The journey of dealing with a life-threatening illness was stressful, embarrassing, challenging and very painful in the beginning. What’s done in the dark will come to light and when it does shine, the things that are illuminated may cause you grief and shame. It was humiliating sharing my personal acts and information to total strangers who recorded those things down on a report. I’m so glad that when we confess our sins to God and He forgives, He remembers them no more! Through faith, prayer, determination, enormous support from family and friends along with further education of the disease, I have been able to courageously stand and speak out and encourage others to do the same. It has been a life-changing event and an eye opener to make me realize that I am the only protector of my health and the only controller of my mindset. I had to decide to give up and let it take me down or stand up and redeem myself. I encourage all to reach out to God, the One who is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient, for all your needs and guidance. He will meet you right where you are if you are sincerely willing to reach out. It was a night of crying out in the shower begging for help to cope and regain my self-esteem that God restored my peace and self-confidence. Ironically I was naked and uncovered the things I had done. God can only heal when you are real and ready to reveal.
People may sympathize during the onset of situations but it takes someone who can empathize during the situations and offer recurring support. I am proud to be a visible advocate for persons affected by HIV/AIDS. My friend stated to me, “Lita, God said that this is not the end of your life but the beginning.” At first, I did not grasp that concept and was indeed confused. How can a life-threatening diagnosis that can end my life possibly be the beginning of my life? In the word, John 13:7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” We are individuals who must see things in order to believe it. We shall walk by faith and not by sight. I shortly realized that I am the visible warning for others to get tested, be aware and to not take things such as your health and life lightly.
The topic is closed about the disease that is becoming a silent killer of hopes, dreams, esteem, and the well-being of people in our communities and families. By raising awareness, encouraging protection, educating the unknown and supporting those affected, we can stand and fight against the wildfire spread of HIV/AIDS. It is not included in regular check-ups to be tested for HIV. It is a choice to be tested. Knowing your status can further protect you and others from the spread of the disease and give an opportunity to live life. The reality is that majority, if not all has or have been at risk for contracting it at one time or another. HIV/AIDS are transmitted through unprotected sexual encounters with those affected through blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, breast milk and needle sharing. It is not air borne or transmitted by insects, hugging, touching, kissing, nor by sharing swimming pools or toilet seats. Get tested every 6 months from your local health department or healthcare provider on request. Use condoms properly and with every sexual encounter. Know who you are dealing with, get in their business before getting busy! Know the facts of HIV/AIDS and do not rely on guesses.
Being diagnosed was devastating at first, but by education and determination, I am able to live a normal life as a unique individual. I began treatment immediately and with the efforts on my part to eat healthier, avoid risky behaviors, and renew my mindset, I became undetectable within 5 months of my diagnosis. I am doing well and the disease does not affect or define the person that God so strategically and wonderfully created me to be. The process was hard but with God all things are possible and He was present through it all. 1 John 4:4 Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. God has control over what he (enemy, sickness, trials) in the world can ever do to you. Being affected with an illness is challenging. Challenges of being judged, being labeled, being talked about, being sought to be unworthy, being criticized, being pitied, being used and abused, when you only want to be love, care for and understood. There are hurting individuals that need support and resources to ENDURE the battle because we know that all battles belong to the Lord to fight. Society wait until certain days, months, or seasons to bring awareness to things but EVERYDAY someone is being affected or touched by the things. Let us not forget that we should “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2,” meaning share in helping those get through and out of their troubles even though they may be responsible for them. I’m so grateful for my parents, my kids, my brothers, my sisters and a very special friend who persistently stood in my corner to support me on my journey. I hope they are aware that I am forever blessed by their love and concern. I am a courageous example that the trial can be stood and walked in victory! I am proud to say that through my boldness to speak out and share my experiences, I have led many individuals to get tested and educate themselves on the disease. I have been invited to several health fairs, schools, churches, community affairs to bring awareness. I also was able to get a signed proclamation from the Mayor of Laurel in November 2015 to declare awareness in the city. During this season in my life is where I found purpose to reach out to others and be POWERED. Many are hoping for a cure to be healed, but I have already been healed in my spirit, my heart, and in my mind. The test results may have given a diagnosis but I know God holds the prognosis!