Physical Diagnosis Diabetes: Spiritual Prognosis Excellent, with God~

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. —

Josephine is one of the strongest people I know, to this very day.  She is a faith driven woman, always has been. Amidst her numerous trials in life, (various heartbreaking events I won’t get into) she’s never wavered once in her love for Christ. You never heard her say, “why me God?”  You will never hear her complain about feeling deserted by God, because she knows the LORD would never abandon His children. Oh, and before I forget to tell you, Josephine is my sister!  And she gets all her strength from the LORD.

Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Her first-born Christine developed Juvenile Diabetes at barely 2 years old. No signs or symptoms were visible, no excess thirst, no weight loss, no desiring sweets, no urinating copiously, no ravenous appetite, no fatigue. Nothing. No signs at all. Instead, she was a typical active brilliant 2-year-old angel faced girl.

God was with Christine the day of her diagnosis. Yes.  God was there when she got her hand caught in the gate lock.  Hold on. Before anyone says, “huh?”—Hang on, it’ll become clear, and apparent why we should never lose faith, no matter the circumstances thrust in your path.

It happened within seconds, her finger got caught in the gate lock. We heard a blood curdling scream then deafening silence, as Christine gasped for breath from the excruciating pain. Her fingertip was smashed, and bleeding profusely. Pulsating splashes of blood spilled all over the ground. Josephine scooped her up and the arrived at the Emergency Room within minutes.

It was divine intervention that brought Christine to the hospital that day. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, and her glucose level was over 1000! During the assessment by the physician, she subsequently lapsed into a diabetic coma. She was in the right place at the right time. Coincidence?  I think not, no such thing with God! She was where she had to be, exactly at the correct time.

Luke 1:37 – For nothing will be impossible with God.

Josephine was a young mom facing this ordeal, but through it all, she had support and love. Not only from her family, but most important from God above. Our Sovereign Entity and Supernatural Being and most Royal King, was with her every step of the way. And due to His Presence and her faith, she had the courage of a roaring lioness defending her helpless baby cub. As most moms would and do for their children.

Deuteronomy 3:16 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.

Type 1 diabetes, which at times is called insulin dependent diabetes, is a chronic disease that destroys the body’s ability to make insulin. A hormone used to break down and store energy (in the form of glucose or “sugar”) from foods. Without insulin, high levels of fat and glucose remain in the bloodstream, which can damage blood vessels and vital organs over time.

The direct cause and factor of type 1 diabetes is still not really known. Although there are various speculations that it is a complex series and combination of many things. Some of which entail genetic predisposition, and environmental factors such as viruses that may serve as a catalyst for its onset.

Interestingly, Christine had developed measles a couple of months prior to the diagnosis. The Endocrinologist suggested that perhaps it was a virus that destroyed her very young and tender pancreas.  But he couldn’t be certain of the initial origin, or the reason for its manifestation. It was speculation on his part to determine the exact cause. The bottom line was that the diagnosis was in place.  And after that, a whole new lifestyle emerged for mother and child.

Josephine had to administer two daily shots of insulin. And at times Christine needed more. She and mom were suddenly thrust into a whole new world.

To top it off, her husband who had recently returned from a tour in Viet Nam, front line duty, fled from the whole scene. He no longer wanted to be married. His mental status from the war and seeing his daughter sick, was entirely too much for him to absorb or handle. So, he made a beeline for the nearest exit, never looking back. Taking off for parts unknown.

1 Timothy 5:8  But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.

Although heartbroken over her childhood sweetheart and husband leaving her, it didn’t deter my sister. She went into full protective mode of only caring about taking care of Christine. Again, as all mothers would, especially with no choice but to do so. She prayed for her husband, and marriage, hoping he’d get help and come back home. She worried about Christine who loved her dad, and how she’d handle it going forward without her father there. But her main goal was focusing on caring for her child and not wallowing in a “woe is me” mentality.

She wanted to contribute and be of some comfort and help to other mothers with sick children. She became an RN. Her area and calling were mainly pediatrics, where she helped many newly diagnosed children. A disease that is high on the list for blindness, organ destruction, heart attacks, heart disease, and a host of other issues, such as neuropathy, kidney failure and strokes.  Most people don’t realize the extent of this disease. It is listed high on the list for mortalities.

Of course, no disease is “fun” or better than the other. And this isn’t about comparisons. It’s about giving testimony of our great God. A merciful Father who helped Josephine and Christine, many times over. Starting with the day of diagnosis.

Had Christine gone to sleep that night, she would have slipped right into a coma unbeknownst to any of us. The doctors all were in agreement when they said, “it’s a good thing she came here when she did. And very lucky she got her finger caught in that gate. It would have been an entirely different outcome; had she gone to sleep. It probably would have been a permanent sleep…”  Luck?  No such thing. GOD!  This was God!

Mark 5:22-23 – One of the synagogue officials named Jairus *came up, and on seeing Him, *fell at His feet and *implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.”

Josephine is an advocate for children.  And adored by all of her patients. Strong, special, kind, loving and compassionate. Although now retired, she still volunteers and gives back. Once a nurse, always a nurse! On top of her dedication as an RN–she is the best “big sister” I could have ever asked for!

Many times, Christine was saved by God’s hands throughout the years. When her sugar was low, and having seizures, my sister found her many times in this condition. I’m speaking about Chris as an adult now.

My sister would have a premonition, and urging from the Spirit, to stop in to see Christine. Countless times, too numerous to mention, she’d see her still body on the ground.  With the help of the LORD, Jo would bring her out each time. Sometimes the episodes were worse than others. Where the sugar was so low, she was minutes from death. But miraculously, God always stepped in, breathing His breath onto her.

Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

God’s will, light, and love is an amazing thing to feel. His mercy and hands of grace are real. His ways are filled with wisdom and not to be misconstrued. His provisions are endless. And His existence is REAL. His Presence overwhelmingly powerful and comforting.

Christine now 50, continues to have issues with her diabetes. And many close calls with low sugar, where God has intervened.  She too is an RN educating those in diabetes. Taking a strong role in helping newly diagnosed babies, and adults.  A devout Christian. She loves and thanks God each day, as my sister does. As the entire family does. We are a blessed family, strong in love and faith.

No matter the circumstances, situations, events, or hurdles thrust in your path. No matter what you are currently facing, undergoing, or feeling.

Please, never give up on God, because He never will give up on you!

“Father, thank You for Your strength, protection, and Presence, You are Amazing, may we always honor You, acknowledge You and obey You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Note: Should your child, or someone you know exhibit, excessive thirst, frequent urinations, fatigue, weight loss, please see your doctor as soon as possible to get a full physical exam.  People may develop type 1 diabetes at any age, but it is frequently diagnosed way before adulthood. It accounts for one in every 400 to 500 children in the U.S.  With knowledge, trials and advanced studies, it is hoped that one day there will be a cure for diabetes overall.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes? | CDC

 A Snapshot: Diabetes In The United States | CDC