Hi! My name is Luke Jorgensen, I am 13 years old, and I have been suffering from POTS, and other health issues for the last 6 years.
It’s hard to fight every day!
I can feel God’s Help because it is impossible to carry on every day without his assistance. The best way for me to communicate with Heavenly Father is to pray. I pour my heart out to him, pleading for help to get through the day. It’s hard to feel his response, but I have learned that he pushes me to carry on. When I am scared to attack the day, he gives me the strength to keep at it.
If I were to give my best advice to someone else who is struggling, I would say DO NOT let your disease, dysfunction or disability define you! I would tell them that they are so much more than how they feel. Don’t worry about what others think or say. It’s hard because society likes to label people. But it’s impossible to label people because you can only judge from what you see, no one can see in your mind. They can’t see how powerful and strong you want to be and you strive to be. Never forget who you are and what you want to achieve. The Lord tells us that he will grant us our desires. I believe God, and I believe he loves me. He may grant me my greatest desires different than I see them, but I trust him to love me enough to make me all that I am supposed to be.
It’s important to know what you want out of life. Who do you want to be? Don’t hold back just because at this point in your life it seems impossible. Dream big! Then look at your dreams and assess your situation. Make some reasonable goals. Goals that you can achieve but goals that are going to get you to your dream. It may seem like you are barely crawling towards the you that you dream of. But what is the alternative? If you do nothing, you will get nowhere. Do something every day. That may simply be getting out of bed. To others that may seem like nothing, but to me it’s everything. I always wonder how I will get myself going, I may I lay in my bed and know what the day has to offer and I want to stay safe and warm. I have never stayed in bed yet. I have found the strength to get out of bed everyday. I have to be honest! IT IS VERY HARD!
I try to be productive every day as well. This helps if you find something to be passionate about. Find something you will have fun at. It helps distract you from your problems. My passions change, but right now I am really into movies. Not just watching them, but learning about the directing, the special effects, and the quality of acting. I critique every movie I watch and I read other critiques. I am also passionate about sports, I love to play sports, but I also like to learn the ins and outs. I have rebuilt the whole NBA season with accurate trading rules and salary caps. It takes hours of work, but it challenges my mind and requires little movement. Another passion I had was Star Wars, last year I rewrote the movies and gave it new twists. My productivity looks different than others, but I want to keep my mind sharp and ready to excel when my body gets ready to keep up. I could play video games all day and veg out, but where would that put me in 10 years?
Another thing I do is count my blessings. I try to look around me and recognize other people who are struggling. I have come to understand that not all struggles are visible, but they are still painful and debilitating. Often I am thankful for my struggles. Noticing others helps me feel better, because I am not as focused on myself. It works! It doesn’t heal, but it’s just a little lift.
Exercise has saved my life, literally. I suffer from extreme fatigue. The best fight against fatigue is exercises. It is not uncommon to find me randomly doing push-ups or jumping jacks. The result is that I can take on anyone my age and probably do more pushups then them. Pushups are a lifeline for me.
Yoda says : do or do not, there is no try
I also have a favorite scripture verse that I memorized 5 or 6 years ago when I first started getting sick. I still recite it to myself often to feel the Lord’s love for me, and to give me the strength I need to carry on.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
-Written by Luke Jorgensen (13 years old)
Luke, what a special gift you have for writing and inspiring others! You have so much wisdom for a 12 yr old! I was eo koved by your article. You are truly a warrior! I am so proud of you! Keep your faith and your chin up. Love you buddy!!!
Thanks so much Luke I really needed to see someone else’s faith I can’t think of anyone as strong as you I want you to know I look up to you. Love Parker Mason.
You are loved.
Luke,
Thank you for sharing your insight as these tips will help others. You are SO correct….your illness/diagnosis does NOT define you. I love how you are foccusing on what you can do vs what you cannot right now….especially the part about using your mind so it’s ready and sharp when your body catches up!
You are brave and inspiring. Thank you for using the pain you have endured to help others who are on a similar path. It is people like you who make the world a better place.
Blessings!
Awwww keep fighting buddy! I have seen how hard it is on you. However I know it’s Gods way of glorifying you, because you fight back everyday, and other will see that in you one time or another 🙂
Thankyou Luke for that inspiring message. You are such a wonderful example. Keep on fighting. You are one of Gods amazing warriors. Love you.
Luke I am so proud of the man you are becoming! This really encouraged me. You don’t remember me probable but I babysat you when u were just a tiny baby. I really enjoyed babysitting you kids and I love you guys very much.
With all my love
Mariah Jansen
Luke you inspire me! Your writing was wonderful to read and you have a gift! Keep pushing each day. Your words reminded me to stay positive and to find the bright side in every situation even when it seems like there isn’t one! I’ll be praying for you! Keep being awesome!
Beautiful message, Luke! I’m 57 and was definitely inspired by your passion and perseverance…may God Bless you and your family greatly!
Luke I’m sorry I’m not very good about keeping in touch with family but I try to stay a little connected via FB. I didn’t realize you go through so much! I can relate in some ways. I suffer from several health issues myself and I have days that I don’t have the strength to get out of bed or function. I also have days that I just don’t want to fight through the pain and I have to remind myself of my reasons to keep fighting. I appreciate your insight and advice! I know that God has a plan and he knows what he is doing! Even though we may not see or understand I do my best to trust in him just as you do! I’m very proud of you and your an inspiration to me! Thank you for sharing your story! Sending love and prayers!
Luke,
You don’t know me. I played football and basketball with your dad when we were much MUCH younger, and I can tell you have inherited the strength and determination you dad has.
From your post I can also tell that you have inherited special qualities and gifts from you Father in Heaven. Qualities that will bring you strength when you feel powerless. Our Savior wants us to need Him. Sometime that means we end up in really crummy situations, but when we continually turn to Him, and allow Him to make us whole we grow in ways we otherwise couldn’t.
Stay strong, and keep inspiring others through your testimony.
Andy Dillard
Luke YOU ARE AMAZING!!! You have such a gift❤️Thank you for sharing your inspiring message and your light with the world. You will be in my prayers. I know Heavenly Father will continue to lift you up and others through you. Thank you!
Luke YOU ARE AMAZING!!! You have such a gift, thank you for sharing it with the world! I know that Heavenly Father will continue to lift you up and others up through you and your example. Thank you
God is good! You are an awesome young man!
Luke: Thank you for sharing your story and how your relationship with God keeps you going each day. I am going to add you to my prayerlist, praying God’s mercy, blessings and healing for you. Blessings to you Luke!
Dear Luke,
What strength and dertetmination you have! I am completely inspired by your faith, your courage and your fight. You are a true warrior. Thank you for sharing your personal story and your words of wisdom. I will be holding you in my heart and in my prayers. ❤️🙏. You got this, Buddy!
Wow, that post was so moving and inspiring! You possess more strength in your pinky than I have in my entire heart and mind. Thank you for your testimony and example. I want to print this one out and read it to my girls every time they feel life gets hard. And for me!! Thank you thank you!!!!! I love you!!!!!!
Luke, you have shown me that true happiness and strength can be achieved if you keep your head up. You’re right! Everyday is a new and you have inspired me to stay positive! I’m soo very happy you are a part of my family and you shared this journey with us, you are very much loved!
So inspiring Luke. Made me cry! I love the scripture you chose when you started getting sick. I think I need to memorize that too. That’s a really good one. Also, I love your hobbies! Wow!! So original and out of the box and totally creative. You have really inspired me. Thank you!
Love, your cousin Mindy
Luke, I never knew this is what you’ve been going through, but one thing I can tell you is this, God has a plan for you, and whatever happens is His Will. I know that you won’t give up, and that you will keep fighting. You’re strong, don’t give up, but always remember to trust in your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You have a loving family that has been, and always will be, there to support you. I will add you to my prayers, and hope you feel better.
Your friend, Nikolas Berndt