Mona has always been creative but writing gravitated to the top of the pile after her health gave way in 2007 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. There has always been a thread of spirituality running through her work, but more so after being diagnosed. Guided by a strong spiritual sense, her hope is that her words will inspire others to explore their own spirituality to aid in their own walk.
Mona lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Introduction
You may have MS but it doesn’t have to have you
Whether you’re new, nearly new or seasoned with MS (or any chronic condition) I hope you find some light here.
For the first seven years of having MS, from a fully-abled graphic designer to disability pension, I made a mighty beginning down various alternative inroads with MS. I found patches of bright light (hope) that kept me going, but I also experienced deep patches of despair that, towards the end, were increasing and lasting longer. It was like a big game of hide and seek, moving in and out of the light trying to outdo the dark. Until I moved into the light permanently ten years ago.
And I’d like to shed some of the light I thought I would never last. I’m convinced if we heal our insides, it ripples out to our outsides. At least it has for me. I have a good life today regardless of MS. Many of my broken dreams trickled back, many got transformed and some I’m still working on.
I’ve been told I articulate things well, so I’ll give it a go and see what happens. Not that I’m an expert at it but because one baby step at a time, I believe our intentions do come to pass. And my intention for you, dear reader, is to find some peace and comfort in turbulent rapids of a broken spirit.
So thank you for being a part of it and pull up a chair.
Endorsements
Inspired by Mona’s life experience of living with MS, Faith from Stone helps us see how full a life can be in all circumstances. Roz’s life force within – the mystery of faith – propels her; her willingness to surrender to what is and stay in the present constantly renews her. Humour helps too! Life spirals upward. Enthusiasm in seeing new possibilities and engaging others in the process is remarkable.
Faith from Stone “I really enjoyed Mona’s first book, Hope from Stone and was grateful she carried on with this story. Not only did it tie up some loose ends but added interesting and innovative ideas. From fiction comes reality. I hope this is one of the concepts that can be realized in the near future. Being a person who also lives with multiple sclerosis, I know the need for independent and care housing for younger folks.”
Every time I meet with Mona, listen to her story, her journey, her struggle, it seems that my heart reawakens to look at a Mystery, the same Mystery that creates the life of our every day and gives meaning to our existence. Mona is one of those women who has met this Mystery through the circumstances of her life and is able to communicate it in all its beauty and goodness.
‘Faith from Stone’ is an engaging story with a bigger picture perspective. As the protagonist goes through the challenges of living with MS, her life becomes richer, fuller and more joyful, not in spite of her health issues, but because of them. She comes to understand more that no matter what our life circumstances, we matter. “We all matter,” she says, “once we know that deep down, we can start to make the world a better place.”
When life strips us of anything, be it ability, freedom of movement, independence or treasured possessions, there are grieving questions. Who are we going to be? What will our purpose in life be? What is it that really defines who we are? Mona has hit these walls and faced down these questions time and again but each time she reaches for the only one she knows who will not only get her through the desert but will give her more than she had before - more than she hoped for. She walks and writes in this hope, a hope that is authentic…a hope in the only one worth hoping in. Jesus is his name and Mona knows him well. Her writings are a gift for a hungry world. Taste and enjoy!
A Collection of Essays by Mona Houle
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