To begin to understand Rachel Jones’ life, you have to have heard of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD). Most people have not. Even doctors and researchers aren’t sure of the root cause of this chronic pain condition, and it has no cure.
Rachel found out she had RSD when she was just 21. In the ensuing years, she pursued ways to function despite, at times, not being able to have even a bed sheet touch the affected limb. The pain of RSD has been rated on pain scales above natural childbirth.
Rachel had begun a series of ketamine treatments to lessen the pain, and was seeing progress. She was serving as a Women’s Bible Study table leader and Lifeline caregiver at Blue Ridge. Then in October, she was in a serious car accident that broke her hip, injured her MCL and caused her RSD to flare up.
All of this could seem hopeless. But Rachel is not without hope.
“God used all of this to draw me closer to Him, and knowing that I needed Him more than I had ever thought before. Even when I had thought I had a close relationship with Christ, He continues to groom me and pursue me. To make me strong with Him. I really do think all this struggle was to ultimately show God’s glory and grace,” she said.
Rachel said RSD has made her depend on God in unexpected ways, even in the most minute details of life. To explain what a day is like with a chronic pain condition like RSD, Rachel points to something called “The Spoon Theory.” In essence, it means that each day we’re each given a certain number of spoons and one is used for each everyday activity (getting dressed, taking a shower, making breakfast, etc.). Those with chronic pain have fewer spoons, so they have to carefully choose how to use their energy.
Rachel said her daily prayer is for one extra spoon — and that she would use it for His purpose. She asks for grace to make it through each day.
“Really, I believe He’s simply used [RSD] to draw me closer to Him, help me understand Him, and make me stronger through Him. I have continued to ask for healing and others have prayed for that as well. He hasn't healed me from my physical pain, but He’s healed me in other ways. And I have been able to help heal others in their struggle.”
What does this look like? For example, in December, Rachel spent many hours with her husband’s grandmother before her passing.
“I had time with her that I wouldn’t have had if I were working,” she said. “God has given me an unconditional love for others. I have so much love for my friends and family. I’m so grateful for their love and mercy. I don't know if I would have been able to do that without this journey.”
She recently read a story about a boy with autism and cerebral palsy. Rachel connected with this quote: “I believe God didn’t take away the struggles, the pain or the challenges; He just simply used them in ways I never dreamed. He’s used them to teach me unconditional love. He’s used them to teach me the essence of grace. He has used them to teach me to find joy in all things. He’s used them to show me how to be content in the little things."
A friend who wrote a blog about Rachel said, “I’ve watched her and been in awe. Her faith is incredible; it’s amazing to watch and indescribably beautiful.”
Rachel’s theme song is “Overcomer” by Mandisa. She was excited to hear it recently played on Spirit FM in her honor as she traveled to another ketamine treatment.
The same Man, the Great I am
The one who overcame death
Is living inside of You
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There's nothing He can't do
He's telling You — Overcomer