See No Evil, Hear No Evil…

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” – Aldous Huxley

When I was a child, we had a small “what-not” that sat on the bookcase that was similar to the photo shown here. It was three monkeys and it was called “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil.” When I saw the quote by Aldous Huxley, I immediately thought of that figurine. We know from scripture that we can speak things into existence (Proverbs 18:21). We know that small children believe if they cannot see you, then you cannot see them (i.e. covering their eyes with their hands or hiding under a blanket). Lastly, we have the philosophical question, “if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”

Sounds and activities go on all around us. The fact that we didn’t hear, see, feel or speak it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Nor does ignoring a chronic disease mean that it doesn’t exist – especially if you have a chronic disease that allows you to function day-to-day. Years ago a friend of mine asked me why I thought some people stop taking their medicine when they know the meds are good for them and help them to control their chronic conditions. I don’t know if my answer was 100% correct, but I responded that some people quit their meds because the meds make them feel better, so they think they no longer need them. Another reason may be that they don’t like the side effects.

Whatever the reason, not taking our meds is the same as ignoring the facts. The fact is you have a chronic condition that requires attention. It happens to the best of us. From time-to-time, we fall off the wagon. It’s like the song by Donnie McClurkin, “We Fall Down, But We Get Up.” Falling down is not the issue. When we’ve fallen, we must get back up and get back on track.

Some conditions can be controlled with a combination of medicine and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising and eating proportionally. In some instances maintaining a healthy lifestyle can completely eliminate the need for medicine – after consulting with your doctor. My goal is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m taking it one step at a time. I’ve fallen off the wagon. I’ve gotten back on the wagon. Sometimes I’m using the wagon as if it were a scooter with one foot on the wagon and one foot off.  Philippians 3:14 tells us to press on toward the goal and that’s what I intend to do. What about you?

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.