I was raised in one of those families where we didn’t go to the doctor much. First of all we didn’t have insurance when I was a kid so it had to be an emergency. Secondly we were told to tough it out. One time when I was playing I nearly cut my finger off. When I bent my finger the joint would pop through the skin. Anyway I was told to put a butterfly bandaid on it and quit crying. The scar is still there 45 years later.

This brings me to a personal issue. My sister was admitted to the hospital this week with an apparent heart issue. She is getting a pace maker put in today. What she had not revealed to anyone was that for over a year she has had a lump in her breast and was afraid to go to the doctor. She is likely in the advanced stages of cancer. ANGER!

Why does a normally intelligent person go into denial when it comes to health. I know that almost my entire family has the same issue. (I am one of nine children.) I hate to go to the doctor, but when I have an obvious issue I go to the doctor even if begrudgingly.

Folks, if you don’t take care of yourself then it is nobody’s fault but your own. I know I will not live my “normal” life because of life choices. Diabetes, heart, cancer, high blood pressure, drugs, alcohol, and thyroid problems all have been present in my family history. And still I love gravy on almost anything edible. In fact it makes most things edible.

Why can’t I break the cycle? This is a Roman’s 6 - 8 issue, the things I want to do (exercise, eat right, study, live a godly life) I find myself not doing, the things I don’t want to do (eating Varsity hotdogs, gravy by the boat load, krispy kremes, sitting and watching tv) I find myself doing. OH WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM! But I then use that as an excuse. Pray for me that I quit using excuses. Not that I will never eat another Varsity Hot Dog, but fewer and walk and exercise more. I ask for your prayers and encouragement. I need the accountability and the responsibility or my wife will be a widow or remarried for a long time.

Get Healthy!