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Why, As Christians, We Must Go Beyond “You Look So Good!”

May 12, 2011 By 4 Comments
awomen

I recently had a pastor asked me, "If someone comes to church who is chronically ill and they have not looked great recently, and now they look better than usual, is it not okay to then say 'You look so good'?" I thought about it for a moment and replied, "Well, if it was me, I would think, 'Gee, I must have been looking really terrible!' As much as I intellectually know it is a compliment, it would not make me feel good, but rather worse about myself." "I understand what you're saying," said another woman. "Because it is still a comment on our outward appearance." Scripture tells us, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) When we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Caregiver, Church Leader, Founder's Blog, Invisible Illnesses, Need to Know, Person w/ Illness, Support Group Leader Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

7 Secrets the Chronically Ill Want Chaplains to Know

February 16, 2011 By 3 Comments
chaplian-secrets

By Lisa Copen 1. Have a sense of humor about my illness if I do. I know you're trained to search for if I'm in denial, but sometimes a good laugh about a situation or health challenge is my way of coping so feel free to laugh with me. 2. I will likely tell you I go to church more often than I do. You're a chaplain, so I have to sound somewhat disciplined if I am a spiritual person, right? (Never mind that lying to you isn't exactly "spiritual.") Honestly, as much as I may want to go, I get there a lot less. If you have any way to get my church to put the service online or on a free CD I will listen to it. 3. Skip the platitudes. You probably already know that but it's easy for anyone to slip into saying things like "God won't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Caregiver, Caregiving, Church Leader, Need to Know, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ministering to Those Who Have Lost Someone They Love

February 13, 2011 By 1 Comment
women-friends

By Fran Caffey Sandin “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12: 15 NASB) Rejoicing comes easily when something good happens in the lives of friends. But when death and its sorrow invade a home, we often find ourselves struggling for an adequate response. We sincerely want to help, but deep inside we’re afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, not being “strong” enough, or of becoming depressed. Who among us ever feels sufficient when death intrudes? And yet, that is when we’re needed most of all. The good news is that, in spite of our human weaknesses and fears, God can use us to uplift and encourage the bereaved. When the Holy Spirit dwells within our hearts, He will be our guide, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Love, Need to Know, Relationships, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Daily Devotionals Now Available Via Kindle Subscription

February 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Over at Rest Ministries, we've had daily devotionals for over ten years. We've seen technology continue to move forward and so are excited about this new addition to the devotionals! If you have a Kindle, the popular e-reader from Amazon.com, you will be excited to know that our daily devotionals are now available on the Kindle! If you don't have a Kindle, you can just keep this information in the "things I don't need to worry about" file. [Or if you are considering buying a Kindle use this link and Rest Ministries will get a small donation with our affiliate link!] If you are interested in subscribing to the devotionals via your Kindle, you can do it at the direct link here on Amazon or do a search on the Kindle itself. It will pop … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Announcements, Devotionals, Links, Need to Know, Person w/ Illness, Technology, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

One Woman Shares The Journey From Church Not Reaching Out to Sermon on Invisible Illness Week

September 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
rsdgirl1

Jessica Hayford Cantrell has had quite a summer moving towards Invisible Illness Awareness Week. This last Sunday in fact, her pastor did a sermon that included information about Invisible Illness Awareness Week. How did this happen? The journey is a long one. She shared with us this last weekend, “As most of you know tomorrow is the start of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. After a lot of emails, phone calls, and so on I can say that today was a great success for our church and those with such illnesses. Today, before the sermon, my pastor addressed the congregation and held a special prayer. He told them that tomorrow is the start of NICIAW and explained that in the world, and our own congregation we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Church Leader, Need to Know, Person w/ Illness, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Tips For Retreat Planners Regarding Those with Chronic Illness

May 26, 2010 By 2 Comments
gazebo

As womens ministries all over the country are starting to look at their fall calendars & reserve a autumn retreat for their women's group. Are you or someone you know planning a womens church retreat? We asked you, our readers to share your dream retreat! And also, "What should retreat planners know about people with illness? Do you attend retreats more or less often since your diagnoses?" Here's what you shared: 73% of you said you attend retreats LESS often SPECIFICALLY because of your illness. Almost 7% attend more retreats since being diagnosed with an illness What should retreat planners be aware of? Carol shares, "I was part of the staff that plans many of the retreats in my area before I started having health … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Caregiver, Church Leader, Need to Know, Our Best Tips, Person w/ Illness, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Free Cleaning Services for Women w/ Cancer Gears Up for Awareness Week

April 16, 2010 By 1 Comment
cleaning-reason

There are some organizations you run across & you think, "Now THERE is something we need for the chronically ill!" Here is one we especially like, "Cleaning for a Reason." httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZrhqElUfJs Right now Cleaning for a Reason is gearing up for Cleaning for a Reason Week, April 18-24 , 2010. (You can become a Cleaning for a Reason Facebook Fan here to help them spread the word.) They recruit professional residential maid services who are insured &/or bonded & perform background checks on their employees to participate. Each company has agreed to take 2 patients at a time & offer four free cleanings – one a month for four months. They accept cancer patient applications online, receive doctor’s verification … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cancer, Caregiver, Church Leader, Events, Links, Medical Professional, Need to Know, Our Best Tips, Person w/ Illness, Save $, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Inspirational Thought from Joni Eareckson Tada

March 23, 2010 By 1 Comment
joni-e-tada

We love this encouraging quote from Disability Ministry Advocate, author, speaker & amazing woman, Joni Eareckson Tada. "The fact that disabled people hang in there does something for Christians. It's not about being an inspiration for others, it more than that. . . it's a mystery. God somehow strengthens others by their faithfulness. They may feel like a burden to others, but God thinks the opposite. He thinks its necessary for others to take care of the disabled. . . they do more for one's spiritual well being than can be imagined. What's more is that it's all being credited to the disabled person's account, per Phillipians 1:25-26. If the disabled person is alone & does not meet others, they must endure for the purpose of teaching … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Caregiver, Church Leader, Coping Skills, Explaining Illness, Friend Has Illness, Need to Know, Person w/ Illness, Person w/ lll Spouse, Scriptures, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Study Finds Clergy Dismiss Depression, Anxiety The Most Often

February 25, 2010 By 2 Comments
man-sad

This is a study that was released Sept 2009 that we are passing on to our readers. We have added the bold parts. New Study Finds Clergy Dismiss Depression, Anxiety The Most Often Released: 9/30/2009 11:50 AM EDT Source: Baylor University Newswise — In 2008, a Baylor University study found nearly a third of those who approached their local church for assistance in response to a personal or family member’s diagnosed mental illness were told by their church pastor that they or their loved one did not really have a mental illness. Baylor researchers have now built upon that research & have found that depression & anxiety are the mental illnesses that are dismissed the most often. Research consistently shows that clergy – not … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Caregiver, Church Leader, Depression, Explaining Illness, Health News, Hurt Feelings, Mental Illness, Need to Know, Person w/ Illness, Statistics, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 New Resouces for Including Spirituality in Treatment of Mental Illness

February 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
man-sad

If you are looking for resources/study guides for clergy & communities of faith, Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder, Coordinator of Mental Health Ministries has written four, in response to the many questions & requests for information that she has received from persons who want to include spirituality as an important part of the treatment & recovery process. She shares. . . Surveys show that over forty percent of Americans seeking help with mental health issues turn first to ministers, priests & rabbis. This is twice as many as those who went first to a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician. Unfortunately, the response of clergy & congregations falls significantly short of what parishioners expect of their faith … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Advocacy, Caregiver, Church Leader, Depression, Links, Medical Professional, Mental Illness, Need to Know, Our Best Tips, Person w/ Illness, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Reflections on How People Respond to Visual “Pain” Experiences

December 3, 2009 By 4 Comments
cast4

It had been many weeks since I have been to church. My rheumatoid arthritis had been flaring for months now. I had been off of my main medication since August of 2008 due to infections & then pending surgery. While my husb& & son left on Sunday mornings I would attempt to log on to the church's web site to watch the broadcast. Some days it worked. Some days it did not. But a couple of weeks ago, after I had had joint replacement surgery on my left h&, my family decided to go on a Saturday night service when my body would be less sore. Any outing would be nice & I was eager to the back & receive some refreshment from the Lord. We got there a few minutes early & I went into the bookstore & w&ered around. I got a few odd looks … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Caregiver, Church Leader, Explaining Illness, Hurt Feelings, Need to Know, Person w/ Illness, Reflection, Share Your Story, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Pondering a Helpful Heart

November 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

"While we may st& with meaning at the manger, many are moving by just looking at the lights. Are we willing to turn from our festivities & help someone out of the car? Are we willing to lend a h& of assistance & an invitation to open their hearts to Jesus as He says, ‘Behold, I st& at the door & knock. If anyone opens the door I will come in,’?” —Florence Littauer, Blow Away the Black Clouds … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Caregiver, Caregiving, Church Leader, Friend Has Illness, Holidays, Need to Know, Our Best Tips, Person w/ Illness, Reflection, RM Volunteer, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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