That It May Be Well With You
-scriptural teachings on healthy living
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells!
Proverbs 13:14
I am not a health specialist, health practitioner, doctor, or medical researcher. Rather, I am a teacher and a writer who over the past four decades has had to search the scriptures and delve into modern research to deal with a variety of health issues – my own and others.
Our Creator admonishes each of us to study and seek for the answers to our questions and He assures us that those who seek will find, if we are looking to Him for the wisdom that will set us free. We must come to this search with the same attitude that David, the Psalmist, had when he spoke of his awe in understanding the human body and how ”fearfully and wonderfully” God formed us all. We must have this same wonder and respect for the miracle of life that our Maker has given us in order that “ It may be well with us.”
When we live our lives with this mindset, one that honours God for His creative marvel of the human body and mind, then we will take due diligence to nurture and nourish the life that He has put into our care. We will also willingly acknowledge that, having created human life, our Creator knows best how to care for that life, and He has given us insightful instructions on how to maintain good health. His intent for each of us is that we would prosper and be in good health.
I will be writing from my experience in this life’s walk with my Maker, as He has led me through many trials and much study to help me comprehend His wisdom in regards to healthy living in the 21st century. I will not attempt to diagnose or treat any illness, rather I will encourage my readers to actively search out the medical and scientific evidence available and consider these possibilities in light of scriptural principles. My goal is to provide a foundation of solid biblical instruction that individuals can build upon in their own quest for answers to their health questions.
A cornerstone of understanding in that foundation is to realize that we are all individually responsible for searching out the truth for ourselves. We alone are responsible for our choices to act or not act on the information that is available to us. We may seek counsel from many sources and we should, but ultimately we must choose and not allow any one else to make the decisions for us. We are responsible for our own health, and our Maker will hold us responsible for the choices we make.
Another brick in the foundation is the concept that although the scripture gives us broad principles that apply to all people through all time, the reality is that each individual is also biochemically unique. My first ventures into research on health issues stemmed from this fact. I was not the norm, and this was brought forcefully to my attention with a glucose tolerance test that said my “stats” were within normal ranges while in actual fact I blacked out and could not manage to leave the clinic unaided. Yet the medical profession based on their tests insisted I was OK because my blood work showed no anomalies. The evidence of my total collapse and days of feeling horrible after the test were of no account from the physicians viewpoint…perhaps it was just “all in my head.”
I came to realize early on that I was the proverbial, “canary in the mine.” That is to say, that my health was fragile and my nature was to be hypersensitive to many things in my environment — things that did not seem to immediately impact hardier folk. I was not “average” and I have had to learn to live with that fact. And yet, when you understand the “canary in the mine,” the canary’s sensitivity was a blessing to all the miners who took warning by the canary’s demise and ran to escape certain death caused by the odorless toxic fumes of the mine. I would like to share some of my lessons as “canary” to help others experience greater well-being on their life-long journey.
In caring for the health of my family, I have known the fear, helplessness, and frustrations of those who have faced and lived with cancer, chronic disease, acute contagious illness, and life-threatening accidents. I have been both caregiver and patient, so I can speak from experience about the resources needed to meet such challenges.
I am a teacher, writer, wife, mother, and a “canary in the coal mine of life.” I’ll share my journey and my hope, providing insights into a sound scriptural rationale for making health decisions. Bringing the fresh air of the Creator’s perspective to the unseen dangers inherent in our modern world. It is our faith and our reason that bring light to cold scientific fact and enable us to ask the right questions. When we seek for the wisdom of God, we may be amazed to learn just how relevant His answers are in the 21st century.
Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.
Proverbs 9:9-11
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this health blog are based upon the opinions of Rebecca Stewart, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright. The information on this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Rebecca Stewart. She encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.