Before I was diagnosed as diabetic, I had no clue that this chronic disease was on my horizon. Even though I had family members who were diabetic, I was in denial, consumed with the “not me syndrome.” My closest family member diagnosed with this disease was my mother – who had never been considered over-weight. If anything, she could have used some extra weight. She also ate sparingly – like a bird. Therefore, it was a little difficult for me to connect the dots and realize that my mother’s condition was on my horizon.
I became ill on a Friday evening with what I thought was a virus. I spent that weekend with a fever unable to keep anything on my stomach. I called my doctor’s office on Monday only to find out his day was filled with appointments. “Did you want to see another doctor,” I was asked. “You bet!” I replied. I was so sick; I would see any doctor who was available.
Unknown to me; that was my blessing. I met with a doctor who was new to me. She gave me something to treat my symptoms, but she also wanted me to have some blood tests on that day. Being obedient, although I had a temperature and couldn’t eat anything, I went to the lab for tests. I went through this process several times. After three months, I was diagnosed as diabetic.
I went through several emotional stages from denial to anger to acceptance to compliance. The medicine designed to help my condition literally made me sick. I had my list of what I should and should not eat as a diabetic. Additionally, I began to realize that certain food items that were “okay” for diabetics were not “okay” for me – unless I wanted to be sick to the stomach.
Dealing with diabetes is a series of adjustments including a renewed mindset. I realize that a healthy lifestyle will help me control this chronic illness. In this age of fast, over-processed food, eating healthy often means going against the grain.
I reached back to what our parents and grandparents knew. Our bodies are a temple and they should be treated as such. We do not want to fill our temple with food that is not healthy. What is healthy? I’ve found that if I watch and listen closely, my body will tell me what’s good for it.
Just as following Jesus is a daily walk, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a daily walk. I walk this walk every day. I stumble. Sometimes I fall. Nevertheless, I get back up. I keep my eye on the Prize. I know that there is nothing that I’m going through that Jesus is not aware of. He’s keeping me through this process. This is the thorn in my side and Jesus is leading me through this thing. In all things, I give thanks and in all things, God gets the Glory!
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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