william jackson
Diabetical In My Body
Psalms 86:7 (NIV) “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.”
As I listen to my Pastor and church choir sing, “Down In My Soul” I reflect on
the challenges that this new onset of diabetes is taking me on. The survival rate of
what I have been through as a Black man over 45 years of age is statistically low.
First surviving a PE (pulmonary embolism) or blood clot that traveled from my leg
to my lung in December 2006, the doctors said I should have died, now in 2011
having survived a blood sugar level over 700 for several weeks. The doctors said
I should either be in a diabetic coma or dead.
I survive because I believe God still has a purpose for me. Just as He has a purpose
for all of us. The challenges that life throws at a person can either break you, cause
you to go into depression, make you suicidal or just cause a person to lose their mind.
My determination to these physical circumstances is to continue too, and increase my
praise and worship to God. I refuse to give into physical challenges of my body and
continue even more to allow God to use me as a testimony and example to his Kingdom.
The statement “everything happens for a reason” is almost equal to, “what does not
kill you makes you stronger.” I grow stronger in the knowledge that I’m doing good
works in my community and diabetes just increases my resolve and determination to
be more involved in my community and church. I cannot waste time nor will I blame
God, curse the devil, look at possible generational heredity imperfections from my
parents for diabetes, blood clots or hypertension (high blood pressure); all I can do is
pull Jesus closer to my heart and cry, “lead me to do the works you would have me to do.”
More of my brothers (of all races and cultures) need to say these words and mean them.
Learning about diabetes now is like a crash course in biology, chemistry, and psychology,
it just goes to show circumstance and situations in physicality can teach you to appreciate
life and how delicate it can be. My Pastor (Timothy Cole, Sr.) is preaching that God says
“He (God) is the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.” In reply to that I say God is the
God of William Derek Jackson and I will praise his name within my heart and publically
voice His name where God’s name needs to be heard.
As men experience physical challenges that try to keep them distracted
from doing the job of fathers and men, we need to be more involved
with our families, communities and churches. Fighting off that which
keeps us from doing “Good Works” in our homes, communities,
schools and churches.
Learning from the experiences of diabetes many men do not share their
experiences to be a blessing to others. Not to bring self pity or notoriety
to themselves, but to teach others how to prevent ill health and improve
their health as they mature.
My journey through diabetes will be a testimony to God and a knowledge experience
for myself and others. I hope to share my triumphs with others to prevent others
from falling victim to this physical and emotional challenge. I survived a blood
sugar level of above 600 to 700, survived loosing over 20 pounds in several
weeks, dehydration, waning vision, physical instability and memory loss.
Lessons learned; Knowledge gained; Spirit rededicated.
I ask those that are reading this or viewing my Youtude video if you experience
some or all of these symptoms to get medical attention soon. Your survival
and your family’s peace and happiness may depend on your proactive energies
to check your physical well being.
Watch your diet, consistently exercise, take time for yourself to mentally
relax and refocus on what is important in life. As my grandmother of over
90 years old taught me that, “Nothing beats peace for mind, body and soul.
”So my mind is on peace, my body is growing healthy and my soul has a better
relationship with Jesus.
Video on Black Bloggers Connect
http://www.blackbloggersconnect.com/videos/34/42/diabetical-in-me
