RESPECT - for those with disabilities

Arthea Franklin is well know for the song Respect. Come on and sing the lyrics: 

RESPECT
Find out what it means to me
RESPECT
Take care, T C B
Oh, a little respect
Yeah baby, I want a little respect
Now, I get tired, but I keep on trying'
Runnin' out of foolin', I ain't lyin'
Yes, respect all I need is respect

Source: http://www.metrolyrics.com/respect-lyrics-aretha-franklin.html 

We have all heard and sung the lyrics and maybe even related them to relationships we were in. I think we can all agree that every one of us wants and deserves respect; from our peers, our employers, even our families. But do we apply that same principle to others? Have we considered how that may relate to them? Especially those with chronic illness or pain, disabilities, hidden disabilities or those suffering from depression or mental illnesses.

For they are the ones that need the respect, encouragement and support the most! Often their friends, family and employers dismiss them, avoid them, or belittle them for being lazy, lying, being over dramatic or accuse them of being a hypochondriac.

For those suffering with chronic pain and illness we just assume they are suffering from depression and should just "snap out of it." Trust me, if you had to "walk a mile in their shoes" you would be depressed!

"Patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have an exquisite understanding of the pain, both physical pain and emotional anguish, associated with having a poorly understood, incurable disease. "When you start hearing there is no hope, no treatment, and no cure over and over, you lose your will to fight," wrote Jan Murphy in a eulogy read at her funeral. "What most people saw of me was a shell of what was going on inside."

However, there is evidence that chronic pain and illness put patients at risk for suicide. An illness like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, which is often doubted or neglected by the medical community, the public, and sometimes family and friends, can present unique problems. Patients with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome can become victims of isolation and despair.

Secondary depression is a well-know symptom of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and is common with any type of chronic pain. Sufferers depend on a variety of sources of support, including pain management, psychological support, and financial support. When one of these essential needs remain unmet over a long periods of time, it is possible for patients to believe that their situation is hopeless.

Anyone who has suffered with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome knows that it requires a huge adjustment, not only to the illness itself but to all the consequences it has on our lives. Chronic illness is likely to affect the way sufferers live, the way they see themselves, and how they relate to others. With the present state of world events, many people are feeling additional tension, anxiety, or sadness. But suffering with severe depression may be unnecessary. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, it's essential that you know you don't have to go it alone. Suicide is preventable, and there are a variety of resources that can provide the support you need."

Source: http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/killing-me-softly-fmcfs-suicide By Lisa Lorden Myers 

I have been blessed with a great support unit of family & friends, as well as medical professionals who understand and continue to research new medicines and treatments to help to manage by health issues. I can relate to the loss of identity, isolation, limits to my activities and the financial strain that has been put on me and my family due to my chronic illness.

Often my friends, many who also share the same or similar health issues, and I have commented on how we never would be able to cope, deal with, and survive these issues without our deep abiding faith in God. It has given me a new awareness and compassion for others, as well as a deep empathy and respect for the struggles they are going through. 

Respect and understanding play a key role and can be a big factor in their daily struggle. If we each will reach out to one other person to help, encourage and support them what a miraculous affect and effective change we could make in their life, regardless of if that person was ill or healthy.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Ann Frank

I challenge each and every one of you to take a closer look at those around you and make it your personal priority to respect, understand and encourage someone each day; especially those dealing with chronic illnesses. Just knowing that someone truly cares and respects them for what they are going through could make a world of difference to them. And please remember to uphold them in your prayers.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying (interceding) for all the Lord’s people." ~ Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

To "intercede" means, "to stand in the gap on behalf of another." For example: when an attorney stands before a judge on behalf of a client, he is interceding, pleading and standing in the gap in defense of another person. This is one of the most powerful actions we can undertake for another is to "stand in the gap" for them!

Wishing you respect, good health and daily encouragement as you travel through life!

Blessings! :)