About

Carolyn (Craven) Walters

I am a Southern woman and proud of my small town life. Once upon a time, I had big dreams of leaving small town life behind. Somewhere along the way, life happened. God had different plans for me.

I have lived with inflammatory bowel disease for half my life and feel now is the time to share what I have learned with others who may be fighting their own battle with IBD or other invisible illnesses. I also want to share a glimpse of life with a chronic illness with “regular” people.

My IBD journey has also been a faith journey. It is my belief that I have been blessed with an invisible illness so I can use it as a testimony. I want to use my experiences to help others. If I can help someone else living with Crohn’s, then, every surgery, every hospitalization, every pill, every I.V. stick, every shot, every aching joint and every day of total exhaustion will all be worth it.

Crohn’s doesn’t keep me from doing things I enjoy. If I’m having a bad day or a flare up, I might have to postpone an activity. Sometimes, my body says “not now” for an activity. I try not to let not now become no. I have also learned to be more intentional of the time I spend with family and friends. Being intentional means that the time and activities we share take on more meaning. One way to be intentional is to not take anyone or anything for granted. My husband and I have been married for 27 years and we intentionally plan a date night, almost every week. I also make a point to spend time, individually, with each of my children and each of my friends. In addition to the individual time, we have family meals and family game night.

IBD has changed my life forever. And, I’m glad it did. I would not be who I am without it.

Reflection: How can you use your experiences to bless others? What can you do to be intentional in your life? Don’t be invisible. Be a blessing.