“I will not be discouraged about how far I have to go. Instead I will be EXCITED about where I’m headed.” Author Unknown
Managing any chronic illness can be depressing. Your mind knows what it wants your body to do, but your body refuses to cooperate. You’ve been to the doctors and you’re following their guidance. You start your day with a host of medicines – each of which has their own side effects. This adds another layer to your frustrations of managing your chronic illness. Often the dilemma is trading symptoms for side effects and the results can be depressing.
I recall a scripture, “In all things, give thanks.” (1st Thessalonians 5:18). Giving thanks may be a difficult task to achieve when you’re dealing with sickness in your body. After all, no one wants to be thankful for a burden, trial, or tribulation. When I give thanks, I am not being thankful for going through. I’m thankful for what I’ll gain while going through. Giving thanks to the Lord reminds me that I am not alone. Giving thanks to the Lord reminds me of the strength that I’ve gained because of the added burden, trial, or tribulation. How would I know my strength unless my strength has been tested?
Fighting an illness connects you with a society to which you may not want to be connected. I am linked to the type 2 diabetic society. Being a type 2 diabetic often carries a negative stigma with it because the general mindset is that this could have been prevented. That may be true in some instances. However, rather than dwell on the negative, I choose to concentrate on the positive.
As a result of my diagnosis and my attempt to control my disease, I have developed some healthy habits.
Drink more water. Water is cleansing as it removes toxins from our bodies.
Get more rest. Our bodies need the rest so that our energy can be replenished.
Get more exercise. This is a struggle for me because I’ve never enjoyed exercising. A friend mentioned line dancing and that sounds like fun. Find a form of exercise that is fun and it won’t feel like you’re exercising.
Check back from time-to-time for more suggestions for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and remember, in all things, give thanks!
By Lorraine M. Castle
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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