Empathy

This is a continuation of the previous posting about my shingles diagnosis. So if you haven't read that one, you'll have to back-track to see what that's all about.

God's given me yet another opportunity to increase my empathy meter. One thing I've learned through my whole experience (and there's been many), it's that God apparently wanted to bolster my empathy for other people. I've always known that it's a lacking area of my life, but I kinda chuckle at the manner in which God has chosen to teach me. I must be pretty hard-headed. ("No comment," says Josh)

Anyway, in talking with a friend at church she made the comment that she was surprised to see me at all because when her friend gets shingles (and it happens every time she gets stressed) 1/2 of her face breaks out in the rash. She doesn't even want to go out in public, and I can completely see why! The rash itself is quite ugly. It starts out blistery and then gets black scabs before drying up. I have one spot that created almost a crater-like sore and may leave a scar. Even now that it's basically 'cleared up' there's still evidence of where it was. I'm fortunate that it's on my shoulder. Even there, I've gotten many comments like, "Eeuu! That's a nasty rash!" Once again, God has shown me that there are many other people that have recurring troubles that effect their daily activities...often! How might I use my experience in its limited form to show active compassion, ask better questions, and choose my words when confronted with someone who is suffering? Have I done a good job of it already? I'm sure I've already missed the boat, but I'm trying and at least now I'm aware of so much more.

What else have I learned? I've learned that it's not so bad to be in 'the club that no one wants to join.' There really is an instant connection when someone I've never met tells me they, too, have or have had breast cancer. It's become a great opportunity for me to give hugs. Hugs are a southern thing that I miss. Have you noticed that southerners are quick to give a hug? We northerners are a bit more 'personal space conscious.' :) Once again, I've a chance to try out my newly developed empathy attribute. Praise God for short hair!

Below is a pic of said short hair taken at the recent Rockford Relay for Life. I'll admit I was completely 'anti-institutional' about it (that was Josh's word. I thought it was right-on!), but it was a good time and a good thing. Can you find me? I'm in the middle of my other River Rock relay friends: Larry, Dawn, Sharon, and Andrew. Unfortunately they're only a small sampling of those of us at River Rock diagnosed. I'm repeatedly amazed at how frequently I hear of someone else being diagnosed with cancer. It's running rampant. In my opinion we need to find the source to help the problems. I'm all for finding a cure, but we need to do our part for prevention and elimination of the causes as well...proper nutrition, fewer chemicals, more exercise - if you can't identify where all the ingredients of whatever you're consuming came from directly, I'm guessing God didn't necessarily intend for your body to have to deal with it. This is by no means limiting God, but rather a call for maintaining His temple, our bodies.

I'm getting all worked up - I better quit!