You ARE What You Eat

Since there is no cure for Diabetes, being diagnosed as diabetic can feel like a life sentence. The numerous symptoms and the fact that the disease affects literally every part of the body can turn the most upbeat person into an individual who now constantly struggles with depression. Combine that with the post-holiday blues that can affect many of us after the holidays, this time of year can be challenging to diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

While I generally have a smile on my face, I am not immune to being depressed, at times. I’ve learned that we really are what we eat. Not just with what we consume physically, but also what we consume mentally. In addition to a healthy dose of the Bible on a daily basis, I also read positive quotes or affirmations. I’ve realized that just as our bodies require a healthy diet so that we can ward off bacteria that attempt to weaken our bodies, we must consume positive quotes and affirmations so that we can ward off the ill effects of depression.

One of my favorite quotes is, “Life isn’t waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” This quote also reminds me of the biblical passage that it rains on the just and the unjust. There are times when living a diabetic lifestyle feels like you’re going through a storm. A storm is defined as “a disturbance of the normal condition…” (www.dictionary.com).

Yes, being a diabetic carries many negative attributes with it. The challenge is to turn that negative into a positive. I follow my diet as closely as I can – as if my life depends on it, because it does – testing my glucose level on a regular basis, getting plenty of rest, and the list goes on. It can be depressing if you allow it to be. Yes, I feel like I’m in the midst of a storm, but I’ve chosen to dance in the rain. I take myself back to my childhood days when I loved to put on my raincoat and my galoshes and go splashing in the rain. The storm was still there, but I was dancing! Will you join me in my dance?

By Lorraine Castle

About Rev. Cynthia Jackson

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.