Carrie Cooper
How would you respond if you lost everything? What if chronic disease threatened you? Ankylosing Spondylitis—a debilitating autoimmune disease—wreaked havoc on Carrie’s family when she was diagnosed in 2006. She was painfully transformed from a vibrant wife and mother, to a suffering, crippled, and discouraged woman. Frustration and depression mounted as Carrie endured excruciating pain, limited mobility, and social isolation. While her physical health rapidly deteriorated, the real battle was spiritual. Her faith in Christ faced a new challenge: would she continue to love the Lord despite the intense, and possibly lifelong, suffering? Would she succumb to bitterness or give way to trust? It was in her brokenness that the Lord Jesus Christ began to strengthen her and restore hope. As she committed time with Him, whether through meditating on a Bible verse, or worshiping in pain-filled moments, Carrie’s relationship with Christ deepened. Now, several years later, God has mercifully granted Carrie physical restoration. Although she still requires medication to control the disease, she is able to stand, walk, and participate in life fully again. As her health improved she sensed God leading her to encourage hurting women. In 2009, Comfort and Compassion Ministry was created to effectively communicate the hope of Jesus Christ to the brokenhearted and wounded. Whether through writing, speaking, or U2HaveHope radio, Carrie is committed to delivering Christ’s message of hope to you!
Homepage: http://www.comfortandcompassion.com
Posts by Carrie Cooper
Growing in Prayer
Jan 19th
Wow! I’m thrilled about what God’s doing in Comfort & Compassion Ministry! You may remember a few weeks ago my confession of desiring a deeper walk with Christ. An immediate result of that desire was
M2: Memorization & Meditation
Many of you have joined me in Memorizing Bible verses and then Meditating on that verse throughout the week. I’m so glad to have you walk with me through this!
Here’s what we’ve studied so far:
Psalm 120:1 I call on the Lord in my distress and He answers me.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the Lord’s mighty hand and he will lift More >
News Flash–You’re Invited!
Jan 12th
Be a part of the conversation at
Comfort and Compassion Blog Frog Community
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Looking for a Christ-centered forum where you can get new ideas, talk to blogging buddies, and grow in your faith? Find a new home at Comfort and Compassion Blog Frog Community where you’re sure to make new friends!
Let me know when you stop by–I’d love to say hello!
With Christ’s More >
What’s the M2 Challenge?
Jan 10th
Last week I wrote about SPIRITUAL ROADBLOCKS–ordinary, mundane, routine–which keep us from maturing in our relationship with Jesus Christ. After a lot of reflection I realized one of my weakest areas is in Bible verse memorization. I must have hit a nerve because several of you commented that you struggle with that too.
Who among us hasn’t said, at one time or another, “There’s a verse in the Bible that says something like…” We may have a general idea of the verse’s content, and might even remember the specific book it’s in. But, few of us (me included!) can recall a More >
ROADBLOCK
Jan 3rd
Have you ever hit a roadblock? That’s where I am. I’ve been doing things the same way for a few years now, spiritually speaking, and I feel like I’ve hit a roadblock. It’s time for change.
Maybe you know what I’m talking about. We get comfortable in our routines, so much so, that eventually it’s not challenging anymore. It’s old hat, familiar, and maybe just a bit complacent. I definitely don’t like complacency. I don’t want my Bible study to become so predictable that it’s not enjoyable. I don’t want to pray the same old prayers either.
I want what you want—a More >
Not Afraid
Dec 25th
I know this is short and quick, but I wanted to send a note of encouragement on Christmas Eve. Many of you have a wonderful day planned tomorrow with family and friends. But, there are a few of you who are struggling with the circumstances of life. I’m reminded of the darkest days of my illness–pain knew no holiday. I wish I could give you a hug and help you face the day. Instead, I’ll give you what I know to be true:
The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake More >
A DESERT TRIP
Dec 15th
It was a time defined by loss. Disease ravaged my body, destroying my ability to walk. I lost my freedom, confined to my home for days at a time. Several friendships also disappeared, intensifying the isolation and loneliness. My identity as a wife, mother, and professional dissipated as I was forced to surrender my responsibilities to others. And, as the pain deepened and the disease worsened, rational thought vanished as depression grabbed hold of me.
Step by step God led me into the desert.
Ironically, it was that desert experience that drew me closer to the Lord. Each devastating loss incited More >
IT’S YOUR CHOICE
Dec 9th
Does this prayer sound familiar to you?
Lord, I can’t take anymore. I’m shattered. I have nothing else in this world but You. I’m begging you to stop this pain and heartache. Please help me.
For three years I pleaded with God to change my circumstances. Ironically, with each desperate cry my suffering escalated: the pain worsened, my health deteriorated, and the isolation intensified.
From the outside it seemed as though the Lord ignored my prayers. But, deep in my heart I knew the truth. As horrible as my life was, I was absolutely certain that the Sovereign God of Creation was More >
THANKSGIVING ISN’T OVER
Dec 2nd
Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, but I’m still thinking about all Jesus has done for me. Just over a year ago I was suffering horrible pain and could hardly walk. But in the span of one year, the Lord has transformed my life, yet again. As I lay in my bed last night, drifting off to sleep, I thought of all the blessings God has granted me:
- Physical relief–The most dramatic part of this year has been my restored health. The Lord has given me a break from the constant pain and has allowed me to walk again. I More >
