We all know that parenthood can be an exhausting business. It's a beautiful chaos; a storm of laughter, tears, incessant questions, and of course, my fair share of aching joints given the physical demands of being a full-time dad to seven kids. I am Douglas, blessed with seven little angels who never fail to are an amusing source of sweet, joyful chaos and yes, tiring antics that exacerbate my condition – arthritis. But as scripture tells us: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
You may not know this about me, but I am 'straight-edge' – that's someone who doesn't smoke, drink, or even indulge in caffeine. And yet, I am an ardent supporter and user of CBD oil. Today, I'd like to expound on why.
This morning started off rough. Emily, my five-year-old, found it amusing to run around the house chasing our hyperactive golden retriever while I tried my best to keep up. Their giggles and the dog's barks echoed through the room. Meanwhile, the older kids decided it was the perfect time to get a bit competitive with a game of tag. Imagine your old-man-Douglas running back and forth, trying to maintain peace, all the while feeling the fiery flare of unchecked arthritis in his knees.
My grip on serenity was beginning to slip just as Jacob, my teenager, appeared out of nowhere with his backpack needing some desperate 'parent-fix'. Parent-fix, in our house, is a delicate concoction of duct tape, prayers, and a bit of muscle grease. Now, here's where my arthritis really comes into play – opening up that stubborn duct tape. The tiny act seems insignificant, but it sent spasms of pain shooting through my hands.
It was in that moment that I silently thanked the Lord for CBD. CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural remedy that has proven highly beneficial to my arthritis. It is a compound found in the cannabis plant, completely devoid of the psychoactive substance THC.
Turning to CBD oil doesn't contradict my faith, nor my clean-living lifestyle. The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:29 that "God said, Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth." I believe He gave us this plant, and its amazing properties, to be a balm for our ailments.
CBD oil is a godsend for arthritis sufferers like me. Multiple studies point towards CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation and interact with neurotransmitters in a way that results in pain reduction. It has none of the side-effects that usually accompany pharmaceutical pain-relievers and does not cause dependency.
So, after a gruelling day of energetic kids and excruciating joints, I retired to my room and applied a few drops of CBD oil directly onto my aching knees and hands, massaging it gently. It didn't take long to feel the soothing relief sweep over. The sharp pain lessened considerably, replaced by a mild numbness that made it possible for me to reach for the needle and thread to mend Jacob's poor backpack.
My day, largely overshadowed by pain, was brightened by the mighty relief that CBD oil offered. It allowed me to carry on with my duties as a father, reassured and relaxed, my Faith healing my spirit, CBD oil easing my body.
And so, while my loving horde continues their escapades, Father-Douglas carries on, upheld by grace and a handy little dropper bottle – his passage to physical relief.