“You may feel alone, like you shouldn’t talk about what is going on, but the worst thing you can do it isolate yourself… When you’re honest and vulnerable, it’s incredible how many places it will take you.”

Previously on the podcast, Kimberli West talked about her unexpected battle with invisible chronic illness. She shared how she’s seen God’s hand at work in her hardship. As a young woman with an on-the-go lifestyle, Kimberli had ignored her physical symptoms illness. The day she found herself passed out in the emergency room was her wake-up call. Diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases, what Kimberli initially thought would be easily controlled by medication led her on an extreme medical journey: 20 surgeries, the loss of 9 organs, and the fight of her life.

Crystal invited Kimberli back for a second conversation on the podcast to talk about the importance of vulnerability and transparency when we face challenges. Chronic conditions  often lead to loneliness and isolation, but being vulnerable about your struggles opens the door for deep relationships, support, and finding joy in suffering. Listen as Kimberli shares how transparency helped her develop a strong supportive community and ministry opportunities, even when she was unable to leave her house.

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by international disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada, the ministry provides Christ-centered care through  Joni's House, Wheels for the World, and Retreats and Getaways, as well as disability ministry training and higher education through the Christian Institute on Disability. 

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.