Letting Go of the Reins: This Aggie Found Purpose Outside of the Arena

I answered the phone nervously, eager to hear from the doctor’s office about my latest test. After a month of limping around with swollen knees and excruciating pain, I was anxious to know what was wrong.

“Hi, Ms. McDonald. Your recent test indicated the presence of antibodies that cause an overreactive immune system. We’re sending you to a rheumatologist for further testing. We cannot confirm a diagnosis, but you’re showing early signs of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).”

That was the day my life took an unexpected detour, and not down the scenic route.

You see, I would be lying if I said my journey to Texas A&M University was completely fueled by academic pursuits. While receiving an Aggie Ring and a diploma were important goals, my greatest desire was to compete for the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Rodeo Team. After receiving an offer during my junior year of high school, I just knew my identity as an Aggie would be defined by my athletic abilities — or so I thought.

After that call from my physician, I was referred to Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates, where my RA diagnosis was confirmed. Still, my family and I struggled to believe it. But after countless visits to orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and holistic doctors, I was forced to accept my new identity. I was now the 20-year-old with a handicap placard and a backpack full of pain medication. My routine revolved around doctor visits instead of rodeo practice.

The doctors explained that autoimmune diseases are complex and that I had a long road ahead and would never be the same physically. As difficult as it was to hear, I refused to fall into pessimism. Instead, I clung to what the Bible says in Ecclesiastes: God appoints a time for every purpose. Clearly, my purpose wasn’t to compete, at least not in that season. So, I started serving the season I was in with grace and optimism, asking, “What now? What next?”