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Winnipeg author Robyn Derksen Olfert recently published her first book, Invisibly Ill and Living with Hope, in order to inspire people who battle pain daily.
"I've been living with chronic illness for a number of years now," says Olfert. "I've had headaches since I was seven that eventually got defined as chronic migraine. Then MS got thrown into the mix when I was 28, just a couple of months after our daughter was born. Then depression came not too long after that."
While Olfert knows the meaning of struggle well, she has held onto her faith in God throughout her life, and it's given her a perspective of hope.
"I've always had my faith. God's never not been a part of my life. I have a whole chapter on perspective. Going from, 'despite' having MS, to 'because of.'"
Olfert also talks about how to interact with people who have chronic illnesses or disabilities throughout her book, offering people advice.
"A big thing is to be real and to be positive. Give a genuine compliment. You don't have to qualify it. If you're curious about something, don't ogle. If you're curious, just ask. If you want to help, ask if they want help. Don't assume they need help.:"
Anyone interested in learning more about Olfert or her new book can do so on her website.
"I felt God telling me, 'I'm not going to take MS from you, but I'm going to use it.' I am praying He's using it for His glory. I've seen how I've been able to connect with other people and relate to them. It's been beautiful. When I pray for people, I pray for God's best for them."