How to help the Chronically Ill

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone:

I want to write an article for a periodical that goes out to many

churches, nationally. I want it to have a

number of good suggestions on how the church can be helpful to its members

and the community

who are chronically ill. I've never done this before, but with May 12th

being National Fibromyalgia Day, I thought I'd give it a try.

I, like many of you, were very active in my family and community for

years. If anyone I knew had a problem or health situation, I was the one who

helped them through it. I was very active in my church. Ran a Senior Group,

taught Vacation Bible School, taught Release Time Classes, helped run a

Women's Group, was on

the church Board, was the Assistant Treasurer, etc. etc. I felt very much

a

part of the fellowship and part of the family. I would help whoever I

could.

Now that it's been about 5-6 years since I've been able to play any

active,

contributing role in the church and I also cant attend very often...due to

having to avoid flu's and viruses and just too much pain and fatigue to be

able to go and I feel very much forgotten and " left at the curb " .

My 86 year old mother lives with my husband and I. I am sure people think

we are fine because of the 3 of us, but I miss my friends and my active

life. My husband can still attend and he always comes home on Sundays

telling

me that this one or that one were asking about me. That's nice, but I

suppose they think that's showing they care. Yesterday a friend took my

husband to the altar to pray for me, which was wonderful, but I still dont

hear

from or see anyone.

I DO NOT want to be critical, but I do want to write something to offer

constructive suggestions on how they can be helpful or show love and

encouragement

to us in a real way. I know I need help with scrubbing bathrooms and

kitchen floor, a phone call or a note from time to time to tell me I

havent been

forgotten.

Please feel free to email me personally @ __ammaclarke@_ammacl_

(mailto:_ammaclarke@...) _

(mailto:_ammaclarke@..._ (mailto:ammaclarke@...) ) or via the group

here with any suggestions you might have.

I'd love to do this, I think it could be very helpful for our community

of chronic pain and chronic fatigue sufferers.

Thanks so much,

/NY

Amazed in His presence, humbled by His love