T-Rex Arms VS. Chicken Wings

I’m a week and a half past surgery and as much as I want to move beyond writing or sharing about this chapter in my life, I’m not able to just yet because it’s not quite over. God is still providing teachable moments in this and I feel like it’s not for me to keep for (only) my own growth in faith.

For those who are reading this and missed my post a few weeks ago, I’ll do a quick update. The beginning of September I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. Appointments and treatment plans have moved along quickly and I’m now on the other side of surgery.

A friend asked me recently how I was feeling and I explained, “I’m ready to be past surgery limitations and be on the go but my body is so achy from some doctor restrictions that are in place…” After I finished my usual, overextended words she quickly drew up her own simple words, “so you’re feeling like you’re energy is back, but your strength isn’t?!”

“Exactly!!” …couldn’t have said it better myself.

And her words are spot on. My energy is there. I’m ready to lift some weights again, get back over to the nursing home to do hair, and take advantage (with a bike ride) of these 70 degree days we’re enjoying here in Nebraska currently.

But with my doctor’s orders (ten pound weight and range of motion restrictions) in place and his timeline in respect—the time is not yet.

I’m gonna give you a quick visual and you can thank me later for the image and laugh! …One of my most important restrictions is that I’m supposed to keep my arms tucked close to my body, no reaching out to the sides.

My doctor, and he’s hilarious, demonstrated how I should keep my arm movements within a limited range. Upon showing and explaining this to my husband to help get the point across of the importance the two of them then concluded that “I need to be using T-Rex arms!!”

So I’ve kept T-Rex arms in mind as I’ve went about my days…did you know you can actually sweep the house using T-Rex arms? Me neither but I learned that!!

Let me let you in on a little secret.

T-Rex arms are not natural. They make a person feel confined. They also leave you feeling stiff and sore from the waist up. Especially after a full night’s sleep in that position.

There’s a reason God allows chicken wing movements. It feels freeing and refreshing! And not so constrained.

Chicken wings aren’t in my care plan just yet though—therefore T-Rex arms it is.

It’s ironic to me just how symbolic this is of the Christian walk.

Chicken wings are like those beautiful moments in life where things feel on track. Our relationships are healthy and whole. Our jobs are appreciated and secure. Our bodies are nourished and thriving. Our faith is strong and vibrant. We feel we can confidently stretch and strut over God’s good blessings.

On the other hand, there are times in our life when our hope spirals out of control as we allow fickle, negative feelings to take root. Our prayers go up but sometimes we wrongly deem them as unnoticed. We feel tied down by undesired wrongs that have happened in our life and we’re just waiting to be released from the burden and trials. We feel trapped or restricted.

By analogy this describes T-Rex arms.

Here’s the solid truth though, over any and all things—God gives us restrictions for our own good and within His perfect timing He leads us to the other side of adversity.

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For some of us that heavy load may not be lifted until we’re Heaven-bound. Likewise, for all of us, perfection in every single area and detail will come to fruition when we’re Heaven-bound as well.

The wonderful thing is, however, there’s taming available even in the midst of T-Rex arms…

Consider the way the arms are tucked in close at the sides, no flailing allowed. Now picture Jesus as He comes at your side, wrapping His caring arms around you. You’ve ached for so long that His gentle touch feels welcomed and comforting, merciful and grace-filled. His care is more than enough to sustain. No matter your mindset, His love is humbly fiercer than the pain. His steadfastness eases the harsh mentality. It’s His loyalty that calms the rigid edges.

No doubt, He is more than powerful enough to settle even the unruliest of all T-Rex’s.

Hope in Jesus is key.

And the beautiful thing is—hope is held in our hearts not our arms—whether we’re in a place relating to T-Rex arms…or chicken wings…

Have a very blessed weekend!!

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

34 thoughts on “T-Rex Arms VS. Chicken Wings”

  1. That’s beautiful, Alicia. I can picture Him beside you, keeping your arms at your side with His hug. ❤
    There's nothing like surgery to remind us that we are utterly dependent on Him – but thankfully, He is utterly dependable!
    Praying your soul takes advantage of this time of slowing down and focusing on Him. ❤ Healing will come, maybe in ways you weren't even expecting…

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    1. I love this: ‘Healing will come, maybe in ways you weren’t even expecting…’ I’ve started a new reading plan on YouVersion that focuses hugely on gratification—it’s been a blessing as God has worked in my heart to focus on the positives abundantly, not even allowing room for the negatives at all!! So thankful!!❤️
      Have a fantastic Saturday!

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  2. I am sorry you have to keep your arms restricted like that. I can only imagine how difficult that is, especially while sleeping. But this post has really made me think. Sometimes we feel oppressed in life, we feel restricted and held back. But as you pointed out, sometimes restrictions are a good thing because the Lord is protecting us. So we have to approach different situations with an open mind. But how beautiful that even when we have t-Rex arms, Jesus is there and can wrap His loving arms around us. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Such a beautiful post. I am still praying for your recovery, dear friend! ♥️

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    1. Thank you Bridget for reading and reflecting with me, what a blessing that we get to share God’s insight-revealings with one another.
      Even now it’s not even 5 AM and I’ve been awake for about an hour 😅 (too uncomfortable to sleep) but the quiet and dark in my house allows for zero distraction and I’m able to spend time focusing on His blessings, especially through the blog. He’s so good! Those negatives can be countered by His faithfulness!!
      Thank you for those prayers and your friendship!!❤️

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  3. It is a blessing to see you find things to laugh about amidst everything. Indeed, God’s grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in weakness. Continue to stay strong and remember that laughter is good medicine.

    Thank you for sharing. God’s speed with your healing.

    Get Outlook for Android ________________________________

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement!! Allowing God’s hand to be upon our lives makes such a difference, so thankful for my faith and (like you said) the gift of laughter!!❤️Have a beautiful day, Denise!

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  4. Well written! It’s a short term inconvenience for a longer term reward. I live by that principle. I have a physical therapy background plus have rehab my entire body at various points, so it’s not just a nice slogan I tell people, I myself live by this. I am glad this hasn’t stifled your humor or kept you from seeing God working in your life. I am so thankful for you!! Love, hugs and blessings!!!

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    1. Those are good words friend, I love that!! And you are so right, this is just a short time in my life and I want to be teachable through it!
      Thank you for the smile through your comment, Mandy! ❤️❤️❤️

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  5. Encouraging post Aliica. Thanks.
    My favorite ‘arms’ remembrance are His outstretched ones as He ran towards when I finally left my sinful past and turned towards Home. Be Blessed!

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  6. You are amazing! A Great Warrior of Encouragement! Did I say brave! ? May God bless and keep you protecting you in all your ways, may the rivers of living water flow down from throne of heaven , penetrating from crown of your head to souls of your feet, may Jesus the true balm of Gilead, heal you spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally with no lasting effects, in Jesus name❤️💯🙏🙌

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    1. Thank you Vanessa. I feel that love!! I miss you too, and seeing those sweet kids of yours pop in on zoom.😊❤️
      Thank you for sharing, this post has really spoke big to me, love when God creatively stirs our thoughts—for His purpose. Take care my friend!!

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  12. I’m short on time right now but oh, this blog touched my heart! I could relate as I thought of my restrictions after shoulder surgery. Too much movement too soon would ruin everything. I love the thought of God wrapping His arms around us in our confinement and unmet desires, and showing us His great love and grace. Thank you, Alicia, and may God continue to heal you and fill you.

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  14. Your God-inspired, positive attitude is so uplifitng, Alicia. Even with T-Rex arms you’re finding the good (though many would probably not put in the positive column the ability to vacuum that way–which actually proves my point!) Praying for rapid progress toward perfect healing, my friend!

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    1. 😊❤️Thank you Nancy!! It’s been a learning process for sure, I keep reminding myself lately to have an attitude of gratitude…and with Thanksgiving among us it makes it that much better! Praise to Him!!

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