Tuesday’s Trench Lesson

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Welcome to our time together today, friends! Thanks for stopping by.

I have a small handful of friends, and each one is individual and different. What I mean by that is that they each have their own views on life, their own opinions and feelings on what is right and wrong. I believe we are all like this, but I find it interesting that each of my very good friends can be as different as night is day.

That being said, I have also noticed that about half of these night-and-day people agree on something. A large percentage of the people that I respect, admire, and love have a point of view that is totally and completely different than mine. The topic that I am referring to is this: medication. Many people in this world believe that we should not be taking medication, or we should not be giving our children vaccinations. They believe we should be eating everything organic, and non GMO, and just trying to be the best “healthy” that we can be. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that opinion and there is absolutely nothing wrong with sharing that opinion with the world. I think it is wonderful that we live in a country where we can freely discuss these topics, and have a healthy debate.

            I just happen to have a little bit of a different view. I am not against any of those opinions; do not get me wrong. I don't have a problem with non GMO, and organic. I do not eat that way because we honestly do not have the money to do it. I have heard people say, “We will pay a higher price for health in the long run,” but we cannot pull money out of nowhere, so it is what it is! I do not have a strong opinion on vaccinations. My family is up to date on all their shots, but I do not have one negative feeling against anyone who believes that is not what is best for their family. I am not affected if you choose not to give medication to yourself or your family. If that is what your belief is, I am glad to support you in that.

            What is in the best interest of my family is different. We are a medication-taking family. Well, let me clarify that. I do not take any medication, because at this time, there is no need. My 15-year-old son and my 7-year-old daughter do not take medication for the same reason. My husband takes medication for his cholesterol, because a change in diet was not enough to make him healthy. His father passed away due to heart disease, so we want to be proactive with his health care.

            My 17-year-old daughter takes a medication for depression. She was struggling in school, having panic attacks in class, and hurting herself in hopes to control her situation. She has been seeing a therapist. She was then referred to a psychiatrist who suggested a medication. It has helped her beyond my expectations, and without a doubt. I have my daughter back, and she has her life back. It had been months (going on almost a year) since she had offered or even accepted a hug, and now, she is all over them! Hugs go all around now. She can focus on the things she needs to do, and enjoys the things she wants to do.

            My 9-year old son takes medication to help him concentrate. He struggled with school and homework. He was frustrated, said he felt stupid. He felt singled out because he needed extra help with reading and spelling. My sweet, bright baby boy felt less than. We went to the doctor, and he was diagnosed with ADHD. We were given tools to help him with scheduling and things to do to help him with his concentration. It wasn't until he began taking his medication that he was able to concentrate and realize he did understand what was going on in class. He doesn't take the medicine on the weekend, or during the summer. He decides when he needs it to concentrate (school and maybe other events he considers important). He is happy, so I am happy.

            Where this can get tricky is the issue of judgment. I don’t judge others, and I guess my hope is that others won’t judge me. Matthew 7:1-2 says: “Judge not, that you be not judged. ² For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

I remind myself every day that I am not in the position to judge. Whenever we even think of pointing the finger, I pray that we can all remember that there are several fingers pointing back at us. Thanks for letting me share!

Until next week,

I love you. ~Lea