Chronic illness Pain Support

Majority of Doctors Say Faith Helps Patients

A new survey finds that 85 percent of U.S. doctors believe religious faith can help patients have a good outcome.

Researchers polled 1,144 doctors for the study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, The Los Angeles Times reported. Only 1 percent said they believe religious faith and spirituality have a negative effect, while 2 percent said it has no effect and 12 percent said they think the positive and negative effects are balanced.

Asked about their own religious beliefs, 54 percent said they think God sometimes intervenes to help patients, 28 percent do not and 18 percent are agnostic.

Dr. John Robertson, chief heart surgeon at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., told the newspaper he has observed that patients with a strong religious faith are more optimistic and recover more quickly. Other doctors say churches and other religious organizations can provide emotional and practical support to patients.

Some doctors said the downside of religious belief is that patients can believe their illnesses are divine punishment. Some religions also stigmatize people with AIDS.   

Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/story/216/story_21668_1.html

102 great online resources you can tap into on chronic illness

102 great chronic illness resources

Here is a wonderful list that the blogger over at Chronic Health Blog put together.

We're excited to be mentioned a few times too!

18.  Video:  Rest Ministries Chronic Illness.  Dealing with chronic illness through faith

31. Can Those with an Invisible Illness Park in the Blue Spots without Others Seeing Red? The next time you see a healthy looking man loading groceries into his car–parked in the “blue spot”–don’t glare. Stop and offer to help him, or just smile nicely, giving him the benefit of the doubt.

43.  Eight Choices You Must Make to Live Successfully With Chronic Illness.  We all seek validation for our chronic illness, but our attitude about how we live with it, even when we don’t find that validation from others, is vital in how we succeed. It’s all about choice.

48. 6 Reasons the Chronically Ill Should Shun Making Resolutions. For most people, going through the steps of setting goals is an expectation of themselves. For those of us who live with chronic illness or chronic pain, however, it can be frustrating and intimidating.

51.  Learning to be Assertive Despite the Fatigue of Illness. Has assertiveness gotten a bad rap, however, among the chronically ill? Is it assumed that we won’t have the energy or stamina to fight all of the battles that we will face?

Illness and Anger: 3 Steps to Avoid the Spiritual Pitfalls

This article is free to reprint, just post as it's written and include the footer at the bottom. I'd love to hear if you do share it with others! Lisa

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Illness and Anger: 3 Steps to Avoid the Spiritual Pitfalls

"When I was first diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, I was relieved at first," shares Cindy.  "So many doctors kept telling me to see a psychiatrist, but I knew it was my body, not my head, that was in trouble."  She explains, "I had spent so much time before my diagnosis being mad, having my illness finally validated was a great feeling.  But six months later, the anger set in the pain management of the illness seemed to barely exist."

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a doctor in Switzerland, wrote a life-changing book called, "On Death and Dying" which describes the cycle of emotional stages that is often referred to as the grief cycle. Anger is the third stage, following the shock stage and the denial stage.

When we discover that we have a chronic illness, meaning an illness we will likely have for the rest of our lives, anger is a natural reaction.  So many hopes and dreams seem to be taken from us.

Recognizing these feelings and dealing with them is part of the mourning process. We all need to go through this process, and it comes at different times for each individual and at different levels at each stage of the illness. Ironically, the first year of diagnosis may even be easier than the third year.

Says Krista, who lives with chronic fatigue syndrome, "I know that my anger stages come and go. I have been angry at doctors, at God, myself, my church, even my husband and daughter and other family members."

One thing is definite: anger will come.  For some people it will be a mild irritation with everything in life, and for others a flaring temper that doesn't seem subside.

"It is my observation," says Linda Noble Topf, author of "You are Not Your Illness", "that the absence of anger in the face of a serious illness suggests that we have already withdrawn from life, that we have relinquished our passion for living, that we are resigned and emotionally numb."

When you are Christian it can feel shameful to even express that you have angry feelings.  Too often Christians believe that their angry emotions are sinful and something that those with a great deal of faith never experience.  They even believe that those feelings they do have are not even quote "allowed."  Have you ever experience some of these feelings?

- If I truly have faith in God and trust that He knows best, than I shouldn't get angry about my circumstances. Doesn't anger signify a lack of faith?

- If I reveal to other Christians that I am angry about my situation, won't they think I am weak in my walk with God?

- I know the Bible says, "wise men shouldn't anger."  So how can be my real self with the Lord?

- I know that anger leads to bitterness. So if I don't acknowledge these feelings I will be a "better Christian" and I won't ever become bitter about life.

None of these feelings are unusual, yet they keep us from dealing with the grief that we are going through because of our loss of health and lifestyle.

Here are a few tips to guide you in dealing with anger.

1. Are you angry?  Acknowledge your authentic feelings and then get on with life.

If you insist on ignoring your emotions, believing that in the end you will be a spiritually healthier person for it, you are wrong. Topf advises, "Think of anger as a resource that you can learn to harness and refine for your own benefit." If you can learn to recognize your anger, it will help you reclaim your authentic identity.  Faking it won't take you through this.

In the Bible the story of Job shows how he became angry at the events in his life (including the outbreak of sores all over his body). He even cursed the day he was born. As Job's life went on, God bless him with even more material assets, family, and choice.  Job told God, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful to know" (Job 42:3b).  Through his anger and frustration, he eventually found wisdom and character. You can't fake it through life or you will never benefit from this challenge you've been given

2. It is all right to have angry feelings.

God designed us to feel a wide variety of emotions and one of these is anger.  There are numerous instances in the Bible where Scripture specifically tells us about how even God got mad.  What does the Bible tells about how to cope with our own angry feelings?

- "For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:20).

- "Wise men turn away anger" (Proverbs

- "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control" (Proverbs 29:11).

God knows that although anger is a natural human emotion, it should not be our lifestyle. Some people may argue that it takes anger to get things accomplished. One example of this is the emotional name of Mothers against Drunk Drivers which have a seemingly appropriate acronym called "MADD." "We discover that anger is first and foremost demand for change," writes Topf. Great things have happened in our history, because of the "I'm-not-going-to-take-it anymore-attitude," but it's not how God calls us to live our entire life.

In Amos 1:11, God says, "I will not turn back my wrath... because his anger raged continually."  God isn't upset because of the presence of anger, but because the anger was continuous. God calls us to put our focus on Him and try to make a difference that will bring glory to Him.

3. Walk alongside God and He will walk with you through the anger.

The Bible tells us how David discovered this.  "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me." (Psalm 138:7). God can calm the anger of not only ourselves but also our enemies.  He's there to offer protection and guidance as you go through the various episodes of anger and the emotions of your illness.

"I'm still dealing with anger toward this illness, after two years diagnosed, and eight years of being sick," shares Peggy, who lives with fibromyalgia. "Each time a new realization hits me about my limitations, I experience anger. And yet, I know that God has a plan for my life that is perfect. I still battle the angry feelings, which rage inside, every time I have to say no to something I would like to do. I pray and expect His perfect grace and that He will become slow to anger, counting on the scripture, 'The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love'" (Psalm 103:8).

We will all face the emotion of anger for the rest of our lives. Some of the most basic advice to cope with it is that which is in a scripture that I refer in my book, "Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why" where I walk through the emotions of anger and bitterness we deal with in regards to our illness.  In Hosea 7:13b-14 God says, "I long to redeem [you] but. . .  [you] do not cry out to Me from [your] hearts, but wait upon [your] beds." Don't flop down on your bed and wail "Why me?" Instead pour out your heart to the Lord and wholly ask Him for help.

"Why Can't I Make People Understand?" is author, Lisa's newest book that will get you through your emotions of anger at www.whycantimakepeopleunderstand.com  . Get a free download of 200 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend from when you sign up for HopeNotes at Rest Ministries. Lisa is the founder of Invisible Illness Week.

Arthritis Today Magazine is a Good Find

Hi, Friends,

This is just to let you know that I came across Arthritis Today on sale at one of my favorite magazine deal web sites. And if you order through this link, Rest Ministries will even get 12% of the $4.69 SUBSCRIPTION price. That's right... it's just $4.69 for 6 issues.

I've been a subscriber of this magazine for about 15 years, ever since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1993. And it's progressively gotten better and better. I save every issue and it definately targets every age range!

So go to Best Deal Magazines and then scroll down until you see $4.69 subscriptions and you'll spot it there.

And in case you're wondering... there are loads of great magazines at this web site... As well as dozens of other stores through a "mall" we use called Shop For Charity Day. Whenever you order something from that web site, Rest Ministries gets a percentage. And trust me, they have sooo many stores. A sampling is below. Just click on this link and you will automatically be signed in to help support Rest Ministries with any of the purchases (not just those square ads, but from any of the stores on the left side too.) Thanks for your help!

Lisa

See what stores are listed? Amazing, huh?

Best Deal Magazines
Clipart.com
Discover card
Diabetes store
Dollar Rent a Car
Dr. Leonard's Catalog (lots of those health products)
Eddie Bauer Outlet
Entertainment Book
Family Christian Stores
Golf Outlets
H & R Block (getting taxes done?)
Home Depot
Hooked on Phonics
Joanne (Fabrics/Crafts)
Just My Size
KB Toys
Kohl's
Landcombe
Land's End
Land Bryant
Montgomery Ward
Netflix (movies)
OfficeMax
OrangeGlo
Oriental Trading Company
Overstock.com
PetCo
Prescriptions.com
Relax the Back
Restaurant.com
Shoes.com
South Beach Diet
Stamps.com
Starbucks
Target
Tracfone
Tower Records
Tupperware
USA Today
Vitacost
WebPhone
Yahoo! Small Biz
Yahoo! Personals
Zales
Zone Diet

An Email for Moms with Illness to Send to Their Girlfriends

Can't Keep up With Other moms? No problem!

I just had an article posted over at the How to Cope with Pain Blog at  http://www.howtocopewithpain.org/blog/195/playgroup-mom-chronic-illness-chronically-ill

It's called "8 Ways To Encourage Your Fellow Playgroup-Moms Who Have Chronic Illness." Since most people who will read it there are the actual mom with the illness and not the friend, I wrote an example email that could accompany the article and/or link in case people want to send it to their friends but don't want to sound like they are telling them what to do.

I thought I would post it here to share too! Hope it’s a help for you!

To receive notification of other articles like this that are free to reprint, just sign up for my blog at http://www.restmin.typepad.com

You can have them come to you via email.

Bless you,

Lisa

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Hi, gals!

Hope you all are doing well. I just read this article on a blog that I read called, "How to Cope with Pain." As most of you know I live with (your illness here.) I know sometimes I am not able to be quite as spontaneous as I'd like to be an I've missed a few play dates because I'm not feeling well. I don't want my illness to be a big deal or get any special attention, but I just love you all so much, I also don't want you to ever think I am using my illness as an excuse to not do something. For me, it's just a part of life. Not always fun, but I'm hanging in there.

Anyway, I saw this article called "8 Ways To Encourage Your Fellow Playgroup-Moms Who Have Chronic Illness" and thought it was great at explaining some of the things I experience. Please don't feel like you have to change your schedule or accommodate the whole group to meet my needs, but I thought it might explain why some days when you say, "Let's just walk to the park" I look at you like "You've got to be joking, right?"

Plus, I figure within our circle you probably know a lot of other people who also live with illness. I was surprised to hear that about 1 in 2 people in the US live with some kind of chronic illness or chronic pain. (There is actually an Invisible Illness Week in September that has theses statistics on their web site. Who would have thought?)

So I'm thinking this may be helpful if you have a sister or other friend or someone who lives with illness. Feel free to forward the article on.

Thanks again for being so special to me! Our play dates help me keep my sanity!"

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http://www.howtocopewithpain.org/blog/195/playgroup-mom-chronic-illness-chronically-ill

8 Ways To Encourage Your Fellow Playgroup-Moms Who Have Chronic Illness

February 6th, 2008

This is a guest article by Lisa Copen, the founder of Rest Ministries, which serves the chronically ill. She’s written a previous guest article here - one of my favorites - about gifts for those with chronic illness. I invited her to share some suggestions for moms with us today - I hope you enjoy Lisa’s wonderful article.

Mom-and-kid moments come in all forms - days at the beach, backyard BBQs, or kids’ reading groups at the library. These are all wonderful times to get to know other mothers and share in wearing out your kids, as well as to gain some understanding from other parents. But the number of women who live with chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia (FM) and diabetes continues to grow, and the spontaneity of these fun activities is easily disrupted.

How many moms does this issue effect?

The National Fibromyalgia Association estimates that about 10 million Americans (and nearly 5 percent of the worldwide population) deal with symptoms associated with FM, one of the fastest growing auto-immune diseases in the US. When I recently went to an adoptive moms’ playgroup, 3 out of the 6 women had a chronic illness, just within this niche group. Both being aware of what a friend can and can’t do, and also acknowledging that some days will have different limitations and challenges, can make a significant impact in these moms’ ability to participate and feel comfortable with other mothers.

1. Ask what time of day is best for play-dates and activities

For someone with a chronic illness, timing will vary from season to season (weather can impact it a lot), and also from one illness to another. For some moms, mornings are good and afternoons are exhausting; for others it’s the other way around. Heat, combined with illness, can make it impossible for a chronically-ill mom to even be outside for long.

2. Be adaptable and don’t make her feel guilty if she must cancel plans

When you live with a chronic illness, you never know what may change moment to moment. For example, last week I just took a normal step, but it resulted in my knee being locked up for 4 days. Despite medication and therapies, all my plans had to be cancelled, and my husband tried to pick up the pieces of my son’s schedule while working from home.

3. Ask her to clarify what she’s comfortable doing

For example, you might say, “How far do you want to walk today?” and try to accommodate. Even though you can see the park from your house two blocks away, she may not be able to make it. Stairs may be impossible, so take the elevator with her. Walk at her pace, recognizing that she may have to take rest stops every few minutes, even though you’ve only walked 50 feet. Do her a huge favor and chase after her kids for a few minutes. Standing for longer than a couple minutes may also be a challenge. Despite the pain of walking, it’s better for me than standing. Even though the line at the carousel looks like it’s only five minutes, she may need you to offer to stand in line, and then let her jump in beside you at the last minute.

4. Be polite when asking questions about her illness

For example, ask, “What’s your greatest challenge?” Don’t tell her about all the cures you’ve heard for her illness, about the products you sell that could cure her, or about your mother’s aunt’s neighbor who has the same illness but still is able to raise five children and work a full-time job.

5. Remember that simple things may be difficult for her

For example, if you go to the beach, ask her if she would like to be dropped off while you find a parking spot. Many people can’t plop down on the ground, so bring a few lawn chairs, so she isn’t the only one 2 feet above everyone else. Sun and heat can bother her so she’ll need to find shade. Don’t expect her to carry 3 lawn chairs, a cooler and your 14-month old daughter, even though you can carry all that and the dog. You don’t want to make her feel helpless, and she doesn’t want a fuss, but be aware that she may need a few extra considerations.

6. Don’t presume that she can watch your children

Even if it’s only for 5 minutes, don’t assume she can unless she volunteers. Taking care of kids is exhausting, and caring for her own may be draining the little strength she had left. Plus, if your kids run out into the street, keep in mind that she may not physically be able to sprint after them as fast as you could.

7. Plan activities that she can be a part of

While you may love your stroller exercise group and mommy-and-me gym class, these may not be possible for her. Find out what types of things she likes to do and then ask if you can join her for these. Keep the activities under 2 or 3 hours - even though you may typically go to the zoo for 6 hours, understand that she may need to leave earlier than you. Don’t say, “A little more walking may do you some good!”

8. Lastly, offer genuine encouragement

Say the words to her that every mom wants to hear: “You’re an amazing mom, and I don’t know how you do it all. I truly admire your perseverance and strength.”

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries, which serves the chronically ill. Get a free download to the first 40 pages of her book Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend, when you sign up for HopeNotes Invisible Illness ezine at Rest Ministries website at <a href="http://www.restministries.org/res-ezine_ill.htm">http://www.restministries.org/res-ezine_ill.htm</a>. Lisa is also the founder of Invisible Illness Awareness Week at the Invisible Illness website.

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Thanks so much to Lisa for being empathic enough to offer these wonderful suggestions!

Other articles you might like to read (see link of article above to get these links)

12+ Gift Ideas for Gals with Chronic Illness

Help Your Family and Friends Cope with Your Pain Disorder

505 Ways to Help Someone Who’s Chronically Ill (my review of Lisa’s great book)

Are You Pain-Free? 10 Things Those of Us in Pain Would Like You to Know

How could your church's web site be a tool to reach out to the chronically ill or those in pain?

Could your church's website be improved?

As a ministry that has thrived on the internet, I've seen so much potential for using a web site effectively. And since we serve the chronically ill, we are always pleased to see churches that have live web casts of their services, the bulletins online (so if you miss the service you can still see what's going on,) or even podcasts of the audio portion of the sermon. That's why we are happy to be a part of Internet Evangelism Day, Sunday 27 April 2008.

They just sent me this press release about how churches can have their site's reviewed for free and I thought some of you may be interested. when speaking to pastors about ways to reach out to the chronically ill, don't forget to remind them of how the internet can be a wonderful tool!

Lisa

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New Advance for Church Websites
Free Church Site Evaluations Now Available Online

Summary
Churches can now receive a free customized 15-page report about their websites, enabling them to develop strategies to reach outsiders in their communities.

And this year's international web outreach focus day - Internet Evangelism Day - will be used by churches around the world on Sunday 27 April 2008.



"How can our church website help us reach out into our community?" Churches often find it difficult to know how to build sites that will engage with outsiders in their area.

A new online tool has been released by Internet Evangelism Day, which provides churches with a free 15-page evaluation report. Users assess their own website by answering 55 simple questions in the tool questionnaire. Their customized report is immediately displayed online, ready to print or save. Its recommendations are tailored with specific practical suggestions, based on the questions that were ticked. View the design tool here:
www.InternetEvangelismDay.com/design

A church site which has been prioritized for non-Christian visitors can be remarkably effective in reaching the community. "Week in, week out, more visitors turn up at our church on a Sunday because of the website, than anything else," writes one growing church in London UK.

Church leaders have welcomed this new resource:

"This competent evaluation tool and rating service provides a valuable service to churches and Christian ministries that will help them strengthen their effectiveness in outreach through the Internet."  - Dr. Sterling Huston, Director, North American Ministries, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

"Most church websites are not evangelistic. The new Church Website Design Tool can help rectify this problem. This is a wonderful tool." - Dr. Bill Gordon, Evangelism Response Center, North American Mission Board.

"There is no silver bullet for a great ministry site. However, this checklist is an invaluable tool to identify critical areas for improvement. Every church should study this regularly and act on it!" - Gary McClure, LifeWay Ministries.

This Evaluation Tool is just one of a range of pages at www.InternetEvangelismDay.com that help Christians learn to use the Web to reach the world. Internet Evangelism Day also encourages churches to hold a web awareness focus day on or near 27 April 2008, to explore this huge potential. Their site offers free downloads (PowerPoint, video clips, drama scripts and handouts) so that churches can create a custom program of any length from two minutes to an hour. "I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day," says Dr. John Stott.

Website: www.InternetEvangelismDay.comInternet Evangelism Day is an initiative of the Internet Evangelism Coalition, a group of major ministries involved in web ministry, based at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton.
Interviews available: InternetEvangelismDay.com/publicity
Photos available: InternetEvangelismDay.com/photos
Recommended photo for this item: InternetEvangelismDay.com/churchphoto
Additional articles - ready-made material and MP3s: InternetEvangelismDay.com/articles
Leaders supporting IE Day: InternetEvangelismDay.com/supporting


For immediate release
More information: Tony Whittaker
Contact email: InternetEvangelismDay.com/feedback
Contact phone: +44 1283 702334 (GMT office hours)

Patient Acronmys About Doctors - a laugh

I saw this post and it gave me a laugh. I think you will still be able to relate to it! I can think of plenty of them myself. How about DTOSTO but YNTLW (Don't take off shoes to weight but you need to lose weight!)

Lisa

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C.H.R.O.N.I.C illness
by John Appleby

If doctors can use coded abbreviations to be rude about their patients, surely patients can do the same to doctors

>> read the full article here

That doctors use coded acronyms in patients' notes to convey secret messages to colleagues (and also, perhaps, to vent frustration - with patients, with themselves and with the limits of medicine) is no surprise. The sheer bloody rudeness and dead-black humour may shock some, but we have all seen enough episodes of M*A*S*H, Green Wing, ER, Scrubs, Cardiac Arrest and Angels to know that nurses are not always, er, angels or doctors gold-plated gods.

It may be news to the medical profession, but of course two can play at this game. Next time you're waiting in your GP's surgery take a look around at any graffiti - little words scrawled by patients on the armrest of your chair or a public health poster featuring Colin Carrot. These are messages and warnings patients are passing on to others.

Like signs left on gateposts warning door to door salesmen and beggars of the likely reception or generosity of the occupant, COWWOW (Can't Open Weekends, Won't Open Weekends); TOTSIE (Too Overpaid To Stay Open In Evening), convey previous patients' warnings and frustrations.

The New York Times Causes Outrage About Fibromyalgia Skepticism

The NY Times Fibromyalgia Article: Reviewing the Controversy

A few weeks ago The New York Times published an article I suspect they didn't realize would be quite so controversial, but they took on the slant that perhaps fibromyalgia wasn't a real disease and the new medication that was recently approved for it was just another chance for the drug companies to make money. I've been flaring badly and trying to just keep up with life, so despite my outrage, I didn't have the energy to blog about it. Thankfully, Will Rowe, Executive Director of the American Pain Foundation (http://www.painfoundation.org/), wrote a wonderful follow up article today. He sums of the situation well and if you haven't heard of this situation that got the bloggers all responding to the NYTimes, now you will be "in the know."

Personally I have not tried the drug for FM; if I can control my rheumatoid arthritis the fibromyalgia seems to be the secondary illness. But I do have a friend who truly thought the pain from fibromyalgia was causing life to be too hard to continue here on this earth. And this medication has nearly healed him. In my opinion, that's all that matters.

Lisa

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by  Will Rowe
Monday, February 4, 2008; Executive Director - APF - Caregiver

The New York Times stirred up some old controversies recently with their article on fibromyalgia called "Drug Approved. Is Disease Real?" The author quoted two sides of an argument, one saying that fibromyalgia is a real condition that has a real diagnosis and real treatments. The other side saying in essence that the disease is not real, the pain is not real, and that sufferers of the so-called disease "live under a cloud... the more they seem to be around the medical establishment, the sicker they get." That side also implied that the pharmaceutical industry, Pfizer in particular, was again just creating a fictitious disease so that it could sell more drugs.

What a mess. Unfortunately, it is indicative of what is out there in the practicing medical establishment. The root of the controversy, in my opinion, has two branches: the first is the deeply embedded complex belief and bias in the medical community that since pain cannot be objectively or materially measured or witnessed, or connected to some observable tissue damage, it is somehow a fabrication of an unstable mind. The second branch of the bias comes from a strong skepticism about some practices of the pharmaceutical companies, namely the practice of creating a diagnosis through intense marketing in order to create a demand for their products.

The bottom line, which comes from the patient's perspective, and can only come from the patient's perspective, is that the pain of fibromyalgia is real. To dismiss it or not treat it because you are uncertain of what label to use is callous and immoral. There are treatments that work. And when you have a medicine that has proven to reduce the pain by 50% in 30% of the sufferers, then you have an ethical obligation to inform the patient of the option, inform the patient of the possible risks and possible benefits and prescribe the medicine for the informed patient. Bottom line, it is unethical to allow a patient to experience pain when there are options to treat that pain

Excerpt from "Strong at the Broken Places"

Richard Cohen's book is bringing awareness to the public!

About invisible illness too!

Lisa

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Read and Excerpt of Strong at the Broken Places

Living with a disability can seem unimaginable for those of us who are fortunate enough to be healthy, yet 90 million Americans battle chronic illness every day.

Emmy-winning journalist Richard Cohen's new book, "Strong at the Broken Places," examines the lives of five families dealing with chronic illness.

The author, who is battling multiple sclerosis, recently appeared on "GMA NOW" to discuss his book.

Below, please read an excerpt of each of the five triumphant stories Cohen tells in "Strong at the Broken Places."

6 Things Churches Can Do To Really Help the Chronically Ill

This article can be reprinted for free. Just keep the footer and do not make changes without permission. Thanks!
Lisa

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6 Things Churches Can Do To Really Help the Chronically Ill

by Lisa Copen

1 in 3 people in the U.S. have a chronic condition. If it's
not you, it's someone sitting next to you or a friend who
has yet to reveal her greatest personal struggle.

Oftentimes a chronic illness, such as chronic fatigue
syndrome, or chronic pain like migraines or back pain, is
undetectable to those around them. It may surprise you to
know that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau,
approximately 96% of the people who have an illness do not
use an assistive device, like a cane or a wheelchair. Pain
is nearly always invisible. Those that are ill usually do
everything that they can to get to church. They want to be
part of the church community and they appear to be healthy.
Still, just sitting through the service can be extremely
difficult.

As someone who lives with rheumatoid arthritis, I remember
standing during worship and grasping onto the pew in front
of me to balance. My knees both need joint replacements and
my feet are somewhat deformed. And then the worship team
began singing a song that had the lyrics, "I will stand in
spite of pain." I rolled my eyes and my husband said, "It's
just an expression." Of course, I knew this, but the timing
was ironic.

Even as I was surrounded by people in a church I loved, I
still felt as though no one understood what I was going
through-physically or emotionally.

It's obvious that churches already have an overwhelming
amount of needs that must be fulfilled. Some of these needs
are obvious and they often rise to the top of the priority
list. So when people don't even verbalize about their pain
level or illness symptoms that change their lifestyle, it's
hard to understand where a church could begin to help.
Pastors ask, "If they aren't speaking up, then doesn't that
mean they are coping with it fine? They believe in God and
we have a healing service every six months. Isn't that
enough?"

Let's look at some staggering statistics:

- We usually assume the chronically ill are the elderly, but
60% of people who live with illness or daily chronic pain
are between the ages of 18 and64. - 75% of marriages where
one of the spouses have a chronic illness end in divorce -
When you are chronically ill, depression is 15-20% higher
than it is for the average person - Many studies have found
that physical illness or uncontrollable physical pain are
major factors in up to 70% of suicides.*

Whether the need is obvious or not, we should be concerned
because our churches are filled with many people who are
living with chronic pain. And when chronic pain exists,
broken spirits are also there. People are hurting silently
and need help and encouragement. These are the
broken-hearted that Jesus says he will give comfort.

But the question is, if people aren't talking about their
pain, how do you know how to reach out to them? How can you
understand their needs?

(1) First, do a survey in your church to find out what some
of the needs are that people may not be talking out loud
about. This is particularly important if you are in a large
church; this is because a recent Barna group study
discovered that larger churches were the least likely to
mention congregational care ministries as a priority (Church
Priorities for 2005 Vary Considerably). When people don't
feel a personal connection to the church staff or others,
they are less likely to share their vulnerabilities. Too
frequently, they are given a list of healing scriptures and
sent on their way.

Ask, "If a van was provided, would you be able to get to
church more easily? Would you listen to church on the
internet if you were too ill to attend? Do you feel you can
call and ask for occasional personal assistance (especially
if the illness is chronic and not acute)? Do you know who to
call? Would you like the worship song lyrics in the bulletin
and not just on an overhead? Are the seats comfortable or
would you prefer a few rows be saved for you with cushions?"
Brainstorm with a group of people who have a chronic illness
and ask them for a wish list. Then sit down and prioritize.

(2) Organize a care group, similar to other small groups
your church has, for the chronically ill. For example, Rest
Ministries, the largest Christian organization for those who
live with chronic illness, has a small group program,
HopeKeepers. They have a great selection of resource
materials, Bible studies and support for group leaders. A
group like this can be a turning point for people who really
need the hands on support and understanding. Talking and
praying about one's illness week after week in a regular
small group can feel like you are a burden to others. But
having a small group environment that is a "safe place"
where everyone "speaks the same language" and even laughs at
the same silly stories can be refreshing. The group doesn't
need to be large. Even just having the chance to hand out
with one other person can be life-changing. Be a church that
recognizes the struggles of chronic illness and provide an
oasis for people.

(3) Have special guest speakers encourage your church body.
There are dozens of people who have physical disabilities
that go to churches and share their testimony about what God
has done in their life. Allowing them to be at the pulpit
and share what God has done in their lives, despite physical
challenges and set backs, sends a message to those that are
ill that you recognize their needs, you care, and most of
all, that you believe they are still worthy to be used by
God. People such as Dave Dravecky, Renee Bondi, Joni
Eareckson Tada, and many others, minister to the masses, not
just those with disabilities.

(4) Consider adding a parish nurse to your staff, especially
if your church body has a lot of seniors. According to the
Marquette University College of Nursing, the number of
parish nurses in United States is estimated to be about
6000. Many retired nurses are finding this area of ministry
appealing and parish nurse certification can be found at
most hospitals. The parish nurse position description can
include anything from going to homes to monitor diabetes or
high blood pressure of church members to organizing health
fairs, screenings, and walking groups. The role of the
parish nurse may cover the needs of your illness and
disability ministries, depending on the demographics of your
church. A parish nurse would also work closely with the
congregational care pastor.

(5) Be a clearinghouse of helpful resources for the ill that
are available for borrowing. Many people with chronic
illness are on a fixed-income and yet they are trying to
find encouragement. Stock your church library with books on
living with chronic illness such as "Why Can't I Make People
Understand?" or "Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a
Chronically Ill Friend," by Lisa Copen or the exceptional
book on suffering, "When God Weeps" by Joni Eareckson Tada.
Buy a few subscriptions to magazines such as "HopeKeepers",
"Guideposts" and even "Arthritis Today." Remember to have
books on tape, audio presentations and large-print materials
whenever they are available. Post flyers or have brochures
available about chronic illness or disability ministries,
such as Joni's "Wheels for the World" program or Rest
Ministries' annual outreach, "National Invisible Chronic
Illness Awareness Week." A volunteer could collect materials
of local and national ministry resources for a binder; items
could include lists of local resources and national
ministries and put them in binder; lists of organizations,
magazines and newsletters on topics for Christian seniors,
those with disabilities, caregivers, and assisted living to
name a few.

(6) Lastly, and most importantly, remember people with
illness want to serve. Not just be served. This is because
"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed"
(Proverbs 11:25). For example, when a woman tells you she is
resigning from working in the nursery, let her know that she
is welcome to serve in other ways when she is ready. She may
find she enjoys writing encouragement notes to people who
have an illness. A man may find he can mentor another man
with a chronic illness one-on-one rather than leading a
Bible study. Let them know that you value wounded healers
and believe that God comforts us "so that we can comfort
those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have
received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:4).

About twice a month someone tells me that they went to their
pastor with a request to start a chronic illness HopeKeepers
ministry and they were told, "Come back when you are healed
and then we will talk. You can't very well minister to
others with illness when you aren't even healed yourself."
The broken hearts that arise from these comments is
unbearable. It's devastating to feel like God is using your
illness for His glory and then be told you are no longer
useful to the church-or even to God-until you are healed.

In the parable Jesus shares in Luke 14:21, a man asks his
friends to come to a great banquet he has prepared. But his
friends turn him down. Upset with their lack of graciousness
he orders, "Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of
the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and
the lame." This is still a directive to us today. Too few of
our churches have recognized the needs of the chronically
ill in their own church, much less their community. We must
focus on providing a place where we offer unconditional
hospitality. We need to "go out" into our own pews and ask
the chronically ill to help us provide a place of refuge.
And then these people will become the comforters, who, with
the support of their church, will be able to go out into the
community and offer to walk alongside the hurting with
understanding.

Get a free list of 200 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill
Friend from "Beyond Casseroles" by Lisa Copen when you <a
href="http://www.restministries.org/res-ezine_ill.htm">signup
for to HopeNotes</a> invisible illness ezine at Rest
Ministries. Lisa is the founder of <a
href="http://www.invisibleillness.com">Invisible Illness
Week</a>