Sticky Note:  Grace is for the Sick

Grace Pursues

Grace is for the Sickest

Grace Frees us to Change

Grace Excludes Only the "Well"

___________________________________________
...more if you want it...

I asked Dr. Al to comment on some of his experiences.  They may be helpful:

Often times I have seen patients who are sick but don't realize it.   
They may come in thinking they are well but then are found to have  
an illness.  An example of this is a diabetic or hypertensive  
patient who I diagnose with a chronic condition.  Interestingly, I  
have noticed very different responses from people who are suddenly  
told they are sick when they thought they were well.  Some will  
accept the physician's diagnosis and trust him and do what he  
recommends and get better.  Others adamantly disagree and refuse to  
accept the diagnosis and go on to get sicker.

Many people do not go to a physician because they fear that the  
doctor will find something wrong with them.  They would rather not  
know.  They don't understand that finding something early might be  
curable and provide a longer, better life.

Others don't see the value of seeing a physician or are trying to  
save money.  They think they are wasting their money if they go too  
soon.  These people come to the doctor only when they are really  
sick.  We're seeing more and more of this as the amount people have  
to pay for there healthcare rises with the advent of high-deductible  
insurance policies.

I have had several patients come in thinking they had a mild cough  
or pain that has been ongoing for a long time.  They deny that  
anything is wrong with them until finally the symptoms become  
overwhelming and they finally come to a physician.  Unfortunately,  
they go home with the diagnosis of cancer or some other serious  
illness.  They came because of symptoms but they discover they are  
sicker than they thought they were.

Some patients go to the physician and ask for advice but then don't  
do what the physician recommends.  They don't like the cure.  They  
already have decided on the cure they need (which usually means a  
medication like a narcotic or sedative to dull the pain).  I have  
numerous young people, both male and female, come to me with  
symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.  Their girl/boyfriend has  
broken up with them, for example.  I share with them that there is  
no drug that will cure their problem.  The problem is not that  
they're anxious or depressed.  The problem is that they are living  
sinful lives.  Consequently, their emotional lives are in turmoil  
because of the sin they don't want to give up.  I have invited  
several men to the men's bible study but have yet to be taken up on  
that offer.  That was not the cure they were looking for.