about a young stroke survivor finds strength in running:

'Run and not grow weary'

[B]ut those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

-Isaiah 40:31

You've seen these words before in this blog. But I can't resist for a repeater for this one.

Not long ago, due to months of recovering from a non-stroke-related back injury, I ran slowly and, sometimes, with a little pain.

Just last month, I finished the first half-marathon (13.1 miles) that I've run in more than a year.

So to celebrate the real reason why I accomplished this, why not repeat these words? God did renew my strength. I did complete - albeit slowly - and was able to enjoy the rest of the day with family. Not weary. Not faint.

Thanks be to God. Place your hope in God.

'Lord is my strength'

The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights. ...

-Habakkuk 3:19

Well, I didn't exactly feel like a deer but was able to finish a race.

Almost a dozen years ago, I couldn't even walk. Last Saturday,  I ran 13.1 miles in a half marathon in Sedalia, Mo. No records set, but God enabled me to hit my own height that day.

Stroke survivors recover at various levels. All require strength. This verse reminds us the source of that strength.

Strength with God - 13.1 miles

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

-Philippians 4:13

If you've been to this blog before, you know that I am an avid distance runner. Not speedy, just avid.

Running in the cold weather of January and February 2010 have been challenging. Lots of time running indoors and when outside, often bitter cold. Still, I'm convinced that running before my stroke helped me survive the ordeal, and good exercise could do the same for others. Even better, good exercise, plus other stroke prevention measures, can help someone avoid a stroke.

So I just sent in my signup for one of my favorite events - the Sedalia Half-Marathon, set for March 20. It's not a huge event but set in a very rural, friendly setting. I've done it twice before, each time praising God for the simple gift of running.

Paul struggled mightily in his day - but that same God gave him the strength to carry on. When you get weary, think about Paul's words. Strength can come in a physical sense, but even more importantly, it can come in the sense of faith - where real strength lies.

'A crown that will last forever'

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

-1 Corinthians 9:25

Not that I did "strict" training, but recently finished third in my age division in the Sedalia (Mo.) Half-Marathon. The award sits on a shelf in the same room I'm typing up this blog entry. I don't run to get awards, but it's pleasing to win one from time to time.

The verse from 1 Corinthians is a good lesson from Paul. Awards - like this one - received on earth will eventually turn to dust. God's awards are eternal.

Stroke survivors often struggle to do all they can. Sometimes, earthly prizes are appreciated. But remember that the true award awaits, promised and ready.