Last week I mentioned that for the next few weeks I would be writing about living with chronic illness or disability.

Today I want to answer a question many people have asked me: How did I improve so much?

Of course, I saw doctors and received the treatment and medications I needed. Most of these were helpful, (I still take medication), but they were not enough. The most important thing that changed the course of my illness was my decision to put God first in my life.

I began by reading the Bible and praying more than I had in the past. Soon after that, I took the step of going to church every Sunday. This was difficult because I was unable to do anything all week except rest so I would be strong enough to attend church. I was determined to put Him first.

From there, others began to pray for me, and I began to improve.

An important lesson I learned from my experience is that God heals in different ways. In my case, it was as though my commitment to put Him first created a ripple effect which touched every area of my life and ultimately began a healing process - physically, emotionally and mentally - which I am still experiencing today.

Through this process I also learned that God's Word is true and available to help and guide us through whatever may come our way.

One of the first truths that helped me immensely was that our thoughts have a positive or negative impact on our bodies.

Most people have heard of the "mind/body connection," which is simply that our bodies respond to the way we think, feel and act. This is true whether we are healthy or sick.

Medical researchers have reported that too much negativity can deplete our immune system, making us susceptible to more colds, infections, and other conditions.

This is confirmed in the Bible, Proverbs 17, verse 22, where it says: "A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."

When we have an existing condition, we often struggle with negative thoughts and emotions because of our situation. This only makes our attitude and symptoms worse, so it is important that we make every effort to think positively.

I believe that if we want to help ourselves, a good starting place is to examine and, when necessary, change our thinking.

It is true that this is not always easy and there are times when it will be a struggle, but the goods news is that it does get easier.

The Bible provides a wonderful guideline for our thoughts in Philippians 4, verses 8 and 9. These are the words I began to measure my thoughts against and still do to this day. I believe as you do the same, you will begin to see a difference in your thinking and attitude that will impact your life in a positive way.

"Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you."

Patricia Bryan is the Pastor of His Path Christian Centre at the Ridge-Meadows Seniors Centre.

Column – Acts of Faith Sep 09 2006
By Pat Bryan, NEWS Columnist