After suffering from depression most of her life, Christine, an atheist, found
herself, asking for a sign from God. "I need to know I'm not alone," she
whispered in her despair. "Is there anybody there?" In her second floor office,
she saw a monarch butterfly on the window ledge glistening in the morning sun.
It fluttered for a few minutes and then flew off. For nearly 10 years she had
never seen a butterfly at this high window. Thus, Christine took that as a sign
of confirmation that indeed, Somebody was out there. It was also the last day
she suffered from depression as she began her search in finding out who God
really is.
This story by Ellen Michaud, taken from Prevention, December '99 goes on to
explain that solid medical research shows doctors are more likely to take notice
that having faith in God will give one a better chance of recovery. Dr. Harold
G. Koenig states that there is a connection between spirituality and health. He
found that those who put "spirituality" at the centre of their lives recovered
70% faster than those who did not. Another John Hopkins University study of
92,000 Maryland residents found weekly churchgoers died 50% less often from
heart disease, emphysema and suicide. Physicians are now realizing the true
value of faith in God.
The article adds, "Spirituality/health studies show that the body responds
positively to faith, the mind is at peace, people take better care of
themselves, and one becomes a part of a healing community when they go to
church." Interestingly, Rabbi Simkha Weintraub finds healing is one in which a
spiritual community organizes a group of people--a Hevrah--to recite the book of
Psalms (Tehillim) when someone is seriously ill.
Our bodies are genetically programmed to believe in a higher being. We are wired
for God and if we have Him flow in our circuit, we are more likely to carry His
positive electrons. It is not being mentally religious that will make one a
better person. Going through the motions doesn't cut it. Research shows that
developing your spirituality from the heart gives that longevity.
However, there are many within the Christian community that have health- related
problems. In these churches where people suffer from terminal illness, they are
more likely to be caring and fluorescent as a community. Being ill does not
simply imply a lack of faith. It takes more faith to accept suffering than to be
healed. I Corinthians 12:25-26 says, "May there be no discord in the body, but
that members have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all
suffer together." If we have a personal walk with God, pray and attend church,
we are still more likely to have a positive sense about our future and our
well-being. Friend, will you not consider: give faith (in God) a chance?
Contributed by George Prins
gprins@freenet.npiec.on.ca
Thanks to Daily Wisdom
Majordomo@gospelcom.net
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