Get to the Root

When you have a headache, you may take an aspirin or Advil. You may have come to expect that drug to "cure" your headache. However, the truth is it only masks the pain in your head, which by the way, is simply a symptom. The definition of a symptom is "something that indicates the presence of a bodily disorder." Hmm, maybe you've never thought about it much, but the headache isn't a "disease" it's only a symptom of something else going on in your body. Through that pain your body may be trying to tell you any number of things - eat something, you're hungry; get some sleep, you are tired; take a break from the computer, your eyes need a rest; relax, you are stressed. The one thing I can confidently tell you it is not saying is that you have an "Advil deficiency!"

In order to change or improve any health issue you must address the root cause, not just deal with the symptom you are experiencing. Jesus shows us this principle. In Mark 11:20-21 we read the passage where Jesus had seen a fig tree full of leaves which indicated that it should also have figs. When it did not, He cursed the tree. Upon seeing the tree the next day, the disciples saw that it had "withered from the roots." Jesus didn't just deal with the fruit, leaves or stem, He went directly to the source of the problem - the roots.

Romans 11:16, 17 tells us the root supports the plant and if the root is holy the rest of the tree is holy. A plant is only as healthy as its root system.The same is true for us. Unless the root cause of a disease is addressed and corrected, all the drugs in the world will only mask pain or discomfort and "manage" the disease. The pain may be gone temporarily, but the root cause remains. Drugs simply treat symptoms. As Dr. Darren R. Weissman explains so eloquently in his excellent book, "The Power of Infinite Love and Gratitude," by masking symptoms with drugs we are silencing our bodies' only method of communication!

Our bodies are magnificent creations of Almighty God. Let's not just drug them, but listen to them. Don't just look for the quick fix. God built into our bodies His own infinite wisdom and healing power, if we just take the time to listen.

Take a Step:

What health issue are you dealing with? Migraines, being overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol? Sure the easy way is to just take a pill and continue doing what you have always done. It shouldn't surprise you that while pain may decrease for a time or your "numbers" may appear to have improved, you have not addressed the cause and so the problem remains. You may have heard the saying, "to have something you never had before you must do something you never did before." You can't keep eating ice cream and cookies every day, take a diet pill and expect to lose weight and get fit and healthy! It just won't work. There is no shortcut to true wholeness and vibrant health. But it is so worth the effort.

If you need help dealing with a health issue, I would consider it a privilege to discuss options with you.

Until next time, I wish you vibrant health!

Ann