God

Mar 24, 2009 14:35

I can't seem to reach anyone who believes in God and I know that some of you do. I'd really appreciate your feedback on my situation and your belief on how God does (or doesn't) manage our path, give us clues, etc ( Read more... )

spirituality, anxiety

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Comments 14

penguingal March 24 2009, 20:22:29 UTC
God does speak to us in many ways. If you're asking do I think it's possible that God has arranged things in your life to constantly point you to this one thing, then yes, it is possible. However, God does not speak to us about everything all the time. Your apparent weight loss could be explained by any number of things.

I've been actively trying to lose weight myself, and even though initially I had not moved the scale, I was still losing inches. My clothes were clearly fitting better.

God may be speaking to you about your health, yes. But don't always assume you know what He is saying. He could be telling you to slow down, take better care of yourself. Maybe He's nudging you to have a conversation with your doctor. (Colonoscopies are painless diagnostic procedures for colon cancer, btw ( ... )

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arielspirit March 24 2009, 20:52:33 UTC
Thank you for that really important spiritual clarification.

I'm still not so sure that God works in this way, I'm at odds with the concept of an interventionist God intellectually, but Spiritually I believe in a plan - so naturally, it's a struggle.

But if I accept for a moment that God does work this way - your clarification is incredibly important. I have been feeling a call lately that this lifestyle I have been living is just unsustainable, and that I need to get healthy. So you are absolutely right. I cannot make assumptions about what the message is (if it is indeed a message.) :)

Thank you!

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thisdancewedo March 24 2009, 21:09:09 UTC
Heya ( ... )

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arielspirit March 24 2009, 21:45:02 UTC
Thanks Sheryl. That is helpful ( ... )

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thisdancewedo March 25 2009, 00:56:22 UTC
All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well. Sometimes good ole' Julian of Norwich's words chanted over and over help me to calm the tangled thoughts in my own head. ;)

Take care. :)

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snafu_07 March 25 2009, 00:18:59 UTC
Can I ask one thing? Have you seen a doctor? And if so, did you not trust his diagnosis? Second, third opinions are good things.

God is everything, so if you are wondering if the pamphlet is a sign or the scale are from God, well yeah, everything is. But what he's saying by them? I would read it, if it were happening to me, as well, I've been worrying about this, and now I am noticing these signs, maybe I need an opinion other than mine. It would tell me to see a doctor. And if I had already seen one, to get more opinions, to push for further tests.

Don't they say God helps those who help themselves? He provides the clues, you need to come up with the answer?

I suck at religion. I believe in God and believe God is a higher power.

But the best thing I can say is God gave us doctors and gave them awesome tools, use them.

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arielspirit March 25 2009, 00:53:39 UTC
I've talked to a doctor about the IBS symptoms. There is an agreement that it is IBS. I was concerned that unexplained weightloss was happening (which would have been a new symptom), but the scale this morning doesn't seem to support that. There *might* be one other new symptom or the IBS could be acting up - but that wouldn't be surprising. There is a strong link between IBS and anxiety disorders and when anxiety worsens, it's very common for the symptoms of IBS to worsen. So rationally, absolutely no cause for concern or constant dread. I trust my doctor, so not worried about her diagnosis (rationally).

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snafu_07 March 25 2009, 01:13:09 UTC
Did you specifically mention the fear of cancer?

I mean they can start with something as easy as a blood test to help calm your fears.

Not doubting your ability to manage your own health, but I know sometimes it's hard to ask about something when you are worried you might be viewed as being a little bit of a hypochondriac.

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arielspirit March 25 2009, 01:55:54 UTC
My doctor is fully aware of my issues and that I am fixated on cancer. In the last five years I have had the fear of colon, pancreatic, ovarian, uteran, breast, brain, leg and skin cancer at some point or another ( ... )

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lugonn March 25 2009, 06:16:10 UTC
Even if it is a sign, there are multiple ways to read it. For instance it could be a message to become healthier to eliminate the risk factors for colon cancer rather than a sign that you have it.

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arielspirit March 25 2009, 14:12:55 UTC
Yeah. That message is coming through loud and clear. :)

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dougoros March 25 2009, 13:16:24 UTC
While I believe that a person's God does speak to them and this could very well be your's way of telling you to take better care of yourself at the very least, I also know you're an intelligent person . For cryin out loud Hon get your butt to a doctor and tell him/her what you think your symptoms are and have the necessary tests.Unlike the JW's...most people who believe in any deity agree that medical science is a gift from said deity so make full use of it's resources.And then make the necessary changes to your lifestyle to change any risk factors....or I will put you in the bad corner.

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arielspirit March 25 2009, 14:12:18 UTC
:) Thanks Doug.

I absolutely agree. I've tried to strike a deal with God in the past where I promise to do my due dilligence in relation to my health, but also want some release from the constant dread and fear that go with an anxiety disorder. It's a tough balance to strike, because there is a large part of anxiety disorder that just wants to run away from healthcare. I really work hard to fight that instinct and see my doctor for regular check-ups.

I have talked to a doctor about my symptoms about three weeks ago (and also on other occasions as they are ongoing), and they weren't worried. So I'm taking care of myself in that way. But certainly the message to take care of myself and my weight better is coming through loud and clear. :)

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dougoros March 25 2009, 16:27:43 UTC

Never back down form wanting specific things tested for...in spite of the anxiety thing. It's better to be a little cautious and proactive with these things.There very well could be a day when something you fear is true and early detection will ensure that you're around for a very long time for all of us who love you.
I'm not sure striking a deal with God is gonna work. I'm pretty sure that if He/She was open to bartering....W never would have been President of the US.
Somewhere in the Christian bible it says our bodies are God's temple I believe , so rather than bartering, the best approach is to treat it as such and see what His/Her rewards are.I'm starting to use this approach myself btw.

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