This picture of Old Faithful in Yellowstone was taken the other day by my brother Don. Right about now, he’s headed home from a two-week trip throughout the Great Plains. Yesterday, I wrote about how, when I’m having a bad day, I often daydream about Tuscany. I guess if I were to ask my brother, he’d choose the great outdoors, fishing, hiking and camping. I think the key to it all is finding your happy place, and getting to it as often as possible, if not physically, then at least in your mind.
I’m really excited about a new adventure I’m embarking on. Tomorrow morning, a group of faith leaders from my county will gather to discuss ways we can fight diabetes. There’s supposed to be about fifty of us, and your’s truly is acting as the MC.
Somehow, I even got myself appointed Co-Chair of the future Action Committee which will hopefully be an outcome of this initial meeting. Not that I’m looking for more to do, but this issue is vitally important, not only in my community, but in yours too.
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 17.9 million people in the U.S. right now who have been diagnosed with diabetes. 5.7 million people have it, but don’t know it. Most importantly, there are 57 million people with pre-diabetes. Folks, that’s over 80 million people!
From my own experience, early diagnosis, diet and exercise (and prayer) can prevent a lifetime of difficulties. This disease doesn’t go away, but its effects can be greatly reduced by making lifestyle changes, and you will be able to enjoy a long and happy life. The alternative is not pretty.
I don’t know about you, but I always get really excited when I start something new. After working on this project since June, I can’t believe launch time is here. I can’t wait to see the positive impact made in my community when our faith leaders begin talking to their congregations about diabetes. Did you know the vast majority of us trust our faith leaders more than we do our doctors?
I’ve come to understand that faith can play a vital role in the healing process. Our faith in God can lead to transformation, and that’s what I intend to talk about tomorrow. Please say a prayer for me and those who will be attending our first Faith Fighting Diabetes effort! I hope this new adventure will change a lot of lives.
Just think, you read about it here first 🙂
