| Author | Message | ||
| Busymom Registered user Username: Busymom Post Number: 124 Registered: 4-2004 |
I left the Adventist church in 2004, and have been settled in a baptist church since leaving. Last year my oldest son was diagnosed with high cholesterol. He is not overweight, it is genetic. Unfortunately trying to have him make healthy choices at church has not been easy. With youth group, church affects his life more than once a week. There are studies that have been done that show a higher rate of obesity in regular church goers. We met with the pastor last night to discuss our concerns. Ultimately, I don't think we will be successful unless the leadership decides to encourage health. Do you attend a church that encourages your physical health? If yes, how? | ||
| Cloudwatcher Registered user Username: Cloudwatcher Post Number: 499 Registered: 5-2009  |
I think this would be the case in any situation that your son would find himself in more than once a week. I'm not sure that this has to do with leaving Adventism, as the pizza, nachos, sodas and processed foods found at the Baptist church gatherings would be just as available at the Adventist events. I would often say that the most unhealthy meal of my week was at the church potluck every Sabbath. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 12799 Registered: 12-2003  |
Wow, that's tough, Busymom. I don't actually know of a church promoting physical health as a primary focus, but I do see an emphasis on providing an environment where physical issues are understood and "respected", if that makes sense. For example, our church has a ministry called "King's Kids" that welcomes children with developmental disabilities, providing buddies for them so they can have assistance and also providing Sunday School programs for them, etc. The food at youth group activities is a tougher situation. I'm glad you spoke to your pastor. I think, however, that in the long run, kids with chronic issues such as diabetes, severe allergies, etc., have to learn to take care of themselves without withdrawing. I wish I knew a really good solution to this problem; I don't. Our younger son still has a deep visceral reaction toward meat and has not been able to break through that and eat it. This is an issue that is not based on physical limitations, to be sure, but it has presented huge social concerns for him...and although he is now 24, he still struggles to eat wherever he is without eating meat. But he has learned not to expect people to cater to his vegetarianism, even though he does struggle sometimes to get adequate nourishment when he's with groups serving meat. Your son does have a serious issue. It would be really nice if his youth pastor were able to provide at least some healthier choices at events. Ultimately, though, we have to help our kids learn to live with their unique impediments without withdrawing or expecting others to understand...and I so do not mean this harshly. I really, totally understand your concern and the feeling of being at a loss to help your son accept this and live with it. A young man at our church was diagnosed with type I diabetes about three years ago. It was sudden...the family had no idea...and the diagnosis followed his passing out during a basketball game. He was in his late teens and is now at college...it was a huge adjustment for him, but he is "under control" at this point. Diagnoses like these always produce a range of "grief reactions"...bargaining, denial, anger, depression, and finally, resolution. It will be hard for your son and for you for many reasons...but God knew this was coming. It is not a surprise to Him. He knows how to give us the identity in Him, the confidence and strength to live with joy in whatever circumstances we are. I know He will not waste this in your son's life, and He will redeem it in your lives. Just by the way, I have not seen the study about church-goers and high cholesterol, but I would want to see other contributing data. For example, what geographic area is being surveyed? What other lifestyle issues are at work there? For that matter, did this study include SDA and LDS church-goers? The "Bible belt", for example, would have a completely different social/cultural profile than would the northwest, the northeast, or the southwest, for example. Just asking... All that aside, I am so sorry about your son. I know how I would feel in similar circumstances. Ultimately, we have had to help our sons learn that they have to rely on God's intervention in their lives to help them live with physical and emotional baggage that their peers generally won't understand. Pray that God will redeem this in his life. He is faithful. Colleen | ||
| Cloudy Registered user Username: Cloudy Post Number: 154 Registered: 7-2007  |
Hi Busymom, my family left the SDA church in 2006, and have participated in many churches since then. I have not found any churches that encourage health in regards to diet. Particularly in regards to youth groups, the idea seems to be to provide whatever will excite the kids about coming and bringing their friends. Which usually involves a lot of candy and video games. For exercise, I did know of churches which offered physical education/sports classes for home schoolers and also sports leagues for kids. Unfortunately, fast food and junk food can end up being a reward for sports as well. There is no consensus about what is healthful among Christians so it will be difficult to find the support you want at church. Occasionally I have found church support groups for health, but they have been geared towards women, usually in the context of losing weight. Youth generally do not think about their health much until they lose it, and I'm sure cholesterol levels seem somewhat esoteric to them. It only reinforces in my mind that the locus of control needs to be internal, not external. | ||
| Kelleigh Registered user Username: Kelleigh Post Number: 64 Registered: 7-2011 |
Busymom, I know of a worship group (here in australia) that meets for a meal and Bible study during the week. One person in this group has celiac disease and cannot eat any foods containing gluten. So everyone prepares gluten-free food and eats it together with him. It’s quite touching. A good example to follow. For ordinances the deaconesses at the church make gluten-free wafers for him too. This man is able to enjoy fellowship to the full because of the thoughtfulness and care of the group. |
