kaijohnson

The Heart and the Fire Within  There is such fascination with one of the major organs of the body, that is, the heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans. Every 34 seconds, someone dies from heart disease. Between 2021 and 2022 the cost to care for people with some form of heart disease such as heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and heart failure, was approximately $168 billion dollars (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).  The Bible provides guidance, instruction, and solutions to everyday problems. The English-translated word “heart” appears over 700 times in the King James Version (Christian Bible Reference, ND). There are numerous adjectives in the Bible that describe the heart, [...]

Walking with Faith Through Cancer: A Personal and Professional Reflection  A cancer diagnosis changes life in an instant. When I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the words felt clinical, yet deeply personal. As a nurse, I understood the terminology. As a woman of faith, I felt the weight of uncertainty. My first oncology appointment was filled with information, next steps, and discussions of surgery scheduled for the coming month. Yet beneath the medical language was a quiet spiritual wrestling: How do I walk this journey faithfully?  Cancer affects not only the body, but also [...]

Loving On a Caregiver  “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers and those who will need a caregiver.” Rosalyn Carter  Can you recall the number of times that you have said to a friend or acquaintance, or they might have said to you, “I just admire the way you are caring for your spouse, Your Mom or Dad, or other relative”?  However, the caregiver might look at it as, “I am just doing what the commandments say to honor [...]