FACES OF THE CHEMICALLY SENSITIVE
Karen Knudsen dons her respirator to protect herself from fragrances and other
chemical exposures that could make her ill. Karen is unable to attend church due
primarily to the fragrances worn by other church members.
Note: Many people who are severely chemically sensitive choose to stay isolated at home rather than risk going out to public places where they might encounter chemical exposures. Most people with MCS don't want to wear their masks or respirators in public due to the stares and ridicule they often experience. The majority of people with MCS have been told more times than they care to remember that their illness is in their heads, is a spiritual problem, or some other hurtful theory. It's often easier to live in isolation than to endure
the misunderstanding, judgment, and criticism by others. Depression is very common for those with MCS for a variety of reasons, and many can relate to the prophet Jeremiah who wrote:
I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is, so I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord." I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:1-5, 14,17-23).
Please pray for those with severe chemical sensitivities who live much of their lives in isolation. Pray for strength to endure, and that God will be their ever present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)