I’m going to go out on a limb and assume I can speak for most women when I say, “none of us look forward to those annual, or bi-annual or however-often woman’s wellness checks!”…They’re awkward, zero-fun, and can be quite time-consuming and sometimes costly, plus there’s the suspense of waiting for test results after the appointment.
Recently I was urged to make one of those doctor visits when a best friend of mine (who happens to be a nurse) learned that my last woman’s check-up took place over seven years ago when I was pregnant with my son. Yes, you read that correctly..seven years ago!!
There’s a reason women are encouraged to make those appointments regularly. When breast cancer is detected early it is very treatable and survivable. If found early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. Most cervical cancers are found when women have not had regular pap-tests performed.
Now upon arriving at this appointment I was experiencing a lot of anxiety (like days worth) and I although I can’t quite pinpoint just why, those anxious thoughts lingered regardless. My friend had warned me that the doctor I would be seeing at this clinic isn’t the friendliest so there I was with pre-conceived thoughts of this “cruel” doctor I hadn’t even met, plus the dreadful feeling of this necessary check-up that I felt confident in labeling: Torture.
Apprehensively I sat in the little room waiting for the doctor to arrive and more importantly for the appointment to be at a conclusion. When I heard the knock at the door I’m just sure my heart nearly jumped out of my chest and before I knew it from behind the curtain came the doctor—a middle aged, small in stature, Korean man.
From the moment we exchanged hellos and introduced I knew I could finally relax, somewhat. He kindly went over questions, took notes, performed the check-up and it was quickly and painlessly over…or so I thought…
Afterward he genuinely asked if I had any concerns about my health and we promptly visited about my gut health. I’ll never forget the care he showed and how his eyes lit up as he pulled his phone from his pocket and began excitedly divulging ways to encourage a healthy gut. Now when a Korean man begins talking food you know there’s wisdom behind those words.
He shared favorite recipes on fermented foods which promote the consumption of good bacteria to create a healthy immune system. He also had me watch a few videos of foods he cooks in his own home- all of which point to healthy nutrition. I was absolutely delighted and soaked in every tip he offered.
I thanked God when a few short days later I received my test results showing no signs of concern. I realize not every woman experiences the same outcome and for those women we must pray for healing: physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I write this for a few reasons…first of all I need to trust God is present even when my state of affair is not-so-lovely, he wants to provide comfort when the circumstance is less than favorable and especially when we I have anxious thoughts (Philippians 4:6).
And just like I was guilty of, I must not have pre-assumed thoughts or feelings about anyone, even if someone close to me has had a negative experience with that very person. I am to be Jesus to all. 1st John 4:8 says anyone who does not love, does not know God.
Most of all keeping spiritual health in mind always, I want to encourage women of all ages to make those woman wellness check-ups and realize how incredibly important it is to keep our bodily health in good priority stance as well. The God of the universe who created us calls our bodies His holy temple with His Spirit dwelling in the midst (1st Corinthians 3:16-17) and he has bought us with a high price therefore we must honor God with our body (1 Corinthians 6:20).
When we look at Jesus’ life on earth and see the impression he set as He healed numerous times—the mute, crippled, lame, blind, (Matthew 15:31) fed the hungry, and prayed earnestly for His followers (John 17), we see His desire for good health. When we in turn care for our own health (both physically and spiritually) as well as for those we love, we can praise God knowing we’re living in alignment with scripture.
For His Purpose 