Rose From the Ashes

I remember walking the wooded field behind my house in late 2017, listening to Casting Crowns. Their music and lyrics felt like a reassuring friend as I lived with a frightening life-changing diagnosis. Songs like "Just Be Held" reminded me it was okay to ask for help. And however, my story would play out, have faith in God's plan.

My story took a miraculous turn. After two years of suffering from the neurological effects of what doctors thought was multiple sclerosis, neurologists at the Mayo Clinic determined that I did not have MS. Instead, I have a demyelinating disorder called MOG antibody disease.

The treatment is working, and nearly all of my mental and physical faculties have returned! This experience was a crucible to my faith and has transformed me, much like the lyrics of a Casting Crowns song.

And not a tear is wasted

In time, you'll understand

I'm painting beauty with the ashes

Your life is in My hands.

I created this moving art as an expression of God's love. He had taken my tears and ashes and transformed them into beauty.