How Do You Pronounce Clozapine?

Relieve

Etymology: Late 14c., "alleviate (pain, etc.), mitigate; afford comfort; allow respite; diminish the pressure of," also "give alms to, provide for;" also figuratively, "take heart, cheer up;" from Old French relever"to raise, relieve" (11c.) and directly from Latin relevare "to raise, alleviate, lift up, free from a burden," from re-, intensive prefix (see re-), + levare "to lift up, lighten," from levis "not heavy" (from PIE root *legwh- "not heavy, having little weight")

The notion is "to raise (someone) out of trouble." From c. 1400 as "advance to the rescue in battle;" also "return from battle; recall (troops)." Meaning "release from duty" is from early 15c. 

The bruises are healing and the swelling is going down. I don't have good veins in my arms, so, the past two times I've gotten my blood drawn in the last three days, they've used my hands.

But boy, when I feel hope rustling in the wind, I'd endure anything to realize it.

I hate cliche christian things, but the Lord undeniably gave me the word "relief" for the year 2020. And man was I glad to hear it. After seven years of slow-boiling torture (read: cancer + mood disorder + high motivation + low productivity), I might have a shot at becoming a translator, moving abroad, financially supporting and living by myself. All because I'm going on a cousin drug of Zyprexa. The only reason I can't stay on the solid gold that is Zyprexa is because it makes me gain weight "like a racehorse" as my psychiatrist so quaintly put it. But this new drug is "the most effective drug made" and the weight gain is less. So I have to get my blood drawn every week. The bruises and swelling may continue, but I plan on blasting forward. I feel hope for the first time in years. Real, genuine, down-in-your-bones hope.

The seven years started with my cancer diagnosis and treatment at age 18. I find it interesting that I'm starting my 7th year since then because, in ancient times, the Hebrews were called to a Sabbatic year every seven years. Debts were forgiven, slaves released, and, here's the biggie, NO cultivation of the land. This would fundamentally change the fabric of an agricultural society. And for the first time, after many times studying this concept, I realized the radical trust in the Word of God, Jehovah-Jireh, that it would cost the pre-exilic Israelites.

Though it was sad that they didn't listen, I hope to learn from their mistake. So, just as much as this is a year of divine relief, it is also to be a year of trust in God for radical provision.

I plan to update this blog more often and would be honored if you joined me on my journey towards healing and increased agency... and fun :)

Much love,
Anna Jo