056 When Chronic Illness Changes Your Identity with LA Sprague

In this episode, April talks with podcaster and chronic illness advocate L. A. Sprague from the podcast Christians with Chronic Illness. Together, they dive into the grief that comes when chronic illness changes your identity, your energy, your plans, and even the way you see yourself.

L. A. shares her experience living with POTS and major depressive disorder, the tension between ambition and rest, and the pressure many chronically ill people feel to constantly prove their worth through productivity.

They also have an honest conversation about faith, healing, doubt, disappointment, and what it looks like to trust God when life does not unfold the way you thought it would.

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is L. A.’s practical approach to self-care through what she calls “little Leah” — learning to treat herself with the same compassion she would offer a child.

This episode is for anyone grieving who they used to be while trying to figure out who they are now.

What You’ll Learn

• What it feels like to grieve your old identity after chronic illness
• Why productivity can become tied to self-worth
• How internalized ableism shows up in everyday life
• The emotional tension between rest and pushing yourself
• A practical way to care for yourself with more compassion
• How faith can feel heavy during chronic illness
• Why doubt does not make you a bad Christian
• The role gratitude can play during painful flare days
• What a fulfilling life can still look like with limited energy

Memorable Quotes

“Maybe what true faith looks like is uncertainty.” — L. A. Sprague

“You are more than a product.” — L. A. Sprague

“God already has you on a mission field.” — April Aramanda

“You’re human. You’re a person worth caring for.” — L. A. Sprague

One Tiny Step

The next time your body needs something — water, food, rest, medication, a break — pause and ask yourself:

“If this were a child asking for care, how would I respond?”

Then offer that same care to yourself.

Guest Information L. A. Sprague

Host of Christians with Chronic Illness, a podcast focused on honest conversations around faith, suffering, chronic illness, and hope.

Resources

Join the Unseen Sisterhood!

A free weekly newsletter and community for women living with chronic illness. You’ll get encouragement, honest conversations, practical support, and reminders that you are not alone. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood

The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com

The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast

Music Credit Audio Jungle https://audiojungle.net