A Life Marked by Trials

Born the eldest of four children, Bill and two of his brothers were diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a progressive genetic disease that weakens the muscles. At just 18 months old, doctors told his parents he likely wouldn’t live past seven years old.

Today, Bill is 40. His life is a miracle of endurance. But that miracle has come with relentless trials from not being able to do the things that most people take for granted like being able to shower, get dressed, eat, scratch an itch, and so on. Here is a list of other issues that cause Bill a lot of discomfort:

• Spends most of his time confined in a bed
• Severe limitations in moving his extremities
• Chronic fatigue, cramps, and constant discomfort
• Must continuously spit due to the curvature of his esophagus and limited ability to swallow
• Hasn’t eaten solid food for the last 13 years due to curvature of his neck

Despite these heavy burdens, Bill has chosen a life of faith in Jesus and His Church. Bill knows that his life has meaning and purpose.

From Despair to Gratitude

Like many who suffer deeply, Bill once wrestled with despair. Without adequate support, the pain of an absent father, and the overwhelming responsibilities placed on his mother, Bill endured years of trauma that still weigh on him.

But instead of remaining in bitterness, he developed a habit of cultivating gratitude. Some of his noted blessings are:

• Living parents and family
• Friendships
• A safe home
• Eyesight
• Competent and compassionate Caretakers, including his incredible mom
• Ability to read, learn, and enjoy hobbies

“There are times,” Bill said, “when everyone needs to look at life through a positive perspective to see God’s goodness despite the brokenness of this world.”

Lessons on Suffering and Faith

The age-old question—How can a loving God allow suffering?—is something Bill has faced head-on. His perspective: suffering exists because humanity has turned away from God. We must not blame God for our sins that have contributed to a broken world. Yet, God in His mercy transforms suffering into something redemptive. Something with meaning and purpose.

The crucifixion is the ultimate proof of God’s love. Through Jesus’ suffering for our sins came the salvation of the world—the conquering of death brought on by original sin, a debt we could never pay ourselves. Yet Jesus, being fully God, was not held to the Cross by nails or wood, but by perfect love—love for us, and the desire to heal us and open the way to eternal life with Him.

Bill grandfather Tom started teaching Bill when he was young that we get to participate with Jesus in His saving act, through our suffering. Tom would say, “You can NEVER suffer enough for Jesus.”

Over the years, these words echoed in Bill’s soul. Instead of resisting his suffering or longing for a different life, he slowly learned to embrace it.  Through prayer and reflection, he was given a deeper understanding of suffering, one that remains hidden from many.  Bill realized that God does not see the world in fleeting moments of time as we do, but all at once.

And why does this matter? Because it means we have spiritual, psychological, and even mystical access to the inexhaustible grace that flows from Jesus on the Cross through our suffering. We are invited to unite ourselves with Him and take part in His saving mission. Our suffering becomes a prayer for the conversion of sinners and salvation of souls. What a gift—and how amazing is that?

This insight gives Bill peace in times when he desperately needs it most. He also reminds others that our story doesn’t end with the Cross—we are promised the Resurrection, too. We don’t yet experience it in its fullness, but one day, when Christ comes again and time itself comes to an end, that promise will be complete.

Scripture echoes the truth about suffering:

• 1 Peter 4:13
  “But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when His glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.”
• Colossians 1:24
  “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of His body, which is the Church.”

Lastly as we close this spotlight Bill has another favorite scripture.  

• 2 Corinthians 12:9

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Let us take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of suffering—not as something to escape, but as a sacred opportunity to be united with Jesus on the Cross. In this union, our trials can be transformed into prayer for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of souls, part of the Lord’s redemption mission. For as Jesus Himself reminds us: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me”.

“As a single mother, without family support, I have a lot of unlearning and learning to do, in order to stay strong and faithful for my daughter. PFH has walked by my side with genuine love and encouragement, and has helped me see how important my faith is in moving forward in this world. They have helped us climb out of survival mode and from a constant state of worry, and have shown us through love, that God truly does love us, and will always hold out hand through the trials. I appreciate the loving encouragement, prayers, guidance. Their kindness has filled my daughter’s heart up with so much love, and mine as well. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for all they have done for my daughter and I.”