Claiming Disability
I was receiving medical care recently and the nurse was reviewing my medical history. There is a lot of history, folks – a plethora of history – a history that makes one tired just reading about it. As she reviewed my history, I told her that my COBRA coverage was ending and that I had just made arrangements for the new insurance to begin but was still recovering from the sticker price. She then suggested with all my history, I should claim disability which would allow me to go on Medicare at my age of 60. I was stunned.
I do not think of myself as disabled. While I have had back issues, breast cancer, cardiac disease, sport a degenerative hip which will require surgery, and battle reoccurring breast cellulites; I continue to maintain a fairly active life. I may be slow, but I am not disabled. I can no longer ride my bike; sit cross legged, take long walks; but I still clean my house, lift weights, swim, walk my dogs, can work, write, drive, etc. Disabled is defined as (of a person) having a physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses, or activities. My mental status might be in question – especially if you ask my family. But nevertheless, I have maintained a good work ethic. At the height of some issues it may take me “out of the dance” for a while or slow down my ability to perform certain tasks. But disabled? No. Additionally, why would I burden the tax payers (that’s you and me, folks) by asking my government to pay for something that I honestly do not qualify for? It takes away from those individuals that do need disability support. And it smacks of taking advantage of the system rather than taking care of oneself. What does that say about a society that seems to depend upon the government? And why are we so quick to accept this?
Each issue may feel like I am moving through a fire, drowning in a tsunami, or climbing Mount Everest, but they have also taught me much about life, humanity, my own human weaknesses and strengths. Most importantly, I see God through each one. With each adversity I have reached for Him and He has been there. During surgery, receiving the diagnosis, or in the middle of the night, burning up with fever – He is there.
He is my strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army (Habakkuk 3:19 AMP).
A time may come when I may NEED to claim disability: when I am unable to walk, talk, dress and/or clean myself. Then yes, I will be disabled and I will reach out for help. But for right now I am merely an aging, worn, torn, and scarred child of God. God walks with me through the fire and floods as He guides me throughout this life and into eternity.
No, I am NOT disabled. I am refined.
Bravo. Couldn’t have said it better.
September 24, 2015 at 9:05 amThank you, my friend. “The Lord is my strength, my personal bravery, my invincible army. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” May you feel the same.
September 24, 2015 at 9:36 amThrough the trials we go. Our hardships offer so many opportunities to trust our Creator and know him better. Your words resonate memories of a time life gave me the need to claim disability. I was diagnosed with PTS after witnessing a murder in 1991. Having worked in the mental health field for 10 yrs. + it was not a comfortable place to be. It was a physical condition that manifested itself from the inside out. Yet it disabled my mind, spirit and soul. I am grateful for the healing and people he placed in my life during this time.
You are my amazing gift from God. Your words and perception of life continues to remind me that there is a pathway through trouble. You just have to first reach for God. I enjoyed your first class Tuesday evening. What will require energy and time you helped me see the light and reward at the end of the tunnel. Thank you.
September 24, 2015 at 12:18 pmThank you for sharing your experience, Harmony. You are an amazing woman that I feel God has blessed me by putting in my life. I am humbled to have been given these experiences that I might see them through the God’s lens and share them with others. But it is I who have been blessed by the many wonderful people God has placed in my life….people such as you and George.
September 24, 2015 at 4:44 pm1Peter 4:19 was part if my study today….trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you. Praising Him and trusting Him in ALL things is the way we make it through….one day at a time. No, we are not disabled (at the moment!!), we made be a bit charred going through the fire, but we are never alone. “God is worthy of our heart’s dearest offerings.”
September 24, 2015 at 1:43 pmOh, yes! Charred like a wonderful ribs. Strong, yet soft, rich yet smooth edges. We are blessed through the stress for we have one another and a most loving and present God.
September 24, 2015 at 4:45 pmThank you so much for sharing your thoughts! When we all share our life’s travels and travails we gain knowledge, comfort and strength from one another. You all give me purpose to continue writing. Thank you!
September 24, 2015 at 4:47 pm