I Get By With A Little Help...

February 5, 2023

I get by with a little help...

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV

If you fail to plan, to plan to fail. Have you ever heard that before? The New Year is the perfect time to lay out all sorts of plans we desire in our life, with top priority for most being our health. Everyone has head-knowledge of what are the most popular components of a healthy lifestyle-nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know what to do and THIS is the year that I will do it!” But there is an important component of our overall well-being which became crystal clear to me during the pandemic that does not get much focus--something human beings, made in the image of the Triune (3-in-1) God, cannot live without. That is…RELATIONSHIPS. Bluntly put: isolation kills, socialization heals. God is in relationship as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and He yearns for a relationship with every one of us.

Dr. Dean Ornish, international expert in lifestyle medicine, researcher and clinician, states in his book, Love & Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health: “Our supportive connections are sufficient when we can answer ‘Yes’ to questions such as: Do you have anyone who really cares for you? Who feels close to you? Who loves you? Who wants to help you? In whom you can confide? Hopefully, the answer is yes to all. But if not, you may have a 3-10 times increased risk for premature death and disease from all causes.” WHOAAAHH! Not having adequate intentional relationships can lead to disease (morbidity, sickness from ANYTHING) and EARLY death (mortality). I’m adding THAT-RELATIONSHIPS-to MY lifestyle pill!

LizAmandaFriends How do YOU answer these questions about relationships? What do you think about your neighbor who lives alone and needs someone to care for them? In addition to helping your own health, could you be a light and help your neighbor? You, like I, have probably seen how an independent person who is doing well in the other lifestyle components simply crashes when isolated. No matter how much diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management are done and no matter how many medications are taken or treatments are completed, if relationships aren’t intentionally nurtured, then the person will be unhealthy and have a shortened lifespan.

As I write these thoughts, I’m recovering from an injury that has isolated me from work, usual daily activities, and hobbies I love. It has even isolated me from ministries. From this first-hand perspective, I can truly see how isolation can crush one’s spirit, leading to emotional stress, lack of purpose, and physical decline. But the GREAT news is…my posse, people I love (including some of you reading this ), have come around me and boosted my relationship component of the lifestyle pill. I can answer YES to those questions above! Amen!

I know you have people in your posse whom you can lean on. Why don’t you write them an old-fashioned letter, set up a lunch date, or call them? Nurture those relationships. Further, can you be a new posse member to support someone who needs “relationship health” this year? The BENEFITS of relationships are mutual and will help you live a healthier, more joy-filled, longer, meaningful life—for His glory!

Dr. Liz Berbano

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Liz joined Body & Soul^® Fitness when she transitioned out of the army 15 years ago. The exercise of mind, body, and spirit as well as words to the songs help her continue to grow and passionately serve him as Assistant Regional Director in northern VA, mentored by beautiful leaders in the Body & Soul^® family. Exercise. Bible. Music. Connection. Liz teaches Body & Soul^® in Annandale, VA.

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