SPIRITUALITY AND FAITH
There is no known cure but besides taking good care of yourself, I believe Jesus is the antidote. Triggers that cause flare-ups of Lupus symptoms can be environment, the foods you eat and stress.
Being diagnosis at the age of 18, (now in my mid-thirties), my life changed drastically. I was introduced to a low- tolerance stress-free life (as little stress as possible) and a low sodium diet (a renal or kidney diet). Even though I went through college and worked regular jobs, my health was my first priority. It was like I was watching another person or a baby; my health was fragile at times.
There were times when I couldn’t work because of seizures. I was on too much medication that prevented me from driving and I had too many surgeries back to back. That’s why good health is priceless to me. There are things money can buy, gas, food, shelter, cars, and material things. But like the lady with the issue of blood, she gave all she had (money) and still wasn’t healed until she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. God has given us bodies and we should not misuse them or abuse them. I am guilty of overdoing and overworking myself at times. Thinking I had just bounced back, some techniques would work but after a while I learned to just take care of myself. In the book of Proverbs 4: 7, it says, “Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom and get an understanding”.
God wants us to have good health. The bible says in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved I wish above all that you may prosper and be in health as thy soul prosper”. As a lupus survivor, besides Jesus, how I handle my health is on my mind all the time. Every decision I make I have to put my health first. For example, when I had my last Lupus flare-up, my doctors told me I had
to basically change jobs based off my health condition. I was on dialysis for my kidneys. At one time I wore a backpack on my shoulders, but because I had tubes sticking out, I could no longer wear the backpack. If the job I worked was too stressful and too laborious, I couldn’t work in that environment. I had to switch jobs.
I decided to take my health more seriously. I watched the foods I ate, exercised more and had fun. I even based my health around what jobs I took. This may sound too extreme but I experienced a time where I couldn't work because of my poor health.
Health and wealth are connected, while sickness, poverty and death are connected. I made a decision to connect with life and health which ultimately connects to wealth. When I was able to work, I made revenue (money). Make the right decision for your health and it will connect you to your wealth.
Several people around me including my family suffered from chronic
illness. While some of my family survived, others suffered too long and passed away, even at an early age. Make
the right decision
for your health and
it will connect
you to your wealth.
Francine Houston is the author of "Lupus Journey" and she has a number of businesses: Cineik Media, FH DESIGNS , and It Works. Francine is also a graduate of
School of the Bible 2 (2013 ).
Email Francine at [email protected].