Another day,
Summer is arriving soon at her normal rapid pace. She seems, though, to be in more of a hurry.

Like last year, I’ll suggest some good books for you to read. In this blog, I’ll highlight two. The books are two very different stories, written in very different styles. I read one on paper, holding a normal book in my hands. The other I read from my iPad and iPhone.

One has caused me to actually cheer for a knuckleball pitcher who plays for the New York Mets – unless they’re playing the Braves. I’ve never pulled for the Mets before.

The other book has challenged me to stop accepting status quo. It has inspired me to pursue the impossible, to keep on loving people, and to be a positive influence through small things. When I finished reading that book I knew it was time to complete a personal goal – instead of continuing to hold back waiting for the perfect time.

Both books provide stories. Stories of pain, of joy, of life, of victory. Stories of opportunities, of dreams, of risks, of outcomes.

In their differences, both books highlight the importance of one word: Go.

So, what two books remind me of that one word, Go? R.A. Dickey’s Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball. And, Bob Goff’s Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World.

Dickey, with author Wayne Coffey, tells stories similar to the surprises of the knuckleball pitches he throws. His stories seem to be moving in one direction and then they drop. Quickly. Unexpectedly. Like a catcher or batter, readers aren’t sure where the ball will go next. But, his stories confess his failures and frustrations. They reveal the pain from sexual abuse, too many years of silence, and failures on the mound. They tell of his family and his counseling. The stories, though, end well.

Dickey did not stop. He decided to go. Not letting escaping or avoiding be his method of going, he chose to face his situations and go – to move forward to authenticity.

Goff tells stories from various stages in his life. His wild, courageous, risky life. His take-a-chance-and-see-what-happens life. His dare to rid ourselves of capes and stained-glass windows and fanfare.

Goff’s adventure reminds us that love actually does something. Love isn’t just how we feel or what we think or what we believe or how much we find pleasure in something. Real love really does something.

These books challenge us to notice the traffic light is now green. Why remain stopped? Being limited by fear, past pain, luggage of disappointments, opinions of others? Choosing to stay where we are in life? Placing blame instead of accepting responsibility?

Let Bob Goff’s words remind us:

“We’re part of God’s much bigger plan for the whole world.”

“We did nothing to earn this life; all we can do in exchange is give it away.”

And, such action might begin with the words I choose to use at the end. Dickey writes:

“The longer I live, the more I come to believe that the ability to say the words ‘I’m sorry’ is one of the greatest healing agents in the world.”

Let’s go.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: “Faith isn’t an equation or a formula or a business deal that gets you what you want.” (Bob Goff: Love Does)

Another Day Along the Way
Saturday, May 12, 2012

Another day,
Graham, it’s not just another day.

This morning you’ll receive a college degree. Not many mornings ago I held you for the first time.

You traveled the years rapidly. My memories aren’t the best, but I recall so many experiences together. Our conversations, our ball games, our meals, our prayers, our music. Laughing with your friends. Driving you around before riding as you drove. Playing basketball against each other until it was too depressing on your old man – then, me rebounding you shot after shot as you worked on your form.

Those rebounds remind me so much of your life journey. You were taught form. You were offered advice, instructions, corrections, and consistent reminders. But you had to shoot for yourself. Over and over and over. All I could do was rebound and pass as you practiced. All I could do was cheer and nod as you played games.

Like hoops, your parents and mentors and coaches and fans can’t play this game of life for you. We’re proud of how you’ve played it during these quick seasons from birth through college. We’re now praying for your next seasons in this game of life.

Remember to keep your eye on the goal. Don’t be distracted. Be a team player. Never commit a lazy foul. Play like each possession in life can influence the outcome. Life lessons so similar to basketball.

But, unlike basketball, life’s game isn’t about the score on the screen. Your success might be the greatest when unnoticed and unranked. Remember that.

Jesus taught us the strange lesson of staying silent about miracles, the strange lesson about time away from the crowds, the strange lesson of loving people others dislike. Learn His lessons.

Your mother and I are proud of you. Your Heavenly Father is proud of you. Today I’ll smile a little and cry a little as I remember so much.

I’ll glance at a few pictures from years, days, and moments gone by. And I’ll thank you for being a winner in the game of life – even though I wish you’d let me defeat you once in table tennis. Once. Just once.

Today isn’t just another day.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: He doesn’t pass us messages, instead He passes us each other. (Bob Goff: Love Does)

Another Day Along the Way
Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Another day,
The final week of college.

Exams and assignments. Packing and departing. Talking with friends. Walking to receive a diploma and claim a degree. Thinking back. Dreaming ahead. Reflecting in the present.

The final week of school.

A summer. A job. A budget. A few hopes and a few plans; a few fears and a few prayers. The consistency of uncertainty. The potential illusions and final conclusions.

But, this final week isn’t really the final week of study, of learning, of grades, of walking forward. This ending is a beginning. This conclusion is an introduction. This landing allows us to exit our present plane and prepare to board our next flight in this adventure called life.

What have we learned from this year, this experience, this flight? How are we better prepared for the next take off and landing?

What are we learning at this very moment?

Each experience can, like classes, teach us so much. Instead of ignoring the opportunities for transformation, let’s learn from each endeavor.

This week isn’t final. It is a new start.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Another Day Along the Way
Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Another day,
Here are four words for today: We are not alone.

Those four words reinforce a key reality of life – one we too often ignore or avoid.

Bold Venture 3 demonstrated those four words for today. While attending that Men’s Retreat March 22-24, I realized how men too often think we’re too tough to need help.

So, what was Bold Venture 3? Honest confessions about struggles, mistakes, addictions, and victories. Authentic conversations with men who can pray, listen, love, and refuse to gossip about what was said. Inspiring music and speakers. Stories told, stories heard, stories received. Reuniting with friends. Meeting new friends. Moving beyond easy-steps-to-success and entering the region of relational community. Grasping this reality we all crave: We are not alone.

The next weekend I experienced similar community in a different setting. The National Walk for Epilepsy in Washington, DC, emphasized the importance of moving from singular to plural. Joining with others who live with epilepsy, caregivers, pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and partnering companies became a team. A true team. Many faces. One cause. We emphasized the often ignored condition of epilepsy. Walking together outside on a beautiful Saturday, we proudly and humbly made this statement: We are not alone.

Last week, my friend Bruce Ladebu came to north GA to speak. Hearing his stories about risking his life to rescue victims around the globe reminded me that we need to help those who feel alone. Human slavery is happening in frightening numbers. Too many are alone. That should change. And we should help change it.

Easter weekend reminded me again that none of us need to be alone. The weekend about sacrifice and atonement, about a risen Savior returning to see His friends, about Him welcoming them together: I realized again that we are not alone and that we should not let anyone else feel alone.

The last three weeks have reminded me that we are not alone. Yes, we feel alone at times. Yes, we need to take time alone. Yes, there are seasons of life when aloneness is more painful, more real, more necessary. But no, we are not alone. Isolation is like a disease. When denying its existence we put ourselves in dangerous places. When welcoming its status we choose a life in the singular. When defeating isolation by choosing to not be alone we learn the true meaning of a healthy family.

We are not meant to live alone. We need friends. We need family. We need to move beyond past relational hurts and experience the beauty of words like these:

- Forgiveness
- Acceptance
- Confession
- Teamwork
- Understanding
- Listening
- Respect
- Endurance

This week, move from the singular to the plural. Refuse to live a life alone.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: Let’s be motivated. Let’s find a strategic support team. When we wander, let’s refocus. When we become aware of weaknesses, let’s accept help.
(Chris Maxwell: Changing My Mind)

Another Day Along the Way
Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Another day,
Recent tests and appointments reminded me of my damaged brain. Glancing at images from an MRI, speaking to group of people who can relate to life-changing and near-death experiences, knowing I’ll be driving on I-85 late tonight: I’m reminded of what changed my mind and my world 16 years ago today.

So much to write, but I’ll add a few brief notes. Dear Damaged Brain: Happy Anniversary. Dear Family and Friends: Thanks for enduring love. Dear Doctors and Therapists: Thanks for wisdom and guidance. Dear God: Thanks for never leaving or forsaking.

And, I’ll add comments friends wrote in my book Changing My Mind.

Lee Grady, director of The Mordecai Project:
“I knew Chris Maxwell before his illness, but he became my best friend after he began the slow road to recovery. The man I know today is more like Jesus–all because he faced an incredibly difficult physical challenge without ever doubting the Father’s love.
This is a journal of his remarkable journey to find healing after a brain injury. You may never suffer from the effects of encephalitis, as Chris did, but we all face life-crippling weaknesses that can sideline us from God’s true purpose. Whatever your personal struggle is–physical disability, emotional dysfunction, sexual brokenness or unfortunate life circumstances–Chris’ insights will inspire you to press beyond the pain to reach victory.”

Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope:
“Chris’ creative, poetic nonfiction tells the testimony of his near death experience. He takes readers into the hospital and then home to a changed life. He confesses his struggles while offering true hope found only in God. His magazine articles about the battle have encouraged many readers to not give up on God or on life. This book will touch others and help them realize their reasons for living.”

Dr. Steven Attermann, my doctor and friend:
“What I found awesome about this book, was that it very clearly described Chris’ struggles, fears and victories, while giving hope to those who have, are and unfortunately will struggle with similar challenges. It meshes the human struggle from a mental and medical view with the spiritual challenge of using his faith to carry him through. There is no fairy tale ending, but no crash and burn either. Just a person, with the help of family, friends and G-d, who was able to overcome an illness and return back to a productive, meaningful life.”

And, I remember my long interview with my neurologist, Dr. Hal Pineless:
“Use your sincerity. You write about real life and that is what readers need. Tell them what you were thinking. I’m wanting to read this as your neurologist. While you went through this, what was it like for you? It would be good to give the perspective of what you were thinking, what you were feeling, and how other people were affected by it. I’m not sure how you write that. It’s your job to figure that out. I think that’s what people want to hear. I’ve never read an account from someone who has suffered an illness like this and what they are actually feeling and going through.”

These days I am thankful, though I still struggle. What about you? What is your story, your struggle, your weakness, your disability? What can you do to adjust, to improve, to endure?

One reality which helped me the most is that which can help us all: Don’t seek to fight through our pain alone. Seek help. Engage in a community of fellow strugglers. Endure together.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Painful Surrender: Passing on, time. Passing on, days. So little could I remember. So different this seemed. Could I stay calm? Could I still speak? (Chris Maxwell – Changing My Mind: A Journey of Disability and Joy)

http://www.amazon.com/Changing-My-Mind-Chris-Maxwell/dp/1932776052/ref=sr_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331033632&sr=1-14

Another Day Along the Way
Monday, February 27, 2012

Another day,
I haven’t written a blog since last year. December and 2011 rushed away, hardly saying goodbye. January arrived, departing after a brief, always-in-a-hurry visit. February never seemed to take a seat; I think she kept her shoes on so she can leave on time Wednesday night.

March is waiting. Like her friends, she won’t stay very long.

But as the months and days and weeks and minutes rapidly visit and depart, what have we accomplished during their time? What words have we spoken or chosen to not say? What dangerous habits have we broken? What resolutions have we turned into habits of health? What relationships have we renewed? What painful reminders have we finally released?

Big questions. Major decisions made in brief moments of time. The answers and actions can bring long term changes.

So, as March waits, I suggest this: let us wait no longer. Let us act appropriately. Let us decide to pursue the correct goals and toss away any luggage which doesn’t belong.

Start today. As February walks away and the new month marches in, let’s take off our shoes and stay committed to our new adventures.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: Maybe we should pause. Maybe even exit the treadmill.
(Chris Maxwell: Beggars Can Be Chosen)

http://www.amazon.com/Beggars-Can-Be-Chosen-ebook/dp/B0071N6YMM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1330173607&sr=1-1

Here are pictures and stories from the Maxwell Family in 2011. Download the file and take a look. Thanks for your friendship. Merry Christmas to each of you.

Another Day Along the Way

Monday, December 5, 2011

 Another day,

Do you work for the same company as your spouse? If you are single and plan to one day marry, do you hope to share a workplace with your partner? My recent Another Day blog was about WinShape Marriage Retreat. In the large topic of marriage, I could write a follow up under many specific topics. But I decided to interview some of the couples who work together. Yes, work together. Not just live in the same house. Not just carry the same last name. But work together for the same company: Emmanuel College.

Working together might not “work” for everyone – but for some, it can cause the marital relationship to become even stronger. Here are some stories:

Sean and Lisa Williamson. Sean married his wife, Lisa, on November 30^th, 1991.

“I met Sean our sophomore year in high school,” says Lisa. “He invited me to help build our class float in his parent’s garage. We became great friends.” The couple dated on and off until Sean proposed.

“She said no!” Sean admitted. “It wasn’t until we met up again about 5 years later while both of us were living in Atlanta that I asked her the second time, and she finally came to her senses.”

What is it like for both of you to work at Emmanuel College? “It is a privilege,” says Sean. “It is a wonderful opportunity for us to serve God together, in the same place, under the same mission. Now, as our oldest daughter has started Emmanuel this year, it gives us a new perspective as not only members of this college family, but as parents to a student here.”

“It is a dream come true,” Lisa explains. “The college has been a part of our lives for 15 years and we feel very privileged to be a part of what God is doing here.”

Sean is currently the Director of Counseling Services, Career Services and Disability Services. Lisa is a Financial Aid Counselor.

Erin and TJ Rosen. Erin and TJ have been married for seven years. They met at Reinhardt

College. TJ is currently the men’s basketball coach, and Erin is the Director of Athletic Fundraising and an adjunct professor.

How do you spend time with God and time with each other in your busy schedules? “Meals, games, cheering for other teams, chapel, convocation,” says TJ. “We don’t just talk about our days – we get to live them together.”

Erin comments: “There’s nothing more important than for us to make sure that we are right with God. Not saying it makes marriage easy, but it sure helps! Without God, we would not have made it this far.”

Erin and TJ have 2 children, Boston (4) and Bella (3).

Kyle and Stephanie Garrett. Kyle and Stephanie are newlyweds. They married a little over three months ago.

“We met in graduate school at UGA,” Kyle says. “We had a teaching practicum class together. I made her laugh so hard that milk literally came out of her nose (surely she doesn’t mind my sharing that).”

What advice do you have for couples who recently married or will soon get married?

“My advice is to put God first in everything, pray together, read Scripture together, and be spiritual partners in a real way. Trust God’s timing and don’t rush anything. Only God could have given me a wife so perfect for me. Stephanie is beyond a shadow of a doubt a blessing from God. And He holds all things together. It starts with prioritizing God first. Then everything else falls into place.”

Kyle and Stephanie are both professors in the English department.

Angie and Brian Peek. Brian and Angie recently celebrated their 24th anniversary. Angie is the Lab Assistant for the Natural Sciences Department. Brian is Chair-Natural Sciences and Chemistry Professor.

What personal spiritual disciplines have helped you grow spiritually together? “It is easy to say praying and Bible study,” Angie says. “But tithing has been a constant discipline that I feel has helped us also to grow. There have been times I have thought if I just didn’t tithe my money – then there would be other things I could afford. But I chose to tithe – after all, it’s God’s money anyway. When Brian lost his job once, we didn’t know how long we would go without a paycheck, but we remained faithful in our tithe. Because of our obedience to God, even when it is hard, He blesses us and takes care of us all the time.”

Brian and Angie have a son named Nikolai who is a freshman in college.

Tim and Deborah Stark. The Starks have been married for 27+ years. They met at Ozark Christian College in their freshman year. They were a self-described “choir tour” romance.

“Working together is a life-simplifier in many ways,” says Tim. “We like being in the same place and on basically the same schedule. I like being available to help if there’s something Deb needs, and we like being able to directly support and encourage each other.” Tim is an English instructor and club leader, Deborah is an Assistant Professor of Music and the Director of the EC Arts Academy.

How do you choose to spend time with God and time with each other in your busy schedules? Deb and I have both worked multiple jobs for most of our married lives, so buddy time has always been a challenge,” Tim says. “Our way of prioritizing it has always been unconventional, but that’s been okay for us.”

“We regularly share with each other passages of scripture, art & music that touches us spiritually, and daily events where we see the handiwork of God or where He has revealed His nature to us,” Deborah says.

What advice do you have for couples who recently married or will soon get married?

“Too many couples give up too soon,” Deborah notes. “We were married at ages 19 (me) and 21 (Tim). As we formed fully as adults during our marriage, we matured in different areas at different times. Even our interests and goals changed over time. Ours is a work of constantly pulling back together and refocusing, remembering that we are charged by God to break the cycle of divorce that was prevalent with both of our parents.”

Claude and Alice Black. Claude, Professor of History, and Alice, Administrative Assistant in the School of Education, are starting their eighteenth year at Emmanuel College. They met on a blind double date in February 1958 arranged by a friend who knew them both. After dating all through high school, they were married following graduation on June 17, 1961. They have spent this year celebrating their 50^th anniversary.

How do you choose to spend time with God and time with each other in your busy schedules? Claude and Alice say: “Friday night has always been ‘date night’ for us. When the children were young, it was ‘family night.’ Everything else is put aside and the Blacks bug out. It can be elegant or simple—the secret is purposeful together time. We’ve always been involved with young people whether as Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, ministers, or college employees. Being with the young men and women at Emmanuel College and watching as God shapes their lives is a great privilege for which we are thankful.” 

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell & Meredith Legg-Grady

Powerful Statement: Love means giving up a part of yourself for the sake of the other, and them doing the same for you. (Sean Williamson)

Another Day Along the Way
Thursday, November 24, 2011

Another day,
We can glance back and remember our Thanksgivings of yesterday.
Recall seasons of laughter, meals of feasts, conversations of authenticity.
Ball games watched and ball games played.
Moments in time to remember:
Those family members and friends who are no longer nearby.
Those family members and friends who are here.
Remembering. Rejoicing. Reflecting.
Forgiving.
Giving thanks.

We can pause and notice our Thanksgiving of now.
Realizing the wonder, the often ignored, the familiar.
Watching the lives nearby and living a life of reality.
This moment in time to embrace.
A segment of life we will never visit again.
Now. Only now do we experience now.
The noise and silence are in the moment.
The crowds and aloneness are in the moment.
Giving thanks in the moment
Is the choice to make
As we eat and experience the now,
As we give thanks.

We can gaze forward and hope of our Thanksgivings of tomorrow.
Tomorrows of promise, of possibilities, of purpose.
Tomorrows of prayer.
Waiting for miracles. Hoping for accomplishments.
Unknowing what stands in a distance.
Unfamiliar with the land, the world, the days, the minutes.
What and who will be at the table?
Where will the table be sitting?
Each instance – though different and familiar –
Brings us back to yesterday and today.
How can we prepare for then?
How can we taste a joy in each moment
And arrange ourselves for unknown
Thanksgiving days on years awaiting?
By living with thankful hearts in today.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Prayer Surrendered: Often, while rushing to get ahead, we get behind. The wrapping and the eating and the singing and the meeting pack calendars, leaving no room in our inns. We hide hurt; we deny truth; we lose that loving feeling. Events of temporary worth rob time to invest in permanent value.
(Chris Maxwell: Unwrapping His Presence)

How can you get involved during Epilepsy Awareness Month? How can you learn more?

Purchase copies of Chris Maxwell’s books Changing My Mind or Unwrapping His Presence. If you tell Chris your desire to partner with epilepsy groups, he will donate a portion of his funds to an area epilepsy support group. Email Chris at CMaxMan@aol.com

Watch the four YouTube interviews to learn from Chris Maxwell’s story:

http://ec.edu/news/campus-pastor-interviewed

Listen to the Epilepsy Advocate Radio show, hosted by Chris Maxwell:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/epilepsyadvocateradio

Another Day Along the Way
Monday, November 21, 2011

Another day,
Like most months these days, November arrived quickly for a brief visit. Soon she’ll be gone. But, unlike other months, November highlights two realities we should remember all year long:

- Become more aware of epilepsy
- Choose to give thanks whatever our situations

Those two themes – often forgotten and ignored; often distant from each other – live together in my life. One chose to be a part of my life. And I must never let the other one leave my life. As a man living with epilepsy, I can also live as a man who is thankful.

Today I am very thankful that more people are becoming aware of this historically misunderstood word: epilepsy.

Adrian Egli has been living with Epilepsy since childhood but has been able to grasp the deeper processes going on in his brain. Adrian says, “When things don’t work our way with epilepsy, too often we let ourselves be driven into a ‘cold thought mode’ – the ‘Why bother?’ or ‘It’s not worth it’ thoughts. But we should never forget to remind ourselves that each moment is just that – a moment. What might be cold one moment can turn over and become warm the next.”

Epilepsy groups around the world have worked to bring warmth to an area often seen as a bitter cold reality. The warmth of updated information, authentic conversations, healthy stories, medical options, and community partnership has encouraged many of us living with epilepsy.

My friend Dr. Liow agrees. Kore Liow, MD, FACP, FAAN is the Director of Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Hawaii’s Leader in Neuroscience Care and Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Hawaii John Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Liow has been involved in the care of epilepsy patients for over 15 years – having cared for on the average of over 1000 epilepsy patients a year, with the majority of them difficult to control. He understands the struggle and the burden placed on these patients. Prior to Hawaii, he has established and directed one of the busiest epilepsy centers and epilepsy drug trial sites in US and has been involved in the development and clinical trials of most of the new epilepsy drugs and treatments currently in the market. His advice is healthy medicine for us all: “The best thing someone with epilepsy could do is to never give up hope. Never stop searching for what works best to get the seizures under control or finding the right doctor and the right treatment. There are always new developments and new treatment options. Never give up.”

Cathy Conley, from Standish Maine, works in a research lab. She is an example of patients who choose to never give up. She asks, “Ever get tired of where you are with your health? Are you still sitting on the couch wanting to give up? I personally found that if you’re not happy in the situation you’re in that you can’t rely on anyone but yourself to change it. If you’re not happy then get up off the couch. Take control. Make a change. It’s all up to you. I would still be where I was five years ago if I didn’t take control of my own destiny and do something. Now I have been seizure free for over five years because of that. Just remember: There is life beyond epilepsy!”

Her words remind me how we often pursue either of two mistakes: avoidance or obsession. We ignore our conditions, do little research, refuse to talk to others, and fight the battle alone. That, my friends, is not fighting at all. Or, if we go to the other extreme, we live as if epilepsy is all there is to life. Our moods, our medications, our memory, and our seizures control everything. That, my friends, is not healthy either. We can find a balance of facing our condition, finding the best medication possible with minimal side effects, talking about it, learning about it, and living life unhindered by the word epilepsy.

I’ve learned so much through my own journey. And, like many people with epilepsy, we can learn even more from those who know us best. Debbie, my wife of 30 years, says, “Although epilepsy is a very difficult thing to cope with as an individual, I don’t believe it should define who a person is or limit what they can do. There are certain precautions that should be taken, as with any medical situation, but that should not be an excuse to not take part in life. It should not be the focus of one’s life either. Epilepsy is something to be dealt with, but people with it can go as far in life as they want to. My husband has epilepsy because of injury to his brain from a bout with encephalitis. He has been an inspiration to me and many other people because of his tenacity to overcome it and do the things in life that he wanted to do. I believe you set your own limitations in life, and epilepsy does not have to be one of them.”

Our family learned how that is more possible when others are there to help. Taylor, our oldest son, believes that “epilepsy is something that makes everyone involved aware of a weakness, not only the individual diagnosed. And it can also make everyone unify to conquer it.”

That is what we want and need to see happen. Teamwork works. Partnerships bring support, information, inspiration, and new medications. People who often feel alone realize others can relate to their mood swings, their struggle to get enough sleep, their battle to remember what happened a few minutes before. Together, we can seize the moments awaiting us.

Patricia A. Gibson is a dear friend who is helping make major changes in our culture’s view of epilepsy. Ms. Gibson is Director of the Epilepsy Information Service at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Acting Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina. Read her words from a recent dinner celebration of Epilepsy Month in Chapel Hill, NC: “When I look back over the years when I first entered the field of epilepsy I am amazed at the progress we have made. In the 70s there were only a handful of neurologists in North Carolina, like most states. We basically had two medications – phenobarbital and Dilantin. We had no blood levels, and when seizures continued, the dosages were simply increased. Many people with epilepsy lived their lives in a drug induced stupor. We also didn’t know that too much Dilantin could cause seizures as well as too little. We had no way of looking inside the brain; we had only skull x-rays. In just a few decades, there has been a major leap in technology and understanding of the brain. Access to information now is immediate. There is some incredibly exciting new research going on in the field of epilepsy and I believe we are close to another big leap of technology and understanding that will make a tremendous difference for those with epilepsy in our lifetimes.”

Just as technology continues improving, our personal attitudes and involvement can continue improving. Yes, I have epilepsy. But I have so much more. And there is so much more we all can do to make a difference.

If you live with epilepsy, do not travel through your life journey alone. Seek teammates. Ask questions. Pursue friends who can relate, friends who can listen, friends who care.

If you don’t live with epilepsy, find someone who does. Ask them questions. Learn how you can help. Offer support. Ask others to offer support. Give money. Give time. Give prayers. Together, let’s partner to see a bright future of awareness about epilepsy and the continuing improvement of treatment.

And, together, let us believe we can give thanks even when living with epilepsy. As Taylor said, “We can unify to conquer it.”

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: Inner beings can dare the mind to mind us, refusing to let disabilities destroy our true abilities to adjust, adapt, and rejoice amid our mental power outages. (Chris Maxwell: Changing My Mind)

How can you help? How can you learn more?

Purchase copies of Chris Maxwell’s books Changing My Mind or Unwrapping His Presence. If you tell Chris your desire to partner with epilepsy groups, he will donate a portion of his funds to an area epilepsy support group. Email Chris at CMaxMan@aol.com

Watch the four YouTube interviews to learn from Chris Maxwell’s story:

http://ec.edu/news/campus-pastor-interviewed

Listen to the Epilepsy Advocate Radio show, hosted by Chris Maxwell:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/epilepsyadvocateradio