The 116 Life X Deborah Davis
BIO
As a senior in high school, actively involved in sports and on her way to becoming valedictorian of her class, Deborah Davis became debilitated with a sickness known as Lyme disease. Daily she fights to honor the Lord in her trials and circumstances, while her family does their best to pay the enormous medical bills. Deborah is currently 19 years old living with incredible faith, residing with her family in Florida. Read her story below and check out the link to help support the Davis family medical expenses in this time of need! Reach Records will match every dollar contributed up to $5000.
Click here to donate!
INTERVIEW
Tell us a little bit about the path to where you are today.
One summer when I was 13 my life drastically changed in more ways than one. Not only was it the summer that I really heard The Gospel for the first time and repented and believed in Christ for salvation, but it was also the summer that I went on a camping trip with my family and through the bite of an infected tick got Lyme disease. I had no idea what was happening at the time, but from then on, I started feeling sick with flulike symptoms, constant headaches (that evolved into migraines), joint pain, chronic fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Throughout the years, my symptoms kept getting worse and my doctors continued to be perplexed as to why I felt the way I did. In high school, I played varsity soccer and cross country for my school, excelled greatly in my studies, and was actively involved in ministries at my church. At the beginning of my Senior year of high school, my health took a huge turn for the worst. I started becoming more and more debilitated by my symptoms, which included mysterious organ pains, cognitive decline similar to Alzheimer’s, confusion, and numbness in my hands and feet (a current list of my symptoms covers almost two full pages). Even though I had a plethora of medical testing done, doctors still couldn’t figure out what in the world was going on inside my body. I eventually had to quit cross-country, and I was unable to try out for soccer.
By the end of January, I was experiencing so much around-the-clock joint pain that I was limping around school, my muscles ached so much it would hurt just to have my family members hug me. My migraines became constant and I started becoming extremely sensitive to light and sound, and my fatigue was so overwhelming it was all I could do to stay awake enough to participate in daily activities. In February of 2013, I finally became bedridden and have been that way ever since. It was also February when we finally found this specialist who eventually diagnosed me with chronic, late-stage neurologic Lyme disease and needed aggressive IV antibiotic treatment. Unfortunately because of how controversial this disease is in the medical community, we’ve had more than our fair share of problems with doctors and insurance coverage.
Since I’ve been diagnosed, I have been hospitalized four times, once in the ICU, have had multiple ER trips, have seen well-over 80 doctors (that’s when I decided to stop counting), and have been wheelchair bound for over a year. It’s taken us this long, but we finally found a Lyme literate doctor willing to take me on as a patient and I’m just now (after losing all my teenage years to this disease) getting the treatment I need. Unfortunately, insurance has refused to cover all the costs for my treatment course, leaving us having to pay around $3K-5K out of pocket each month.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me now is most definitely a far cry from what it used to be a year and a half ago. Because of the relentless pain I feel all throughout my body and the crippling amount of fatigue, some days it’s just enough to wake up and survive. Other days it’s to wake up, survive, and go to another doctor appointment. On good days I even get into some physical therapy. But that’s just on the surface. Typical days for me are really a constant battle to trust in The Lord and His provision, and not become bitter. It is all too easy for me to let myself wallow in self pity and demand God to explain exactly why He is letting this happen to me. It’s amazing how easy it is to let my guard down and lose sight of what is true (like the Father’s precious promises, His attributes, His love and faithfulness to me) and give into my emotions.
How do you keep good perspective in the midst of difficult circumstances?
Keeping a good perspective when everything seems to be falling apart has been truly difficult. Only the Lord can really understand how hard it’s been for me. There have been many times when I’ve strayed in my thoughts or doubted God and His plans for me. The one and only thing that keeps my perspective on track is the Lord and how He demonstrates His deep, deep love for me! He constantly pursues me in such a real way at times when my joy is in Him, as well as the times that I am prone to wander.
One practical means that I use the help keep a good perspective is reading through my grandmother’s old hymnal. Most of those hymns have such a clear perspective and vision of The Lord. They were written by real believers who also went through difficult trials. It’s such a great tool!
What risks or hard decisions have you had to make to live unashamed?
I think the most difficult decision has been to claim the grace The Lord daily gives me as my own and to believe that it is truly sufficient for me. It is also very difficult to keep my emotions about my circumstances from clouding how I view God. Something I learned a few months ago is that I can’t let my view of God be shaped by how I see my circumstances. I have to put my trust in who He really says He is.
What does the unashamed life look like in your context and life?
For me, the unashamed life is daily taking up my cross and following Christ. It’s daily casting all my burdens upon The Lord. It’s daily believing that not only has Jesus provided me with salvation through His blood, but also promises to provide for ALL my needs. It’s daily believing that He will keep every one of the promises He makes to me. It’s acknowledging the fact that my life is not my own, it belongs to The Lord. He’s the one who ultimately has the authority and power to do whatever he wants with my life, not me. And that’s not a bad thing at all! I can rest fully in knowing that my life is held secure in my Savior’s nail-pierced hands. Through it all, The Lord has graciously taught me that “whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever lays down his life for my sake will save it.
How have you worked through success? Failure?
Both by clinging to the promises The Lord has for me in the Scriptures. I fight to cling to my Rock in the dark hour when I have a doctor who doesn’t believe in the legitimacy of my case, or we’ve been denied certain medication again. And in the times when doctors have been exceedingly helpful, and we’ve been blessed with another month of treatment I give thanks for such great blessings! One instance I have to fight tooth and nail for joy in The Lord, and the other I sing for joy in Him and praise him for His faithfulness to me.
Have you had any mentors along the way?
My mom is my “caregiver” since I’m not able to do many things for myself. But beyond caring for me physically, this woman has also cared for my spiritual needs. We’ve grown so much closer through this trial and I am so thankful for her constant encouragement.
Then there’s my friend, Amanda. We used to play soccer together until she became very sick and debilitated from Lyme disease. We both were infected with it at different times and had no idea we had had it for years. She’s a dear sweet sister, and we are able to encourage one another in ways even our closest friends and family can’t because we are both enduring similar sufferings of this same illness. The Lord has greatly blessed me through her friendship.
I can also say that I’ve been mentored and encouraged in this season by my former youth pastor and present college ministries pastor.
Do you have any favorite books?
I have always loved reading. Unfortunately because of how the Lyme has affected my cognitive abilities, it is quite difficult for me to read. But I still love books and even though I struggle, I still love to read. Some of my favorites are A Steadfast Heart, by Elyse Fitzpatrick; the Love Comes Softly Series, by Janette Oke; The Attributes of God, by A.W. Pink, and basically anything written by John Piper, C.S.Lewis, and Spurgeon.
What verses or passages in Scripture have sustained or encouraged you?
Definitely Lamentations 3:21-24, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 43:2, Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, Psalm 56:8, and all of Psalm 61-62!
Can you offer some encouragement to other unashamed believers out there?
Jesus tells us in Scripture that the Christian life isn’t going to be easy. God has never promised that he would take away all of our problems and sufferings in this life, for perfection doesn’t come until we enter Heaven. BUT He has promised that he will sustain us through all of our life storms (Psalm 55:22) and give us the grace we need to weather them out (2 Cor 9:8). While we don’t have all the answers as to why God would allow this or that to happen to his children, we can rest assured knowing that The Lord’s got it under control! He knows what He is doing. Who are we to question Him, our own Creator who gives us breathe and life? Even while situations seem dark, we can know that our lives are in the hand of a good and gracious God who is full of lovingkindness and faithfulness, who’s mercies are new every morning!
You know, my only real regrets in all of this are the times that I wavered in trusting in the Lord to provide for me and my family. There were times when I felt so distant to God, as if he wasn’t even there to hear my prayers. But even though I thought that way then, looking back I know that those were the times when he was closest! The Lord has almost miraculously proved to my stubborn self time and time again that He will sustain me and that He will provide for me and my family! If only I would’ve trusted Him sooner it would’ve saved so much heartache and I would’ve had more of a peace going through these situations.
So I guess my advice would be to trust in the Lord with all your heart! He knows what’s best, and He has promised that he will work all situations out to our good if we love Him. If you’re going through a trial, dear brother or sister, I pray that you would remember the kind of God we serve! Memorize His promises He reveals in Scripture and always be preaching the gospel to yourself. Rest in Him. He will be your closest and dearest friend through all of this! Also, community! Community! Community! Gather people around you to support you and pray with you and share your burdens. Seek out encouragement and help, if needed, through godly counselors.
Reach Records will match every dollar contributed up to $5000!
All Comments 27
I just read the Book of Job last night, I was frustrated, But in every situation, God is and always will be Good. Keep the faith and soldier on knowing you aren't alone :)
Marcel
– May 16 2014
this young woman of God is amazing and inspiring. she is full of valor even in the midst of the chaos. i will be lifting her up in prayer. stay strong Deborah! the Lord is your strength!
lulu
– May 16 2014
We boldly speak not just a physical, but a Spiritual healing in this body. Lord we give thanks in advance for allowing us to be apart of her healing. Let this trial serve as proof that as long as we trust in You completely, You will always be the Victor in our battles!! In Jesus's name we pray, Amen! Be Healed in the name of Jesus Deborah!!
Tyrone
– May 16 2014
I've had Lyme since 1995. I was 20 years old when I was debilitated by this disease, so I can resonate with a lot of what you've shared. I tried all sorts of treatments and am currently almost in remission from doing the doTERRA essential oil protocol for Lyme. I know people are probably constantly recommending you try this or that, but as someone who's "tried everything" over the past 19 years, please check out this information. I am working full time, have no pain in my joints, my cognition is mostly clear, I'm not depressed, and the list goes on. Blessings to you.
You can listen to this webinar while you rest:
https://vimeo.com/95363246#at=0
Sarah
– May 16 2014
I'm so sorry you are having to go through this!! I second what the gal above (Sarah) said! I know that Lyme disease is running rampant in this country, but doTerra oils are helping people conquer it. I also command this disease to die in the name of Jesus Christ! I speak life, healing, and peace over your body in Jesus' name. Be healed! <3
Heather
– May 16 2014
You are a blessing to your family and people around you Deborah! not only have you inspired them but also your article is inspiring many people across the nations in Christ such as me. I am from India and I am going to share this article to as many as I can. Your testimony for the Lord is turning to be an instrument for the glory of our Lord. Will be praying for your complete recovery so that you will be able to serve our King in full strength and might.
Jess Kurian
– May 16 2014
I prayed for you and will continue to do so. Those medical bills are a lot! I sure hope that funding comes your way. I will be praying for both finances and healing, as well as strength and love. Many blessings to you and your loved ones.
Shanna
– May 16 2014
My husband has been completely healed from limes disease. So keep the faith. It took years of struggle and believing. But God is faithful. Praying for her complete healing
amber duncan
– May 16 2014
Our family has dealt with lyme disease for years. It is basically building up the immune system with raw foods, no processed food, NO SUGAR (lyme spirochetes feed on sugar)etc. Deborah, your story is a blessing. God is with you through it all. That is our comfort. We currently try NAET for treatment. Our prayers go out to you and your parents.
BJ
– May 16 2014
Hi, I wanted to encourage Her and Her family.
I recently (last Wednesday) attended a conference in San Diego, and I saw this Girl that was healed from lime disease. After the conference I myself saw God's healing as I prayed on people with other conditions!
Go to GlobalAwakening.com and look at the San Diego conference testimonies; This conference was held in a good well known Biblical Church; The Rock Church. (Lecrae has been there : )
*** Look at the video.... Sometimes God even Heals with the power of the testimony : )
God Is Moving Amazingly!!! Be Blessed!!! Will Pray For You!!!
Mark 5:36. Be not afraid, only Believe.
Christian
– May 16 2014
Deborah you have such inspiring faith. Thank you for your story! I am praying for you and this healing process. The Lord is faithful. At times when you feel overwhelmed or that this is too much for you to handle, just remember that our God is so much bigger. Ephesians 3: 20 says "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us"
Jon
– May 16 2014
Deborah,
I just wanted you to know that my family will be praying for you. If we could help you financially we would. My husband and I have been disabled with Lyme for the last two years. We lost our youngest daughter to Lyme, and our other four children are also infected. My husband's life was saved after we found a Lyme doc in DC who has been treating him with IV antibiotics. The kids and I are being treated with oral therapy. We have been blessed to have a community and church family that have paid our living expenses and much more, so we are praying that many of your family's needs will be met through donations from this site. Keep fighting!! Big hugs to you.
Joy Murdock
– May 16 2014
I would love to have some way to contact Deborah.
I feel that we can encourage one another as we
go through this journey of healing together!God is
so good! Everything that has been stolen will be restored!
It's a promise from our loving Papa. There are more and more
testimonies about people being healed of Lyme disease!
Just last year, my husband and I went to the youth camp
our church put on. I also have Lyme disease. I went to the camp
with a mask and ear plugs on because of smells and sounds.
I was having trouble walking and talking too. The people there went into
warfare for me and I DANCED! Ever since then, I have not had to wear
the ear plugs and only a few times have I had to wear the mask.
God is not a man that He should lie! Cling to His specific promises for you
He is and will be your victory! Also make the enemy regret the day he decided
to mess with you! What I do is picture every blow (every symptom) as 10,000.00
in my account! Take that devil! It's like Andy Mineo song lyrics... You Can't Stop Me!
Be encouraged my sister. We will rejoice in the fullness of restoration one day!
I am praying for you and believing for you.
God I ask that you would show Deborah what she is going to do for the Kingdom
because of this assault on her life. Be her strength, be her peace, be her joy and be her
hope. I declare good sleep and heavenly dreams. I declare restitution in every area afflicted
physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially and even in the places that only you know about
King that were taken. Hands off devil! No more! I declare complete and total healing in Jesus
Name! Blessings Deborah and family!!! 116
Nicole Tounzen
– May 16 2014
Deborah, Google chlorine dioxide for your Lyme disease ( aka mms). Many people with Lyme have found dramatic relief from it. It's also dirt cheap. Google it , please.
Like
– May 16 2014
Deborah, I just want to thank you for your honest words. You have no idea how in this one interview God is using you. So many people who are not faced with problems nearly so big, fall under the pressure but you are proving yourself strong. When we are weak, He is strong. And that is not in our strength but by His grace. You have learned more wisdom than many who are old in age. I pray God's greatest blessings on you and anticipate hearing in the near future of your complete healing. God is not only able but He is willing. He who created you in the womb knows how to complete that which He has begun in you. Faith in Jesus Christ and the power and might of His great, unconditional love for you will see you whole and complete in every way. He will not fail you! Thank you so much Deborah and to God be the glory forever and ever and ever!!!
Gayle
– May 16 2014
I really do admire you Deborah. Not only will your pains will relieved, you will never miss the kingdom of Heaven IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN!. I do not know you but I love you like my sister already. YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION. I'll carry my cross daily just as you advised, gaining my life back. Healing IS YOUR BREAD COS YOU ARE GOD'S SPECIAL CHILD. HE'LL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU. REMAIN STRONG IN HIM. I'm from Nigeria. Even if we don't see each other on earth, We'll get to worship HIM together in HEAVEN, AMEN!
Ashley
– May 16 2014
Deborah, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease my sophomore year of High School, but had symptoms long before then. My mother has been battling Lyme as well since 1994. God has been so good to my family and I in this struggle. I hope you can find comfort knowing that someone else battled Lyme through high school. I ended up graduating a year late because of it. I haven't been able to play soccer since age 16 due high heart rate. I used to wear sunglasses during school or inside too from light sensitivity. My struggles with Lyme were not as severe as yours, but depending on God entirely to get through the day is something I am familiar with. Isn't it awesome how great of a comfort He is? Deborah you are so beloved by God and he is thrilled that you are following him in his plan for your life. You are not alone. Psalm 61 and 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 are two of many verses that helped me. Psalm 24:13-14(NIV, NLT, Message) and the entire chapter are pretty awesome; Isaiah 58:11 too. "Take Heart"(The City Harmonic) Deborah. You are incredibly blessed. The family of God is crying out in prayer on your behalf. You will be shaken, but not moved, shoved, but not knocked down. You are secure. IN JESUS name tears and sorrow of this disease be wiped away and love in the vision of being held bring Deborah comfort. Love cast out all fear. Love overcome any ailment. May Deborah sing the praise of your name in spite of sickness and all the more in the victory of your resurrection God. May Joy be her song; the music in her mind be the enjoyment of laughter. Jesus you suffered, but you overcame. In you Deborah will overcome, not in the way the world has planned but in a miraculous witness of what you have done. Inspire her with dreams in her sleep and images of a life given by you. Those dreams will bring hope of the day to come. No more sorrow, no more pain. She will rise and run in the fullness of your grace. We will praise you and lay our lives story at your feet. It is our offering back to you for all you gave. Thank You Jesus for Deborah's dependence because you are carrying her. Your love is a strong embrace. Your smile of delight is her peace for you are proud of her. If physical healing comes one by one like it is for me she will praise you. If it is all at once she will leap in happiness. If healing does not come yet she will cling to you and praise you ALL DAY LONG. Deborah keep it in perspective, what you're going through is minutes of a perfect eternity. Please do not feel belittled, but live joyfully knowing the pleasure God takes in you.
Lydia
– May 16 2014
Deborah,
I have suffered w/Lyme Disease for 8 years, my son suffered at the end of senior year Lyme Disease also. So we understand. I saw your name on Lecrae's FB page and I felt compelled to let you know you are not alone, many thousands are suffering with Lyme as you may know. We have an amazing support group of nearly 2,000 members on Facebook at the Christian Lyme Disease Support Forum. If you join us we can offer you prayers/hope/help. I hope you join us, so many just like you have suffered this horrible disease and been through just what you have but most encouraging many have overcome it. Prayers.
Dana
– May 17 2014
My son had Lyme for we guess 3-4 yrs. He went completely psychotic last sept and we didnt know what was going on. He was so active with wrestling prior that his body symptons were minimal. We were fortunate to get an early diagnosis. I am off to work and seen this so I have to go. We treated him in Idaho for one week and he will go back in July for a one day follow up. In that one week he returned normal about 90 percent. Today he is working for me (5 weeks later) and he does great. Please consider this treatment. It suppose to kill the bacteria completely. E-mail me. The web site is lymestop.com. Please read the testimonies.
Rick
– May 17 2014
I would also like a way to contact Deborah and her family, if possible, if only just a letter or email.
Jericho Racey
– May 17 2014
http://vimeo.com/95363246
Please watch this for help with healing from Lyme!
Jenni
– May 17 2014
This is a link to an Atlanta doctor who has GREAT success treating Lyme disease naturally. Prayers for your continued progress and healing. http://www.longevityhealthcenter.com/
OTP
– May 19 2014
Thank you so much for sharing your story Deborah, it gave me so much hope in my own life. I have some health issues here and there yet nothing as serious as yours, yet I usually lose faith when I don't get what I prayed for. Your story just woke me up how lucky I am. I can't imagine what you've been and what you're going through, it frustrated me so much that good people like you are so deserving of a much better life are suffering. It also opened my eyes to the fact that society in general tends to turn a blind eye from the sick people. We often neglect them, because we only want to see the positive things in live. Your story changed me in so many ways, I'm now looking for ways to help the sick people in our community. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your testimony.
I will continue to pray for you everyday, as well as all the people who are in need of it. I have your article as a wallpaper in my computer to remind me about your inspiring faith. God bless and keep fighting the good fight! God with tons of people have your back.
Kev
– May 21 2014
Wow... I am senior graduating from high school this year and after I read this article, I am ashamed... Deborah... You are fighting a hard, hard fight. A fight, that, if I had... It would of taken me years to rejoice in Christ and exalt His Glory. You have inspired me to try and reach your level of spirituality... To try and cut out my selfishness and pride that I live with everyday. I worry about all these little things, at the moment, to many work hours, yet here you are trying to run your race like Paul said with a terrible disease!!! God has interested you with talents, and you are using them wisely. Take heart, you WILL get better from this disease, maybe not on this earth, but when you fall asleep once and for all and join Him in the Eternal Paradise!!! Good job sister!! Go Hard, or Go Home!!! 116!!!
Wesley Chenette
– May 28 2014
It's good to see someone thninikg it through.
Rena
– Sep 18 2014
We stumbled over here from a <a href="http://qmqawtejb.com">direfefnt</a> web address and thought I should check things out.I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to looking over your web page repeatedly.
Dayanne
– Sep 19 2014
I don't think Curt would have much of a shot winning any <a href="http://ecnwpynqh.com">elcetion</a>. Is there anyone out there who actually likes him? For all he did for Boston, still every Boston fan I know doesn't really like him, they just respond to questions with something like, well, I'm really happy for what he helped accomplish for us, but he should shut his mouth because he's an idiot.As for Moose in Hall, I guess it makes sense that he not get in if we look at his peers who will be getting nominated around the same time- Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine, Randy Johnson, Clemens, Pedro. Those are all guys who were incredibly dominant. Moose, as great as he was, just wasn't in that league. While I have never thought much of Glavine, he does have the magic number and that's what counts to get him over the hump. As far as Moose playing on the Orioles in the 90s and Yankees in the 2000s, that's true that that probably helped him get some wins, but it's also true that pitching in the AL East probably took away it's fair share of wins from him. Facing at various times the Sox, Yankees, Orioles, and Blue Jays is not an easy task- far more difficult than playing in other divisions. This is the premier offense division and probably always will be.Side note: if Moose shouldn't get in before Blyleven- should Schilling get in before him? Or before Jack Morris for that matter? Schilling's got the 3000+ strikeouts, but he doesn't have the win total of Moose or Blyleven (who also has more Ks, as do Clemens, the Unit, Maddux, and Pedro). He also has the postseason record, making him similar to Morris. If you put those together does it make him Hall worthy? I don't know. I think right now people think he and Moose should get in, but in five years from now, with some perspective, I think people will answer no.'
Stanislav
– Sep 22 2014