Courageously Encouraged
Courageously Encouraged
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Testimony Time | I Passed My Ph.D. Candidacy Exam Retake!!!
The trials are so painful, but the testimonies are so sweet. Last year, I faced one of the most challenging moments in my academic journey-I failed my Ph.D. Candidacy Exam. It was devastating, and for many, it could mark the end of their pursuit. But by God's grace, I was given a second chance. After a year of intense study and relentless effort, I’m thrilled to share that I have officially passed and am now a Ph.D. Candidate!
This journey wasn't just about overcoming academic failure-it’s about overcoming the odds. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, I was told that someone like me could never reach this level. I’ve battled the stigma of ADHD, financial challenges, and doubt, but God never left my side (Joshua 1:9). Through His grace and the unshakable support of my wife, family, and friends, I was able to rise above.
In this video, I share my testimony of resilience, faith, and the power of God's plan as I look ahead to defending my dissertation and earning the title of Dr. Jon Willems Jr. in Spring 2025.
Переглядів: 60

Відео

Let God Breathe on Your Best | Struggling with Perfectionism
Переглядів 166Рік тому
We are often striving for perfection, and I am guilty of this myself. There’s so much pressure we put on ourselves to succeed and accomplish what we believe God has put on our hearts to do. When we come up short it can be devastating and even lead to depression, self-hatred, negative self-talk and an overall lack of motivation to strive for milestones and goals again. But Jesus showed me recent...
Dear Single Me | What I wished I knew when I was single
Переглядів 393Рік тому
Now that I’ve been married for a few months, I had time to reflect on when I was single and even courting my current wife. My recent quiet time with the Lord was just so sweet and beautiful and peaceful it just hit me… He is the best thing and that was so encouraging… Because I thought back to when ALL I wanted was to be married. On this side of being married it is absolutely amazing, do not ge...
I GOT MARRIED! | Shot and edited by @visiontolifeproductions
Переглядів 28 тис.Рік тому
Videographer/Video Editing by Darnell Dees: visiontolifeproductions.com/ Song: Follow You (Christon Gray) November 4th 2022, the day I married the love of my life. After dating my best friend for 10 years, and a year long engagement, I finally can call her my wife. The faithfulness of the Lord through this courtship has been unbelievable. A full video break down of this testimony is on the way,...
Journey From Avascular Necrosis to Completing a Full Marathon
Переглядів 6112 роки тому
2017 I was diagnosed with bilateral avascular necrosis in both my hips... In 2022 I ran my first full marathon of 26.2 miles at the Air Force Marathon in Dayton Ohio! There is purpose in your suffering... I pray I can be an example of this.... Going from an Avascular Necrosis diagnosis to becoming a marathoner has been an incredible journey. No matter what the world tells you, God has the final...
Avascular Necrosis to Spartan | Shot on GoPro Hero 9 | Spartan Sprint
Переглядів 1713 роки тому
In 2017 I was diagnosed with Bi-Lateral Avascular Necrosis and was given a very bleak outlook on life. I was told that athletics were over for me and I'd be lucky if I could walk without pain. But praise be unto God who always causes us to triumph! This video is my Spartan Sprint Race that I was able to complete in Nashville TN... PAIN FREE!!!
Overcoming Adversity | Passing My PhD Qualification Exams
Переглядів 1973 роки тому
In this video I share with you a recent and amazing testimony in my life. I discuss the adversity I had to endure to accomplish this victory and the meaning it has, not only for my career, but also my life moving forward. Finally, I explain why I cannot take credit for this victory and why God deserves all the glory.
I'M BACK....
Переглядів 463 роки тому
After a brief hiatus to focus on work and my personal relationship with the Lord I am finally back at it again with the weekly uploads!!! Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss a single video!!!
Your Valley Is Really A Mountain!
Переглядів 633 роки тому
In life we will go through valleys and mountains. But God shared the revelation that out of these valleys God reveals himself so, so good! And if we continue our walk with him he will show us how that valley was really a mountain top!
Testimony Time: COVID-19 Put Me In The Hospital
Переглядів 763 роки тому
It's so easy to react emotionally and listen to our feelings. We have to combat this because often times our feelings don't align with reality. This is why it is so important to stand firm on God's word, which is always true and unchanging. Then you will have the ammunition you need to overcome any tests or trials that come your way!!! Auto Immune Disease: ua-cam.com/video/a2rqe7wNVU4/v-deo.htm...
Quick Ones: Pray For The Persecuted Church
Переглядів 683 роки тому
First check this link to a video about the underground church in China: ua-cam.com/video/CcCHInA6UMg/v-deo.html American Christianity is so different from what most experience in the world. Here we are completely focused about our own comfort when it comes to worshiping God. But there are places in the world were people are so in love with Christ the hostile environment they have to worship him...
Testimony Time: I Failed My PhD Qualification Exams...
Переглядів 8533 роки тому
Throughout our journey's with Christ we are bound to face opposition, adversity and even failure. In this video I get open and vulnerable about a recent failure and how God guided me through it!
What Does The World Need???
Переглядів 693 роки тому
When I look around this world and see all the evil things going on often ask God how we should tackle it. Educating ourselves and giving back to our communities is a great and amazing thing however, only Christ can truly change an evil heart. This transformation that leads us to be more like Christ allows us to be more compassionate and caring and loving to this world. This truly impacts the wo...
Quick Ones: Return To The Gospels
Переглядів 294 роки тому
Quick Ones: Return To The Gospels
Visions: Clean Up Your Temple!!!
Переглядів 634 роки тому
Visions: Clean Up Your Temple!!!
Keep Your Eyes On The Prize!!!
Переглядів 614 роки тому
Keep Your Eyes On The Prize!!!
Testimony Time: God Told Me To Sell My Switch!?
Переглядів 874 роки тому
Testimony Time: God Told Me To Sell My Switch!?
The Powerful Word Of God
Переглядів 444 роки тому
The Powerful Word Of God
Who Are You?
Переглядів 354 роки тому
Who Are You?
Choose The Better Thing!
Переглядів 554 роки тому
Choose The Better Thing!
God Is Sovereign Not Us!!!
Переглядів 324 роки тому
God Is Sovereign Not Us!!!
Beware of Jealousy! | Don't Be Like King Saul!
Переглядів 504 роки тому
Beware of Jealousy! | Don't Be Like King Saul!
Your Offense Is Robbing You
Переглядів 634 роки тому
Your Offense Is Robbing You
Testimony Time: A Vision That Crushed Anxiety
Переглядів 664 роки тому
Testimony Time: A Vision That Crushed Anxiety
Questions & Answers: Why Your Goodness Will Not Save You!
Переглядів 424 роки тому
Questions & Answers: Why Your Goodness Will Not Save You!
Questions & Answers: Why Holiness???
Переглядів 594 роки тому
Questions & Answers: Why Holiness???
Questions & Answers: Good God and an Evil World
Переглядів 1094 роки тому
Questions & Answers: Good God and an Evil World
Walk As He Walked
Переглядів 554 роки тому
Walk As He Walked
Testimony Time: The Story of My Tattoo
Переглядів 1214 роки тому
Testimony Time: The Story of My Tattoo
Visions: Don't Fall in Love With The World
Переглядів 764 роки тому
Visions: Don't Fall in Love With The World

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @thandazilesindi3148
    @thandazilesindi3148 3 дні тому

    I pray that one day i can get married into my white husband,,, But the Lord took Him in this year in Sweden in a car excident now im lonely but i trust the Lord Jesus Christ that He will give other man from South Africa.....

  • @THERANDOMMAN91
    @THERANDOMMAN91 7 днів тому

    Currently dealing with this, I am a US Army Vet and MMA guy, for 3 years I was a heavy alcoholic that started when the pandemic hit, after almost dying from alcohol poisoning in October 2023, I decided to get a grip back on my life, after training intensely in boxing because I want to earn my golden gloves at 34, I ran for an hour on the treadmill then started to notice I was starting to hurt, as time went on it got worse and I had to lessen my physical activities, yesterday I was hurting so bad that I called 911 and found out I have avn, I see orthopedics soon and praying this issue is resolved before 2024 ends

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 7 днів тому

      First off, thank you so much for your service! Second, I'm sorry that you were diagnosed with this terrible disease! Let me know what they end up telling you. I'd prepare yourself for a long journey if you have this disease. I'm praying it works out for you! Hopefully they caught it super early in stage 1 or 2 which you will have the best outcomes. I pray God strengthens you and guides you through this difficult process.

  • @YungTrinidad407
    @YungTrinidad407 2 місяці тому

    Your lucky you were able to have that surgery it’s not offered to me

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 7 днів тому

      I know... It's unfortunate how difficult it was to get this surgery done. I'm very blessed I was able to get it done. Have you reached out to them at all? I think Duke University in North Carolina USA is one of the only places they offer it. Perhaps they would be willing to help you out? I'll be praying for your strength as you go through difficult journey.

  • @YungTrinidad407
    @YungTrinidad407 2 місяці тому

    Oh my god I was just told I have this

  • @devinfate4856
    @devinfate4856 2 місяці тому

    Congratulations, man of God

  • @sancharro9518
    @sancharro9518 2 місяці тому

    Im trying to get my surgery for my AVN on my right hip. But i dont have any insurance and trying to get it done through the VA. Ive been dealing with this for the Past 3 years. I got meningitis when i was 25. They did brain surgery on me at saint Joseph's hospital and gave me steroids. Thank god im alive, but i havent been happy ever since. Life is a struggle and people treat disabled vets like garbage in Arizona, especially if your young. Im slowly dying on the inside thinking im never gonna get this surgery. Too think i was perfectly normal 3 years ago, now every day just seems like a struggle. Anybody got advice to an alternate method to get the surgery other than through the VA?

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Місяць тому

      First off, thank you so much for your service 🙏🏻

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Місяць тому

      Secondly, the same thing happened to me. Steroids to treat an autoimmune disease that likely caused my AVN. I reached out to Duke and they accepted me and they did my surgery. My insurance covered a lot but was left with a bill. I wrote a letter for financial assistance and they forgave 5,000 dollars that was left over. There are some AVN support groups on Facebook that my wife joined and found a lot of help and advice from. I'm praying for you and hope that something will happen for you.

  • @benjaminhawkin5564
    @benjaminhawkin5564 2 місяці тому

    Prayer🙏🏾

  • @PrestonWilson-wm2rl
    @PrestonWilson-wm2rl 3 місяці тому

    As a Believer, I love Christian weddings, especially Diversity in love, like you all.😊

  • @al_lavery
    @al_lavery 4 місяці тому

    Too many doctors in the USA are causing this disease AVN via steriods. I know I am one of their victims. I will never get total hip replacement although your story is very inspiring. At the present time I'm fasting and light exercise I really believe the fasting creating new stem cells and new human growth hormones is going to be my blessing. God bless you.

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 3 місяці тому

      Thankfully I have not had a total hip replacement either! Very interesting, I'll look into fasting for promoting stem cells etc. I fast occasionally for faith/religious reasons.

  • @hikari8858
    @hikari8858 4 місяці тому

    I’m so sorry that you had to go through all that. I know what AVN is like. I had a Bo Jackson style injury in 2015, and I was diagnosed with stage 3 in one hip and stage 4 in the other. I didn’t want to have surgery (too risky). I spent weeks researching and researching other options, and finally discovered autologus stem cell transplant. Fortunately, there was one doctor in my area who could perform this procedure. However, he told me that because of the advanced stage of the disease and my age (57), the procedure might not help. I begged and begged until he agreed, and had the transplant done in late 2016. It was a simple and quick procedure and walked out of the doctor's office to go rest and recover at home. I’m so glad I did it because after a couple of months the improvement was obvious. The condition steadily improved over the years, and these days I still have a little pain, especially when I overdo it. So until there is a better option, I highly recommend autologus stem cell transplant to people with AVN. Get it done early for better results. I had it done by a Regenexx doctor, but there may be other similar methods that could work as well.

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 3 місяці тому

      WOW! That is incredible! If I ever have any problems down the line I'm definitely going to look into this! Thank you so much for sharing. Luckily, so far so good! I've ran nearly 1500 miles since my surgeries and biked over 1000s of miles!

    • @hikari8858
      @hikari8858 3 місяці тому

      @@courageouslyencouraged Glad to hear you're doing okay. I just want people to know that there are other options. And who knows what will be available in the future...

  • @conniechumbler4960
    @conniechumbler4960 4 місяці тому

    Thank you for posting this! You have such a good attitude about your illness and what a great testimony! I had back surgery in 2018, awoke from surgery paralyzed from waist down, Drs couldn’t tell me why or if I would ever walk again. Two wks later I was got sick with mrsa went into septic shock. Intensive care for 2 wks 9 wks later I get to come home in a wheel chair still couldn’t walk but in therapy. 18 months later I can walk on a walker. Didn’t have any balance couldn’t stand along. Then I started to have pain in my right knee, down my leg, so back to the dr. After X-rays he tells me I have AVN and my knee had collapsed, so they checked the left and it to has almost collapsed. So have right ,knee replaced and did great.9 months later had left knee replaced and I developed mrsa in my knee. Drs are giving antibiotics through pic line and I get better, then it blew up again, this time they took the knee out, had to stay in a hospital with pic line and antibiotics again, they made me so sick, it was awful. Forward 5 months and they put in a new knee, it does ok for about a yr, then I started having terrible pain in the left knee, after several trips to my dr with out finding out anything, last week they did a bone scan, the knee is destroyed and now t I have to have an amputation pretty much at the hip. Drs said it is from infection that is still in my leg 3 yrs latter. Even though I have taken 1000 mg per day of Doxy for 5 yrs.. so seeing a specialist in Atlanta Monday for a second opinion. But I already know what the out come will be, they had to take so much bone when they did the other 2 replacements I don’t have enough bone left. I’m not a young person and my husband and I are raising 2 grandchildren. I need to be well again for them. When you read this say a pray for me . Sorry my story was so long,

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 4 місяці тому

      Oh my goodness. You're story was very touching. I'm so, so sorry you have had to endure so, so much! I'm going to be adding you to my daily prayers! I pray God touches and heals you and that you don't have to get an amputation. I pray that if you do have to that God would give you all the strength and courage you need to make it through. I'm praying for you and your family. I couldn't imagine what you have been through. I'm inspired by you and your persistence to not give up or lose your faith.

    • @conniechumbler4960
      @conniechumbler4960 4 місяці тому

      Thank you so very much you have inspired me.

  • @VICKVICKI
    @VICKVICKI 5 місяців тому

    I just got a nerve block put on my hip... Now I really need a Hip Replacement.

  • @Mel.christ106
    @Mel.christ106 5 місяців тому

    Thats not a testimony tattoos is a sin turn to Jesus and repent I have tattoos too today I repented bro god bless u

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 5 місяців тому

      Where does it say under the new covenant law that getting a tattoo in and of itself is a sin? There is old covenant law referring to marking and cutting yourself for the dead as was customary in pagan cultures. My tattoo is dedicated to God and what he brought me through. If you are referring to that then that would mean we have to follow all the Levitical law such as only eating kosher foods etc. If you hold to those and are consistent I could see where you are coming from. Check out Gal 3:13 and Romans 6:14.

  • @vreal7776
    @vreal7776 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for this.

  • @tinamarie998
    @tinamarie998 7 місяців тому

    I have avascular necrosis of my left femur. Im 36.. 😢

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 6 місяців тому

      I'm so sorry to hear this! I'm praying for you! Has your doctor given you any options yet?

  • @samekennamdi9943
    @samekennamdi9943 8 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing your story 🙏🏼 I'm 22. I've had AVN since 2019. I have been managing it for the past 5 years while saving up for the surgery. I'm really behind on raising the money. I pray to God everyday to help me raise the money so i can get the surgery done.

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 6 місяців тому

      Man... I really feel for you. It's a very, very painful disease to work through so, I know exactly what you are going through. I'm going to be praying for you. I had huge miracles happen to me to afford my surgeries! I'm praying the same will happen for you as well!

    • @hikari8858
      @hikari8858 4 місяці тому

      Have you looked into stem cell transplant? I discovered autologus stem cell transplant and had the transplant done in late 2016. I’m so glad I did it. The AVN steadily improved over time. So until there is a better option, I highly recommend autologus stem cell transplant to people with AVN. Get it done early for better results. I had it done by a Regenexx doctor, but there may be other similar methods that could work as well.

  • @JuniAku
    @JuniAku 8 місяців тому

    I was diagnosed with AVN at 29. I’m 36 and I can’t tell y’all how unbearable the pain is. It felt like someone put concrete in the joints of my hips and my leg was just hardened stiff to walk without pain. Bared through the pain for years and I’ve gotten a lot more range of motion these days, but I’m still limited and I can feel the shocks of pain in my hip joints if I extend my leg or walk sometimes. I feel like I have no where to turn to with the doctors and surgeons in my area. It’s great to see you got back together!

    • @aidenleonard311
      @aidenleonard311 7 місяців тому

      I was diagnosed last year with AVN in my left hip! I also am having a hard time finding a doctor in my area that actually wants to help me

    • @JuniAku
      @JuniAku 7 місяців тому

      @@aidenleonard311 the US healthcare system is a joke. You have to see a family dr just to get sent to a specialist. It’s ridiculous!!! And I still have no solution to my AVN. I’m convinced I need a hip replacement.

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 6 місяців тому

      I know! The pain of this disease is so real! It took everything from me. I went from playing 5v5 basketball to being unable to walk on my own. My AVN hit me very abruptly, my life changed in a matter of months. Dr. Marc Richards at Duke University was the one that helped me. I had a lot of doctors who didn't want to help me either. My wife found the surgery I had and the doctors that treated me through the facebook support group on AVN. I'd join those and see if there is anyone in your area that can help! That made the difference for me. If it wasn't for those surgeries I have no idea where I'd be today. I'm praying for you both!

    • @hikari8858
      @hikari8858 4 місяці тому

      Have you looked into stem cell transplant? I discovered autologus stem cell transplant and had the transplant done in late 2016. I’m so glad I did it. The AVN steadily improved over time. So until there is a better option, I highly recommend autologus stem cell transplant to people with AVN. Get it done early for better results. I had it done by a Regenexx doctor, but there may be other similar methods that could work as well.

  • @blaisemennia9910
    @blaisemennia9910 8 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing 🙏 I’m 28 and been dealing with AVN of both hips for a year now. I’m hoping to raise enough money for hip replacement before the end of the year. Your story gives me hope. Almost tearing up lol

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 8 місяців тому

      I'm tearing up myself reading your comment. I'm praying that you are able to raise your money! I'm praying for you as we speak right now! If you end up starting a go fund me or anything send me the link and I'd love to donate to you sometime this summer! I'm praying for your strength and encouragement as you walk this difficult journey! Matthew 19:26 - "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.""

    • @hikari8858
      @hikari8858 4 місяці тому

      Have you looked into stem cell transplant? I discovered autologus stem cell transplant and had the transplant done in late 2016. I’m so glad I did it. The AVN steadily improved over time. So until there is a better option, I highly recommend autologus stem cell transplant to people with AVN. Get it done early for better results. I had it done by a Regenexx doctor, but there may be other similar methods that could work as well.

    • @blaisemennia9910
      @blaisemennia9910 4 місяці тому

      @@hikari8858 I just looked into it and it seems very promising. Unfortunately for me, my location (Ghana) and financial position won’t afford me that process. Also, from what I read it seems it works best when done in the early stages but I’m currently in stage IV which seems to be too late. Luckily I’ve been able to raise some funds for a one hip replacement surgery which I might do next week. So there’s some progress 💪🏾

  • @sylviawiggins8949
    @sylviawiggins8949 8 місяців тому

    Simply beautiful.the bride is stunning.the groom so handsome.i can see the love of God. Thank you for the encouragements to my personal life.love yall❤❤❤❤❤

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 8 місяців тому

      Aww thank you so much for those kind words! I will share your comment with my wife. God has truly shown me a ton of favor that I just don't deserve and can't believe! Praying for you to be blessed!

  • @needlepullingthread1573
    @needlepullingthread1573 9 місяців тому

    You are such an inspiration. I hope people come here to see it takes work but you can get your like back. Praise God

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 8 місяців тому

      Aww thank you. I appreciate your kind comment. It's been super tough getting back on track. You are right you have to put in the work, but I grateful to God for giving me the strength to not give up when things got tough. He is a sustainer and a provider! I pray that he provides and meets your every need!

  • @charlespopoff
    @charlespopoff 9 місяців тому

    I just got diagnosed with avn hip. . I really don’t wanna do the surgery yet They prescribed me meloxicam for the pain. It’s not working. Any suggestions for pain. I also heard about stem cell treatment. I can’t afford to be out of work. Even tho people have told me that had replacements. They recovered quickly

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 9 місяців тому

      Anytime some one is diagnosed with AVN I truly feel for them. I also didn't really find anything before surgery to help. Post surgery I've found regular strength and mobility training and stretching. I've heard hip replacement is a pretty quick turn around. I had to be in the hospital for about a week for each surgery and was basically wheel chair bound for another 2 weeks after each surgery. Then I could move on to crutches/walker. I hear the hip replacement route is much faster but you'd be giving up mobility and athletic ability if that is important to you. Plus depending on how young you are you'd have to get another hip replacement and each one last less and comes with more pain. If a tough decision either way and I'm definitely praying for you.

  • @husarica
    @husarica 10 місяців тому

    Did you ever need THR or bone grafting was final solution? I have first stage and need core dompresion with steam cells. Living in Croatia. Thanks.

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 9 місяців тому

      Hi there! So, core decompression was what my local orthopedic recommended. My wife did some research and saw that sometimes the outcomes afterwards weren't so great so she joined a fb group for AVN. Someone in that group mentioned how after they got the bone graft they were able to active again. So, we decided to go with this option.

    • @husarica
      @husarica 4 місяці тому

      I did core decompresion and bone graft on right hip. They take my iliac bone. I am now in recovery.

  • @vanessadobbins2963
    @vanessadobbins2963 10 місяців тому

    Absolutely beautiful God fearing couple!!!!! Know how very blessed you both are to have been put together by Lord Jesus!!!!!! Congratulations 🎊 and keep the faith by staying anchored to the Cross❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  • @sonestia777
    @sonestia777 10 місяців тому

    I had it in both my hips got them replaced. Now have it in my shoulders, getting core decompression in right one.

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged 9 місяців тому

      Man.... I'm so sorry to hear this! The hips are rough enough but your shoulders too! I'm praying for you. I hope that you can get some relief from the pain and have a bit of normal life again. Do they know why it is traveling to the shoulders?

    • @m.i.a.-soul
      @m.i.a.-soul 5 місяців тому

      Did you get both hips at once? Or what was it like. Im curious as i have it in both my hips as well

  • @FMTestimonies
    @FMTestimonies Рік тому

    I just failed my clinical license exam yesterday and came across your channel when I was looking for some encouragement. I took the Fail way harder than expected because I really did feel like I passed it. I didn't really realize I struggled with perfectionism until today which is why I clicked on this video! Thank you for your encouragement !!! Please would you pray that my strength would not be small in adversity and that I would fully trust God even in my failure. Failing my exam exposed something much deeper in me which is why I'm struggling so much right now. Thank you🙏

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      Absolutely I will pray for you! God is faithful! I just failed my PhD candidacy exam so I've been pretty discouraged as well. But God is faithful and will see us both through!

  • @saphprimera
    @saphprimera Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing. Was told I might have AVN but I still have to get an MRI for confirmation. Wishing you continued healing ❤️‍🩹

  • @TheMishqa
    @TheMishqa Рік тому

    Hi Jon. I'm 35 and was just diagnosed with AVN in my right hip last month (after having to take a very low dosage of prednisone in 2012 for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura). I am very active in the gym and running so I was devastated to say the least. Orthos have suggested, because my pain is very low, that I wait a few years (God willing) before the total right hip replacement surgery. The AVN news threw me into a spiral, and I started searching for information while trying not to go into a panic, but your video really helped me see that it really is possible to bounce back better than ever. I am quite fearful for the surgery when I do get to it, but, again, your video has shed some light and brought some comfort. Thank you again for this!

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      Wow! I'm so sorry to hear that... Idk how many videos you checked out on my channel but I had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and believe medication I took for that is what led to my development of AVN. Do you know what stage your AVN is at? I know that as long as it was below stage 3, I was able to get that surgery at Duke and it changed my life... I have some other videos about how things have been going lately. I ran a marathon in Sept. 17 2022 and just did a 125 mile bike ride last month. I'm currently training for an Ironman in Nov 2024. I totally get that! My wife (gf at the time) and I were totally devastated when I got the diagnosis. But Joshua 1:9 was a verse that I held close to in that time: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God is with you for sure! And don't be afraid to adjust and learn new things! Even after my surgeries I still can't play basketball nearly as well as I used to... I don't have pain like I did but my body doesn't respond like it used to... but I got into running and cycling and swimming! And those have been a game changer for me... I never did much exercise other than lifting weights and playing basketball. Now I haven't played basketball in 2 years but like I mentioned have found so much joy and purpose and exercise in other forms! So try some new lower impact sports like cycling and swimming, it helps so much!

    • @indiansouls8357
      @indiansouls8357 9 місяців тому

      Try Acupuncture treatment 👍

    • @hikari8858
      @hikari8858 4 місяці тому

      Have you looked into autologus stem cell transplant?

  • @stevenminor2241
    @stevenminor2241 Рік тому

    Just watched your video, im going to have the surgery on August 11,2023...im starting to feel depressed im 54 I can't believe it happening 😢 to me im truck driver 25 years..looks so painful i don't do pain so well. Thanks you for the video..Austin Texas...

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      You are getting the free vascularized fibular bone graft?

    • @stevenminor2241
      @stevenminor2241 Рік тому

      @@courageouslyencouraged no, just decompression

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      @@stevenminor2241 Gotcha man. Well I'm praying for you man. Don't give up. It's a tough disease but you can get through this! God saw me through and I know he will do the same for you. I couldn't believe it happened to me either... I used to love basketball my whole life... I haven't played in years but the Lord led me to cycling which is low impact, a lot of fun and a great workout and way to get rid of stress and anxiety. God will show you the way!

    • @stevenminor2241
      @stevenminor2241 Рік тому

      @@courageouslyencouraged appreciate 🙏 you

  • @balaymarvin1010
    @balaymarvin1010 Рік тому

    Congratulations 🎉👏❤

  • @ВероникаГонсалес-й3г

    Только не разводитесь!Живите дружно до старости!

  • @bengalbabe
    @bengalbabe Рік тому

    Beautiful couple. Beautiful wedding. Beautiful shots of Downtown Cincinnati! ❤️

  • @misssterling3094
    @misssterling3094 Рік тому

    Awww....so sweet. Looks so romantic.

  • @laloaldape2817
    @laloaldape2817 Рік тому

    Hello I'm 30 was diagnosed with this I was in pain for 2 years until they realize what I had ... I couldn't dance or go to a theme park without a moped ... I was in a bad place mentally ur story in inspirational I've only had one hip replacement so far but not my hips are collapse... Do u have Instagram I feel no one understands what it's like

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      Wow! I'm sorry to hear this! Yes my instagram is instagram.com/willemsjon. I believe it's in my banner as well on my youtube home page.

  • @111Believer.
    @111Believer. Рік тому

    Nice looking couple! I wish them happiness and a forever marriage with lots of money always!

  • @marjorjorietillman856
    @marjorjorietillman856 Рік тому

    Another young beauty who didn’t limit herself! Her odds of living a long life, just increased! 🙏🏽🌹

  • @lmusima3275
    @lmusima3275 Рік тому

    Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

  • @ladiesattea8365
    @ladiesattea8365 Рік тому

    Thank you for these words I was just fired from my job of 33 years. Termination based on abandonment. I was out on workers compensation due to injuries I sustained on another job, which prohibited me from working. Anger and resentment were my food, but after hearing your words, I now believe God has something greater for me. Thank you

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      I'm so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your job. I pray God leads and guides you through this tough time and gives you the wisdom you need. I'm very, very encouraged that my video was able to help you in some way. God is with you and He is faithful.

  • @FearLessPower
    @FearLessPower Рік тому

    Good Looking Couple. Hoping you have many prosperous years together.

  • @edithhall7831
    @edithhall7831 Рік тому

    God Bless Congrats to you both. love your wedding gown

  • @sugarcookiecube
    @sugarcookiecube Рік тому

    is this the interracial channel? just asking…

  • @ladybird131
    @ladybird131 Рік тому

    Congratulations. 💐

  • @kazkazzie3906
    @kazkazzie3906 Рік тому

    This is a beautiful wedding. May God continue to bless and keep you together, and that God will bless your marriage and continue to be in the center of your union, in Jesus name 🙏

  • @andalonds
    @andalonds Рік тому

    I prayed for my husband to be like this. A faithful, God fearing man who loved me true. Maybe one day it will happen. Maybe one day he will turn from this evil and be whole with me again and with God. God bless you both.

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      Wow! I'm gonna be praying too. I don't know if you've heard about the case for Christ? Definitely super encouraging. But my wife and I will be lifting you and your husband in prayer.

  • @lmusima3275
    @lmusima3275 Рік тому

    Congratulations 🎉 ❤ lovely wedding 💒

  • @nessparadis6948
    @nessparadis6948 Рік тому

    Awesome video! Thanks for the share.

  • @letsbeencouraged3074
    @letsbeencouraged3074 Рік тому

    💕 Beautiful, congratulations You 2 & new Sub 💕

  • @divinepayton1696
    @divinepayton1696 Рік тому

    That's beautiful. 😍 yeah she's very analytical and he's a more simple man. But they understand the bigger picture. Even though he was broke she was the missing piece to heal those parts of him. That's powerful. What a beautiful testimony. I hope you guys make it. May god bless you guys

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      Thank you so much!

    • @divinepayton1696
      @divinepayton1696 Рік тому

      @@courageouslyencouraged you're so welcome I look forward to when my special day will come and I celebrate those before me so thank you for this beautiful video

    • @courageouslyencouraged
      @courageouslyencouraged Рік тому

      @@divinepayton1696 I'm praying for you that it will come soon! And in the mean time I'm praying God prepares you for your special day. =D

    • @divinepayton1696
      @divinepayton1696 Рік тому

      @@courageouslyencouraged thank you again

  • @melissadavy1545
    @melissadavy1545 Рік тому

    I'm happy for you both 🤣🤣❤❤❤❤✅

  • @rejoicetsegah9079
    @rejoicetsegah9079 Рік тому

    Congratulations

  • @Talkwithtina808
    @Talkwithtina808 Рік тому

    Congratulations ❤❤