WHAT THOSE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL WANT THE CHURCH TO KNOW

I was working in the church force and had to leave because every time, I couldn't come to church or attend some activities due to sickle cell. I heard people saying it is because I didn't pray well enough, I didn't sow seeds, I didn't have faith. 

And I had to stop going to church at a point. 

There are many things about living with sickle cells that you and I need to know because we made the church. 

There are many hurting words we have said to those we never understand their battles that has made them lose their faith. 

We have given what we think was the best advice but had a negative Impact that eventually made them to question God. 

In all these , here is WHAT THOSE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL WISH THE CHURCH KNOW 

1. PHYSICAL WEAKNESS IS NOT SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS. 

The gospel of prosperity in the church and that of good health has taken a huge centre in the heart of the church. We have been told if you are Christian you shouldn't fall sick, you shouldn't be poor without explaining the principle of wealth. 

We believed having a chronic illness like sickle cell disorder is a sign of lack of faith. That the body is weak doesn't mean one is weak spiritually. 

That one is dealing with pains from sickness doesn't mean they are not praying hard enough. And being sick is never because they or their generations have committed unforgivable sin. 

Timothy is a great Man in the bible who has ailments yet did well as a minister. 

1 Timothy 5:3 says

" Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses". 

The ailments wasn't name but from the frequent illnesses mentioned it is shown that it was a chronic illness that occurs everytime. 

We must stop linking someone’s spiritual condition to their physical one and questioning their faith if they aren’t improving which implies shame for an illness they can’t control. 

Taking breaks and understanding one's physical boundaries should be seen as acts of wisdom rather than idleness. The challenges they face could serve as a means through which God strengthens their faith and demonstrates His greatness to others.

2. VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS. 

The church often finds it hard to validate the feelings of people living with sickle cell with many of their responses by telling them to pray more or have faith or even compare them. 

The church needs to believe and validate those dealing with sickle cell. 

Do not underestimate the seriousness of their symptoms or limitations.

Chronic illness often comes with fatigue, pain, and feelings of ambiguous loss. When they openly express their frustrations or discouragement about their health, empathize with them. Instead of offering solutions like " keep praying " or comparing their situation to others, simply say, "That sounds incredibly tough, or I'm here for you." 

Your presence , a listening ear and understanding can mean the world to them.

3. PRAY FOR THEM IN A MORE COMPASSIONATE WAY.

Most times we are more focused on always praying for healing for them which often hurt more 

So when next you want to pray for those living with sickle cell , remember that focusing solely on healing or improved health may not always be the most comforting approach. Instead, consider these prayer points:

• Express gratitude to God for His closeness during their pain and His deep care for them, emphasizing that nothing can separate them from His love.

•Pray for the strength of their faith to remain unwavering.

•Lift up prayers for their various needs, whether they are spiritual, physical, or relational in nature.

•Lastly, pray for God's glory to shine through their life and for them to experience and share His presence.

4. GIVE THEM ACCOMODATION TO SERVE GOD IN THE WAY THEY CAN.

Timothy was given the chance to drink wine due to his illness. Read 1 Timothy 5:3  those with sickle cell want to be part of the church, they want to be part of the church worker. But lack of accommodation has resulted in isolation which often lead to loss in the church.

We need to understand that, even though they may step away from some roles in church due to physical limitations, we must understand that, they are still a valuable member of the church. 

They can participate in online service.

They might be involve in project virtually. 

They can share their story of grace despite their sickle cell. 

They can be exempted from fasting and more. 

5. GIVE SUPPORT BEYOND WORD OF MOUTH. 

Managing sickle cell is constant and financially draining. 

Consider supporting them beyond "it is well" 

 James 2 : 14- 17 talks about us supporting people beyond praying for them 

"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"

Here are few ways to help.

You can visit to help them cook, 

Send a gift cards 

Give a ride to hospital or church 

Stay with them at the hospital

Help with their house work 

Support them with medications 

Give gifts that help alleviate their pain like hot water bottle, heater, Refill water bottle, warm Clothing's and many more.

Above all treat them without any discrimination 

The bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:25-26, NIV)

 "There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part sufferes, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it"

We should not allow those living with sickle to be overlooked, mocked, stigmatized or even discriminated against but instead, we should treat them as essential members of our church community. The church is one of places I experienced  highest form discrimination and stigmatisation. 

This shouldn't continue to happen . If not we would keep pushing people out of the church 

People living with sickle cell can live a fulfilling, joyful lives, and the church can demonstrate visible compassion for those dealing with this kind of chronic illness. 

The church should be a place to be loved, enjoy compassion, be happy not the other way around.

Thank you and see you again 

N.B the devotionals will be release on 29th so we can start using it from October first. It is free and my gifts to people living with sickle and also to their caregivers 

Your Favorite Celebrity Warrior 

#kemioguntimehin