From a Health Crisis to Helping Others

During most of the 20 years I was sick CFS was not a legitimate illness and because I didn't get the diagnosis or the validation I needed I had to connect the dots myself. I figured out what was wrong with me, and how to heal. Now I'm passionate about educating other people suffering with this very misunderstood illness.

Although nearly 4 million Americans have CFS very few people understand that people with CFS are as sick and disabled as someone with end-stage AIDS or someone on cancer chemotherapy. I was in the generation of people who became sick with CFS before it was a "real" illness, and during most of the time I was sick many doctors didn't believe it was a bona fide disease even after the Centers for Disease Control declared it to be.

My journey was even more painful because I didn't have family to count on. I went through long periods of not having food on top of being so ill I could barely turn over in bed. I ended up in seriously dire circumstances.

That's when I experienced a real spiritual transformation. Although I'd accepted the Lord in my twenties I didn't live my life for Jesus. It took bringing me to death's door to realize so deeply that only God could heal my life and my body and really save me.

Bright at the End of the Tunnel

Even though I didn't experience much improvement in my health for the next five years I did have faith.

A pastor I knew during that time told me later, "I thought there was zero chance for your recovery."

I believed deeply the healing would happen-and it has. I'm now 80 percent recovered and the light at the end of the tunnel is very bright. I've learned that the worse your circumstances the bigger miracles God can do. That's what happened to me. Although people told me they thought I was going to die, God has proved them wrong.

Today, although I'm still not well enough to work a "real" job, I work at home doing research for writers and film producers. I also have designed a couple of products that are manufactured in China and which I sell online.

Guide to Fighting Fatigue

Through my literary contacts I was approached to write a book for Penguin entitled, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fighting Fatigue.

I was worried about disclosing that I'd actually been sick. But because I prayerfully did, the project has given me more credibility. People know that I get their suffering and that I know what I'm talking about! This book didn't come out of nowhere; it was part of God's plan. I didn't go through my long and excruciating journey with this invisible illness for nothing, I went through it to help others get through.

Because I understand CFS so painfully well and know that there is no known medical cure, I offer my wellness coaching services free of charge to people who contact me. I've talked to people on the phone and via e-mail all over the United States and in the United Kingdom.

Straightforward on Health and Healing

I write a blog, Healthosity, where I'm straightforward and I don't sugar-coat the fact that health and healing, like all things, are a personal responsibility. Hope doesn't come in a pill. Healing and recovery comes from hard work. Sadly the sicker you are the harder you have to work, so I also freely give encouragement and prayer. I tell people, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Recently I was contacted by an older man on the East Coast about his struggles with CFS, who was working nights. Because of my conversation with him and my encouraging him to pray about his circumstances, he quit his night job. He told me, "I can't believe what a gold mine I've discovered in your writings." Feedback like that is a real blessing.

My principles for healing and health apply to everyone, and I'm available to talk to anyone who needs some healing guidance. I praise God every day and thank Jesus for every blessing in my life even the little things.

After so many years of suffering and deprivation I'm now excited about the future and what God has in store for me.

Read Saubers' blog, listen to her talk in a podcast, and contact her at: http:// healthosity.blogspot.com/