Wellness for All

I love that Obama's health care proposal is bringing to light the desperation many experience in the midst of a system geared to protecting the most powerful members of society with seemingly little regard for the weak: the poor, the sick, the underemployed. If we can't pay attention to this problem and make serious attempts to heal what ails it, we have no standing to call ourselves a "Christian nation", or even a just and compassionate people. Is this issue the plumb line by which we measure ourselves in the 21st century, much as racial issues and slavery were the lines in the sand in previous centuries?

Obviously, I support health care reform. Oh, it would be nice if people had risen up and had chosen altruism, but that hasn't happened as I see it. There have been ample opportunities for the players to change the rules of the game. They have not so chosen. The church has not provided significant relief. The insurance companies are not willing to adjust. People with Cadillac insurance policies are not willing to forgo some bells and whistles so that all might have a baseline of care.

The complexity of the health care reform bill (900 pages!) is staggering, and I want to throw up my hands and say, "Somebody smarter than me, FIX THIS!"

While I'm not smart enough to know the specific changes that are needed to make health care more accessible to the masses, I know firsthand something we can all do to impact wellness that would SIGNIFICANTLY improve the overall state of our nation's health and well-being....Rediscover Community. Reach out to each other. Know and Care about our neighbors. Turn off the video games and Facebook and call a friend. Reach out to somebody lonely.

It's not so hard. It doesn't require a ream of paper to describe the plan drafted by hundreds(thousands?) of policy makers nor does it cost billions of dollars. It IS costly, however... it costs time, energy, and perhaps relinquishing our comfort zone to build relationships with the poor.

I have written how I had just about given up hope back in January regarding the state of my health. (And I have insurance! Imagine the desperation of those who contend with health problems and no financial means to access health care! It's staggering.) I'm on a new track since then, one of hope and of increasing wellness. And the magic ingredient that changed the course of my life was love. Love from people who came alongside of me to cheer me on, to be community with me in the battle.

I have a dream for a "Wellness Center". A place where people can go to be in loving community. Where health, life and well-being are fostered. Art classes. A gym full of exercise equipment (making exercise accessible to the disabled and the poor). Books, coffee, comfortable couches and conversation. Fun and healthy cooking classes where you experience friendship as you cook healthy meals to put in your freezer. Haircuts and Makeovers for people who can't afford them. A clothing closet to trade clothing for a smaller size as you lose weight. Counseling services. Literacy classes/GED classes. A community-garden. Dance classes geared to people of all levels of athleticism. A facility that is simple, yet beautiful. Humble yet holy. Set apart. Light, airy, full of nature. Prayer soaked. Bible studies. Concerts. Wellness Check-ups. An ambitious vision to be sure. But. Can. You. See. It?