The Blessing of Support

Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment.   - Mark 6:56

Diabetes prevalence has doubled since 1994 in New York State alone, according to the New York State Department of Health.  More than 1.8 million New Yorkers statewide have diabetes, and an estimated 730,000 people are living with diabetes and don't even know it.

Here's another interesting fact from a 2008 American Time Use Survey, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The average American spends more than 50 hours per year engaged in religious activities compared to only 18 hours per year in health care settings.


What if we as a church went above and beyond the call of duty?  What if we as people of faith actually put feet to our faith and did something tangible to help our fellow Christian brothers and sisters - and anyone else who battles diabetes?  Please don't misunderstand me.  I know we pray for each other, and that's wonderful.  By faith we pray for everyone who suffers with all illness, and every diabetic prays for a cure for diabetes!  That is definitely important.  But I wonder what would happen if we took that a step farther?  I wonder if we would know how to begin?  I wonder if anyone cares to try?

People connect so deeply in church settings.  We feel a sense of freedom to speak up in a more relaxed environment with our circle of friends than we do in a cold, often too antiseptic doctor's office or clinic environment.  There's something about being with and talking with someone who shares your faith in Christ!  

In my personal situation, I was indeed blessed!  My best friend was not only my sister in Christ, but also happened to be a diabetic educator.  I did not seek any "specialists" outside of my general practitioner for many years.  I remember when I was a newly diagnosed diabetic.  My friend was so good to stay after many church services just to talk with me and answer questions for me.  She was my support system for a long while.  I don't know what would have happened if she had not been available for me to lean on.  

I understand that this is not the primary function of a body of believers, but it could certainly be a wonderful outreach program!  Do you have a person in your congregation who is a professional - a diabetic educator or other diabetic specialist who would be willing to spend an hour a week with a diabetic support group?  Of course the group needs to incorporate prayer requests and a time of prayer, but also give the group time to just exchange ideas and thoughts and feelings. 

There is nothing worse than finding out you have diabetes and feeling as if you are all alone with absolutely no support and no hope.  I took my friendship for granted because if not for my friend, my journey would have been a very lonely one.  When you are feeling hopeless, it leads to loneliness and isolation (by choice).  Isolation can quickly turn into depression and depression, in my case, leads to overeating.  It's such a vicious circle. 

I know we have the DOC - and what a blessing that has been!  But what if people learned, through a Bible-based support group, that they do not have to face this horrible disease all by themselves?  How great would that be?

What if we could introduce Hope to the hopeless in a real way - a way that will be beneficial to them?  Before Christ introduced His Father to an individual, He met their personal need - every single time.  Think about it.

"If I Could Just Touch The Hem Of His Garment" is a heart warming song by Nicole C. Mullen.

http://youtu.be/noSLw7v_kEM

On this day in 1969, The Apollo 12 command module splashes down safely in the Pacific Ocean, ending the second manned mission to the Moon.  I was only 8 years old when it happened, but I remember being glued to the old black and white TV set watching!