Be Well

Most people have either never fasted, have tried and had difficulty in some way, or haven’t successfully fasted in a very long time. What follows is an example that I hope will be instructional for anyone who falls into those broad categories.

In Mark chapter 9, Christ’s disciples were surprised (and probably publicly shamed) by their inability to cast out a demon. They then privately asked Jesus to explain their problem.

Approximately 600 years before Jesus was born, a young man named Daniel was taken captive by the Babylonians, along with some of his friends. They were part of the Jewish aristocracy of Jerusalem, and most likely watched their parents die in the destruction that fell upon their city.

Many times the Bible says that Jesus was "moved with compassion." The Latin root of compassion has a different meaning than sympathy or pity. It means co-suffering. Christ did not just feel "sorry for" but He felt "sorry with" the ones with whom He came in contact.

The word radical can have a negative connotation, especially given today’s sociopolitical climate. It can be used to describe different or daring — and at times dangerous — departures from traditional values or behavioral norms. But “radical” doesn’t always have to be viewed as something bad.

The mere mention of the words “Health Reform” tends to evoke two reactions. Some of us unconsciously sigh, aware that there are much-needed changes in health that we are neglecting to make.

When Coronavirus reached pandemic proportions, COVID-19 and its viral relatives — generated fear, sickness, and death, affecting the lives of millions worldwide. In this virus we have experienced the fear of the unknown — it’s course; and fear of the known — its consequences.