Faith as a Personal Choice

In my previous blog, I shared how faith in God serves as a steady anchor for me while navigating the unpredictable challenges of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Today, I want to share why faith is a deeply personal choice and how, while it’s a huge part of my journey, I believe in sharing it openly without forcing it upon others. A great example of this balance is the Robertson family from the television show “Duck Dynasty”. Their approach inspires me as I try to live as authentically as I can with MG. I try to let my faith shine through without attempting to force it upon others or shove it down anyone’s throat.

Faith is a personal journey, not a one-size-fits-all experience. For me, it keeps me grounded when MG brings physical weakness or emotional lows. It’s a choice I’ve made to trust in God’s presence and promises, even when my body is struggling. Although many of us with MG share similar symptoms and struggles, my journey with MG is uniquely mine and I’ve chosen to make faith a big part of it. It shapes how I cope, find hope, and connect with others. I recognize everyone’s path is different. What helps me may not resonate with someone else, and that’s okay. Faith is a personal decision which comes from individual experiences, reflections, and encounters with God.

The Robertson family from “Duck Dynasty” beautifully portrays how to share faith without imposing it. Their show, centered on their duck call business and quirky family dynamics, is lighthearted and fun. It draws viewers with humor and relatable moments, yet their Christian faith is woven naturally into the fabric of their lives. Whether it’s a prayer before a family meal or a quiet moment of gratitude, they express their beliefs authentically without preaching. They don’t demand that viewers adopt their faith; instead, they live it out in a way that’s inviting and genuine.

For example, each episode ends with the family gathered around a dinner table, and Phil or another member of the family offers a simple prayer thanking God for family, blessings, and the food they are about to eat. It’s not a sermon or a lecture, but rather a reflection of their values. This approach resonates with me because it shows that faith can be shared through actions and lifestyle, not just words. Their openness about their beliefs invites respect without alienating those who may believe differently. To put it into simple terms, the Robertson family does an excellent job of showing their way and inviting you to find your own way. As someone with Myasthenia Gravis, I am inspired by this. I want my faith to be a light that others can see in how I face my challenges, not a mandate I’m trying to impose on them.

Living with Myasthenia Gravis has taught me the value of authenticity. When I share my story – whether it’s about a tough day with muscle weakness or a moment of hope – I’m not trying to convince anyone to adopt my beliefs. I’m simply sharing what sustains me. My faith is a huge part of my journey. It gives me strength to push through fatigue and uncertainty. If my faith inspires others to turn to faith in their journey, then that’s a wonderful thing, but I respect that others may have different views and may find strength in different places.

I also realize that pushing faith on others often backfires, creating resistance rather than connection with God. For that reason, and that reason alone, I share my faith, I don’t preach it. Instead, I try to live in a way that reflects the peace and hope I find in God, much like the Robertsons do. If someone asks about my faith or how I cope with MG, I’m ready to share openly, but I don’t believe in forcing those conversations. It’s about planting seeds through kindness and understanding; hoping others will find their own path.

This journey with Myasthenia Gravis is mine alone, but it’s shaped by the faith I’ve chosen to embrace. When symptoms flare or when I don’t feel strong enough to take on the day, I lean on God’s unchanging presence. That’s how I cope. Sharing this part of my story—through words, actions, or even a blog like this—is my way of being authentic, not prescriptive. Like the Robertson family, I want my life to reflect my faith naturally, whether I’m navigating a tough MG day or celebrating a moment of strength.

Faith is a personal choice, and for me, it’s a lifeline. I hope that by sharing my journey, others might see the hope and resilience that faith brings me, without feeling pressured to make it their own. Just as “Duck Dynasty” entertains and inspires without preaching, I aim to live my faith in a way that’s inviting, authentic, and respectful of everyone’s unique path.

With all that said, if my faith happens to ignite yours, or your faith ignites mine, then we are both blessed and that’s a very good thing, indeed.