Real Life Real Faith Women Walking By Faith March/April 2016 | Page 29

Choosing this way of life many women share is not easy, it takes faith, a positive attitude, and a
clear mindset to believe it will be a blessing to others and empower another woman to take their
health back. Inspired by Dima’s story; Dima was born with sickle cell anemia, sexually molested
as a child, and witnessed her mother being abused by her stepfather mentally, physically, and
emotionally. I remember Dima sharing with me and other women, who listened in disbelief how
afraid she was, yet brave. Frequent visits to hospitals for blood transfusions, fatigued, witnessing
her mom being chased and threatened with a butcher knife to later finding her mom at 12 years
old in the basement dead. Her stepfather murdered her mom; the same person who taught her to
ride a bike. Despite the tragedy, Dima today is happily married with children to a man who is
sensitive to her past and a prayer warrior. Dima has taken charge of her health and taken back
her life by embracing once again the spiritual component of wellness. Dima has not had any
symptoms of sickle cell and has not been to the hospital in 2 years due to her honoring her body
and self-care. “I cannot live without proper nutrition, if my body doesn't get what it needs; I do
my body a disservice.” Dima shares with too many women with sickle cell to honor their bodies
and claim their health! Life expectancy for sickle cell in women is 48 years of age. Dima is 35
years old. “I am focused on my God, family, and my mission to empower women with sickle cell
to live.” “I am not a victim, I am a victor.”
In 1Timothy 4:7-9 (NLT) it says, spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual
fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important for it
promises a reward in this life and the next. When exercising the spiritual component of wellness
it involves ones core values and beliefs, making time for meditation, prayer, and relaxation, it
delivers clarity and alertness for a healthy outcome. Our responsibility is to care for our bodies.
Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and these two courageous remarkable women of faith
are just two stories that will hopefully empower and encourage other women to honor their selfworth and value their self-care no matter the circumstances. I celebrate women in wellness all
over the world in the journey of wellness. For they all are Women on the Rise and remember
that: Your Story Matters.
Wellness is a lifestyle, live well,
Terri “Wellness Coach” Jackson Carson
Terri "Wellness Coach" Jackson Carson, Licensed Well Coach, CEO & Founder of
Sisters4Selfcare http://www.gottahdance.com

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