Welcome to Joni and Friends. I’m your host, Joni Eareckson Tada.
I have a young friend named Rachel who is 13 years old and although she has juvenile diabetes – they call it type 1 diabetes now – she manages her medical condition very well. Juvenile diabetes is where the body does not produce insulin, which, in turn, is critical to how the body uses sugar. Without insulin, unused sugar builds up in the body; and over the long haul, these high levels of sugar can cause damage to the eyes, heart, kidneys, and nerves. Someone like Rachel faces a lifelong regimen of insulin replacement, either through a continuous pump or frequent self-administered insulin shots.
But none of this bothers 13-year-old Rachel. She pricks her finger for blood all during the day, makes a note of her own sugar levels, manages the pump attached to her side… a pump which regulates how much insulin she takes. Rachel is one buoyant, happy Christian – a home-schooled kid who has learned how to take responsibility for herself early on.
And this has had a profound effect on Eva, her 9-year-old little sister. Eva is very close to Rachel. This child has been watching her older sister all her little life, and Eva has been strongly influenced by Rachel’s attitude, especially watching the way she just takes charge and manages her disability.
And it’s a good thing. Because just a few months ago when the family was on vacation, Mom and Dad noticed that Eva was very thirsty all the time. They also noticed a few other odd warning signs. That’s all it took for them to take Eva right away to the hospital. And after a few tests, it was confirmed. Eva also has juvenile diabetes. As you can imagine, her parents were stunned and deeply saddened by this news. But Eva? Well, the first thing she did was get on the phone to her Aunt Laura to say, “Guess what! I’ve got diabetes just like Rachel!”
Believe me, this kid’s upbeat attitude about it all certainly was a relief to the family. Eva has since been to the hospital several times and now she has her own testing kit – she’s so proud of that – just like Rachel, she’s got a kit. I learned the other day that she asked her grandmother, “Grandma, want to see me test myself with the needle?” I know that soon this novelty will probably wear off, but even if it does, I have a strong inkling that Eva will hold on to the same good attitude like her sister.
And I applaud Rachel for that. I applaud her mom, her dad. I tell you, Rachel is a good illustration of Titus 2:7 where it says, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” Oh, that we all would remember the impact we have on others through our own attitudes to trials and testings. May we, like Rachel, set an example for others with our trust in God and our good attitudes about the suffering he allows!
Please write or visit me today at joniandfriends.org. Of course, you can always call and talk to one of our team members by dialing 1-888-522-5664. Either way, please know that I’m praying Romans 15 over you. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit.” Here’s hoping to hear from you today!
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