By Sharon Kern McCall
– Homeward Bound Series – Sharon’s Story –
My childhood celebrations were joyful, especially when my mother baked cakes. One of my favorites was her skillfully-prepared pineapple upside-down cake. It was intriguing to watch the process as each ingredient was added. I had no idea how crucial each element was for the expected outcome, but she followed a clear and trusted recipe that included the ingredients, the order, the process, and each step to follow. No skipping of steps was allowed if she desired a successful outcome.
Eventually, all the ingredients were added and the mixing and beating process was completed. Then the batter was poured into the baking pan on top of some very special ingredients already placed in the pan. These goodies of this cake were hidden at the bottom of the cake pan during baking in the heat of the dark oven. The fragrance of the cake filled the house and increased our anticipation. At the appointed time, it was amazing to watch a seemingly simple cake being removed from the pan – simple until carefully flipped over to reveal a luscious cake with pineapples, cherries, and nuts on the top. The true potential of this cake was hidden and later revealed. This cake was always intended to be flipped right-side up. It wasn’t a mistake that it went through an upside-down process.
My life often feels beaten and turbulent. It appears to be turned upside down as I encounter unexpected adversity, setbacks, and devastation. Many can probably relate. We can identify times when life turned upside down again – a tragedy or situation so enormous we weren’t sure how we would survive (the death of a loved one, divorce, serious health issues, the loss of a job, infertility, wayward children, and so much more). I recall when I felt the pressures of life bombarding me, and my life was turned upside down. I was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative muscle disorder with a peculiar and menacing name: Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). I still remember receiving the phone call as my physician delivered the IBM diagnosis. When I asked about the treatment plan, she paused and stated there was no treatment or a cure. Wait … what? Yes, this was an upside-down moment in my life.
Medical personnel stated I would go through the process of using a cane, then a walker, and eventually a wheelchair for my mobility. If that wasn’t enough, I would also lose the function of my hands and may even lose control of the facial muscles responsible for speaking, swallowing, and eating. My thoughts were, “How can this be? I have plans for my future, and this isn’t part of the well-written script I’ve composed for my life.” What could I do to prevent this upside-down situation from defeating me?
This was a life-changing experience. Unless the Lord intervenes (with or without medical science), my future is altered. Over time, each additional loss of my physical ability is accompanied by another visit to the grief cycle: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I park at the various stages and then recycle through them again. Every time I gain confidence about arriving at a level of acceptance, I find myself visiting another previous phase.
I’m generally optimistic about life. These emotional fluctuations cause mental discord. For seasons, I am the ultimate online encourager to women around the country who are living with IBM. Then I find myself parked at the anger stage again. Sometimes I still find myself trying to bargain with God about this apparent error He allowed in the recipe for my life.
Enough is enough. I’m renewing my journey to trust our sovereign God. I’ve heard others make the statement, “If He allows it, He will carry you through it.” Yes, I believed that statement when it was directed toward others; but now can I believe it for myself?
Even through tears, my sustaining thought has become, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:18). God is glorified with my praise, especially when my prayers seem unanswered, the circumstances remain unchanged, and deliverance isn’t apparent. The Bible is filled with heroes with this level of faith – I must admit, I don’t feel very heroic.
I continue to hope and trust for a miraculous healing or the jubilant announcement of a scientific advancement to cure or at least treat IBM. But what if my prayer isn’t answered as I desire? So many times, I wait for victory before I rejoice. I’m learning to rejoice in hope for the unseen. My true faith isn’t only measured when I experience joy from an answered prayer. The Lord honors my faith based on trust and praise despite my challenges. During times of tragedy and despair, true faith is tested. Will I rely on Christ with heartfelt worship during the heat of the dark and uncertain periods of life?
On this side of heaven, life can be hard. How determined am I to delight in the Lord with hope, despite experiencing upside-down situations? The goodies He placed within me long ago are still there and waiting to be revealed. I need to trust His recipe and His plan. The ingredients, beating, process, and heat of my life have a purpose. My appointed time will come. He has always had plans to flip me right-side up. My choice is to rejoice – not only about what God does but rather about who He is.
Dr. Sharon Kern McCall is a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is married and has three adult children and five amazing grandchildren. Sharon’s professional career as an educator spanned over 40 years. She has a passion for teaching: at the university level, with women at her church and conferences, or with children and youth. Sharon is the author of Bake the Cake – The Journey toward Fulfillment and Meaning. She has published several devotions and is writing a series of Bible study books to be published in 2023.
Thank you Dr. McCall for sharing your your Up-Side-Journey through life. We all
Share a degree of setbacks and disappointments but probably not to the extent you have experienced. The only thing I remember about you through the years is every time I saw you, you had a smile on your face, You are amazing.
Dr. Sharon you have always been an inspiration to me. A wonderful Mentor and some one I look up to. When I look at you I do not see your disability but I see a woman of Hod who is used mightily and I know God will continue to use you as woman of Godly influence in the lives of every one you encounter!
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I don’t think we can compare our challenges and setbacks in life. Every situation is personal. It was difficult for me to be transparent and share my struggles, but I’m grateful I finally had the courage to tell my story while assuring the Lord was glorified. Blessings to you and yours.
Beautiful! These words have given me hope of my of my journey is that each day to deal with chronic pain. And back issues. And recently dealing with speech issues. This these words also reminded me that we do have hope in God and we have to know that he knows all things.
Thank you lady Sharon for sharing So like glean words, but to take it to my heart. So you are not alone. All of us have issues in our life that we our in a place that has flipped in our life. 💕
You’re correct. We’re reminded that we’re not alone and the Lord never intended us to try this journey on our own. I’m grateful for my “village” of support. It’s encouraging to know technology has allowed us to connect with others who understand the need to share one another’s burdens. I just prayed for you and your health. Our God is able.
Thank you for sharing your amazing life story. Life has a way of coming at us when we have plans of our own. So glad God is in control and he loves us so much.
You are so correct. We make plans and then life happens. It’s no surprise to God. I have to remind myself that if He allowed it, He will get me through it. Then, I add another item to my mental folder that is labeled, “Questions to Ask Jesus When I Get to Heaven.”
TY for sharing this beautiful Devotion, Lady Sharon. God has given us (me!), women whose lives you’ve touched, so much through you: your gentle manner, hospitality, resilience, gracious kindness, teaching, creativity, inspiration and other virtues. “There’s beauty even in our brokenness.” TY for exemplifying the ability to live out purpose because our ability is in and through God. 💛
Thank you so much for your encouragement. It doesn’t always feel comfortable in our brokenness; however, if we can touch someone else, it’s worth it. I always say, “There are some aspects of my life I can control — my attitude, my concern for others, my hope, my joy. I’m committed to focusing on what I can control rather than on the aspects over which I have no control.
Sharon, You have tremendously inspired and encouraged me through both your resiliency and writing. How extraordinary! Thank you for your transparency and truth. We will some times anger at disappointments, but it need not be a permanent condition. We appreciate you reminding us “If He allows it, He will carry you through it.” I have a dilemma at this very moment to which I can apply this truth. Truly, God specializes in making something beautiful and desirable out of the upside down situations in our life!
I’m so grateful the Lord has a plan, even in our “upside down situations.” It’s so uncomfortable while we wait to be flipped “right-side-up. We can be confident in His perfecting process.
Thank you very much writing this. I recently lost my oldest son one month ago yesterday. This how my life feels right now upside down! Thank you
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry to hear that. My prayers for you and your family. I maintain a mental folder for situations like this that are beyond my understanding. I label it, “Questions to Ask Jesus When I Get to Heaven.” I just prayed for you and your family that the Lord give you divine comfort.
Love this inspiration to encourage me during this difficult time with my health issues. I have been diagnosed with narrowing of the cervical spine and my brain is slipping into the cervical spine.
As I move forward with this diagnosis my Hope and Faith is in God. Thank you for sharing your story
Lenora, I just prayed for you. It’s so challenging to experience health issues. I’m praying, trusting, and believing with you. I’m also praying for divine guidance and direction the medical personnel involved with your care.
Thanks for sharing the ingredients of your life that turned your life upside down. It is these transparent writings that give me hope and courage. The God that will not leave nor forsake you will be with you through it out.
Thank you Dr. McCall for sharing your story. You are an amazing and strong woman of God. You have been an inspiration to so many women including me. I thank God for allowing our path to cross. Blessings,
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I’m grateful the Lord directed me to share this journey. Messages like yours give me hope that stepping outside my comfort zone and being transparent is meaningful.
I loved reading your story, sometimes we don’t understand what God is doing or how he is moving and it can become so frustrating and sometimes it makes you want to give up how but somehow you find the courage to keep going. God bless you
I completely agree with you. It can become so frustrating and discouraging. I don’t always feel courageous, but I’m grateful for strength for another day.
I completely agree with you. It can become so frustrating and discouraging. I don’t always feel courageous, but I’m grateful for strength for another day.
Oh wow Dr McCall your testimony about your upside down life you shared with us was powerful, raw, emotional, heart wrenching, inspiring and encouraging. And yes I truly believe we all have had our own upside down experiences in our lives but how many of us would write about it and share it with others as you have? Thank you for doing so! You so eloquently described the parking places we visit and revisit along the way while carrying our bag of emotions at each stop. Thank you for pressing your way to complete this assignment. Thank for keeping Hope Alive and thank you for blessing me!
I appreciate your encouragement, Doris. It’s not easy to be transparent about struggles with our faith walk; however, it’s beneficial for us to know we’re not alone. Yes, I can check off this assignment as completed, but I know there are so many others on this syllabus of life. I need to be committed until the end of my course.
Thank you Dr. Sharon McCall, your transparency and powerful faith helps me in so many ways!
Blessings and love to you on your continued journey!
To God be the Glory for You!
Barbara Bodison
I appreciate your encouragement, Doris. It’s not easy to be transparent about struggles with our faith walk; however, it’s beneficial for us to know we’re not alone. Yes, I can check off this assignment as completed, but I know there are so many others on this syllabus of life. I need to be committed until the end of my course.
Thank you so much, Barbara. It’s not easy being transparent, but I’m grateful the message was beneficial to others. My goal is to encourage others and always glorify God.
What a powerful testimony of faith in action. Thank you for sharing. I think I’d like to read your book.
Tia, thank you so much for your encouraging words. My previous book, Bake the Cake: The Journey toward Fulfillment and Meaning, is available through Amazon and other sites. You can see an overview on filledandfulfilled.org
My current project is scheduled for later this year.
I stumbled on your fb page and your smile intrigued me being so very warm. After reading a few of your posts I came across the link to your story. The whole process seems like one of Divine intervention! Your transparency and truth touched me to the core and gave me some much needed encouragement that God is still in control! All it takes is the strength not to falter in our faith and know that we should be still and know that He is God! Thanku and blessu for sharing your life challenges and know that you having truly blessed me by reminding me of the love of God that sometimes I feel doesn’t exist because of the life challenges I am facing! May God continue to bless you abundantly and with His love! Godspeed!