On the blog and podcast I try to make life a bit more simple for all of us who are overwhelmed. 

So, is it possible to make living with a disease “simple”?  

Maybe not, but after 30 years of living with one, I’ve learned a few things that have helped at least “simplify” it:

In 1991 I was a 19 year old sophomore in college and dealing with massive weight loss, insatiable thirst, and ridiculous mood swings. I was on the basketball team and had dropped down to 130lbs.  Needless to say, I wasn’t much of a presence in the paint… So, I decided to go to the doctor.

After running some blood tests, we found out that I had Type 1 diabetes.

I was in shock, and I had no idea what this diagnosis meant… Was it curable? Do I just take a pill?

I knew it had something to do with sugar, so do I have to eat sugar or not eat it? (I was praying for the first one)

Less than 12 hours later I was in a hospital hooked to an IV and getting an education about what my life would look like from now on: injections every day, no sugar, possible blindness and foot amputation, and of course shortened life span… But hey, carpe diem!  

Needless to say this is not the news that any 19 year old is hoping to hear.

Over the last 30 years I’ve encountered many people who have received a similar diagnosis.  Some also with Type 1 diabetes, others with life long conditions that impact their every waking moment. 

But every one of us is looking for more than help… We are looking for hope. 

So, in effort to share such hope with you today, here are 3 things that have helped me in my health journey:

THREE THINGS THAT HAVE HELPED ME IN MY HEALTH JOURNEY

1 • The trend is your friend.

Medical trends are good things, and as technology advances, it can be very helpful.  What I use now to help me is so much more superior than what I began with.  Look and listen to medical advancements.  They are a gift from God.

2 • Don’t forget to make friends.

There are others out there with your condition. Some have been doing this a long time – learn from them.  Some are recently diagnosed – encourage them.  You don’t have to have all the answers, you can just be an encouragement by listening to them.  After all, not everyone knows how they are feeling, but you just might. 

3 • Remember that God is your greatest friend.

Too often we assume that God is against us if he either caused this disease or even just allowed it to happen. But Jesus reminded us “in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) I’ve felt closer to him because of diabetes… not further away.

And of course, I truly believe in the power of counseling and conversation about your health struggle – either with a mental health professional, or with a trusted loved one.

I actually recently had the chance to talk to a therapist on my podcast “Leading Simple” about managing difficult situations and ways to tackle better mental health.  It was very powerful for me, and I know that anyone journeying through a health crisis would really be encouraged by it. Take a listen here. 

You may be reading this blog because you yourself are facing a condition… If so, I’d love to hear your story. DM me @rustylgeorge.  

Or, if in reading this you have on your heart someone who does, please share this blog with them if you think it might be helpful.

Your Pastor,
Rusty George