Christians with Illness Blog Carnival Seeking Submissions
Please pass this announcement on to anyone who would be interested!
Christians with Illness Blog Carnival Seeking Submissions
MARCH 2009– Surprise! That is the theme for the first Christians with Chronic Illness Blog Carnival starting in April 2009. The carnival, hosted by Rest Ministries, the largest Christian organization in the USA, hopes to reach the thousands of people who live with chronic illness or pain, and who also rely on their faith to get them through the difficult moments.
Rest Ministries, Inc. began in 1997 when founder Lisa Copen, then 29, was unable to find Christian support for her illness, rheumatoid arthritis. Her ministry now reaches over 80,000 visitors per month through daily devotionals, a social network, HopeKeepers Magazine, and HopeKeepers groups in churches around the USA and beyond.
Copen explains, “There are some amazingly gifted writers on the internet who share about the ups and downs of living with chronic or invisible illness and also their faith. As the number of bloggers increases exponentially each month, we want to provide a place where those who are blogging about their faith and their illness can share their message with more people.”
Submit your blog posting at www.christianswithillnessblogcarnivalsubmit.com by April 5, 2009. The carnival will be posted the 15th of each month. Upcoming theme include coping with loss and creative ideas for keeping kids busy during summer months when you have limited energy.
This is a great opportunity for Christian authors who have an illness and blog to share their posts too. Rest Ministries encourages anyone to submit. Preference will be given to those who submit blog posts on the theme, and to those with an illness or who is a caregiver.
“Oftentimes we are most encouraged by others who have walked a similar path,” says Copen. “We want to discover how they are still able to celebrate their lives and find a purpose in their pain.”
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Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Update from Lisa
Instead of having surgery in 2 hours on my right hand I am sitting up on the computer, working on getting HopeNotes, our weekly ezine out.Surgery had been postponed. And I am bummed.
The edema I suffered with in my right foot the week of II week turned into cellulitis on Sunday, with a trip to the emergency room, and then another one to the doctor today since it’s absessed.
Isn’t life unpredictable?
So… for the moment I am glad my right arm is not in a cast, but I have been a “patient in pain” for the last few days, barely able to walk, etc. and surgery hasn’t even occurred yet.
Why do I want to have surgery? Well, for one, I was all mentally prepared. I had the next 3 weeks crossed off on my computer.
Plus, the surgeon also expressed his concern that my hand did need taken care of soon before a major tendon ruptured (My right wrist bone is pretty big and sawing down the few tendons I have left in that hand). I can’t pick up a mug of coffee, put on shoes, turn the steering wheel, nothing, without it clicking and being in pain.
But, being a patient on auto-immune suppressant medications… and now an infection… there is no way surgery can happen right now.
Most healthy people may think, “Oh, no big deal; so you have to reschedule.” But it you are like me, you know the recovery period is much longer than typical for any surgery when you deal with illness. I also will have a cast that goes about my (bent) elbow on a shoulder that needs joint replacements. So my mom had flown down from Oregon for 2 1/2 weeks to help pick my son up from school, entertain him, take care of me, etc. It just throws everything off, ya know?
Who wants to do rehab during the Christmas season?
I know God has re-arranged all of this for some reason, but He didn’t consult me on the convenience factor. I had a good plan! And am a bit whiny about it (can you tell?)
Anyway, for those of you who had been praying for me, etc. thank you! Keep them up, because I still need them. I’m wiped out and the infection and not being able to walk much is just draining. I’m up working because I am trying to distract myself from the feeling of needles poking my ankle and foot.
I will be doing some postings soon here, but in the mean time, if you want to know what’s going on over at Rest Ministries (and we have lots of interesting little news bits, even if you aren’t a believer, so don’t let that scare ya away) you can sign up by clicking here hopenotes@getresponse.com . I should have the next HopeNotes out in a few hours… or sometime Wednesday, depending on when the body gives out.
Love ya,
Lis~
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 5 so far )Is Your Church Doing Something to Acknowledge Invisible Illness Week?
Michele Williams, who spoke Friday about “Faith and Illness” at our virtual conference shared how faith has gotten her through the most difficult times. What she didn’t share as on the radio program, however, was the many ways her husband, the pastor, has supported her efforts, and how many years she has been involved with spreading the word about invisible illness to the families in the church.
Since we began in 2002, she has ordered brochures, had a table with resources during National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, and this year they ordered copies of the book Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend to distribute a copy to each household that attends their church.
(To quote myself…) Founder of Invisible Illness Week, Lisa Copen says, “I find it so encouraging and refreshing to know this little book with 505 ideas will be floating through the hands of nearly 50 households in this church. I can’t wait to see what a difference it makes in the church and even their community. No one is expected to do 505 things… or even 5 things! If we all chose 1 or 2 things we could do on a consistent basis for anyone who is hurting–not just those with chronic illness–our society would literally change. Can you imagine how many hurting people who feel like no one understands what they are going through would feel validated and encouraged?”
I’ve found that it doesn’t take trips to Disneyland or a new X Box to make a difference to a family whose child lives with diabetes. It takes a caring committment to say, “How are you REALLY?” It takes a hug when words can’t be found. It takes a call to the mom to say, “Let’s go get coffee today. I just want you to unburden yourself and share your worries. Let me know how I can specifically pray for you this week, something no one else is praying about.”
I know many of you out there have taken the cards to your pastors, to your church leadership. Some of you will be having a table set up after your service. Some churches have even said they’d stick the cards into the bulletins. We’d love to hear from you!
And some of you have enthusiastically gone to your church and asked, “Could invisible illness somehow be acknowledged this week?” and you’ve been turned away. I won’t share details but let’s just say that people who have known me since I was 1-year-old have responded with “Maybe we can talk about this in the future sometime.” Despite the fact that some little churches have over 80% of their congregation dealing with illnesses or cancer, they still insist on “tabling” the idea for another meeting.
So let me encourage you. Sometimes you will feel like you are hitting your head against a brick wall. Not everyone will be receptive. Unless a family in your church leadership is specifically impacted by illness, they may not have any clue how devestating it can be… and nothing you say will make a difference. This is the point where you graciously step aside and pray that God opens their eyes. And then be ready when they approach you with “their idea” to reach out to the chronically ill. I know first-hand how frustrating it can be sometimes. But I’ve also learned to wait on the Lord, and have seen amazing things happen in His timing.
What is your church doing? We’d love to hear. And… if you approached them and they said, “thanks but no thanks” we’d love to hear that too, so we can better understand how we can reach them in the future.
Lisa
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 3 so far )MEDIA RELEASE: Christian Organization Unites the Millions Who Live with Invisible Illness
MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 3 /Christian Newswire/
Nearly 1 in 2 people in the USA live with a chronic illness and about 96% of the illnesses are invisible.* Rest Ministries, Inc., the largest Christian organization that serves the chronically ill, an affiliate of Joni Eareckson Tada’s International Disability Ministry, is encouraging those with illness, as well and family, caregivers, and churches through their annual outreach event, National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, September 8-14, 2008.
This year the week features 20 workshops with well-known guest speakers who will be presenting and answering questions via Blog Talk Radio, September 8-12.
Speakers include:
- Leslie Vernick, author of The Emotionally Destructive Relationship (Harvest House, 2007)
- Julie-Allyson Ieron, author of The Overwhelmed Woman’s Guide to Caring for Aging Parents (Moody, 2008)
- Lisa Copen, author of Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend (Rest Publishers, 2008)
- Jennifer Saake, author of Hannah’s Hope: Seeking God’s Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage and Adoption Loss (NavPress, 2005)
Lisa Copen, 39, founder of Rest Ministries says, “Since we began in 1997 we’ve found that despite the strong foundation Christians may have, illness can rock it. Feeling like no one understands how much your life has changed since a diagnosis can be more spiritually detrimental than the illness itself. It can make one feel isolated, misunderstood and even bitter.”
Copen, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since the age of twenty-four explains why Invisible Illness week matters. “Those with illness do have to accept that other people aren’t going to ‘get it.’ Only God understands. But it’s nice to encourage peers and find strength in validating the mixed emotions. You don’t have to explain why walking twenty feet may be impossible some days.”
Rest Ministries extends their outreach about illness awareness to churches, providing materials to start up HopeKeepers groups, books, cards, tracts, etc. About 96% of those with illness may appear perfectly healthy on Sunday mornings, but may struggle to get out of bed the remainder of the week.
Ken Chambers, Director of Church Relations at Joni and Friends International Disability Center, says, “It is vital that Christians understand the emotional and spiritual trials of those with invisible disabilities, as well as those with visible disabilities. Rest Ministries is dedicated to educating churches to not only serve the chronically ill, but to involve them in the church body. I encourage church leaders to take advantage of the wealth of resources at Rest Ministries and to participate in the National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week.”
Get involved by joining the hundreds of people who will blog about invisible illness on September 8th, attend a seminar, or tell someone who has an illness about the event. Typically, people with illness are unable to attend a traditional conference, so a “virtual conference” is widely anticipated. All seminars will also be recorded and archived.
See www.invisibleillness.com. Rest Ministries is at www.restministries.org.
*Source: Chronic Care in America, U.S. Census Bureau
Public Service Announcements for Invisible Illness Awareness Week – Christians Stations
If you have a favorite radio station, drop them an email or fax with our PSAs to see if they would be willing to air them in the next couple of weeks! There are 2 versions: 1 for Christian radio stations and 1 for secular stations.
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LETTER AND PSAS FOR CHRISTIAN RADIO STATIONS
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· Nearly 1 in 2 people in the USA have a chronic illness
· 96% of the illnesses are invisible
I am writing to see if your Christian radio station would provide Public Service Awareness air time for National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which is sponsored annually by Rest Ministries the largest Christian organization that serves the chronically ill, and an affiliate of Joni and Friends International Disability Center (the ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada.)
We are hosting a “virtual conference” featuring twenty free online talk radio seminars to encourage and equip those who live with illness and people who are care about them.
Thank you so much for your consideration and help.
Respectfully,
==YOUR NAME==
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NATIONAL INVISIBLE CHRONIC ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK PSAs
30 Seconds – 93 words – KILL DATE SEPT 14
Did you know that nearly 1 in 2 people live with a chronic illness and only about 4% of these people use a cane or wheelchair? Your best friend may have a chronic illness and you may not even know it. Most illnesses are invisible, which can be confusing and frustrating for everyone.
Invisible Illness Awareness Week is September 8-14, sponsored by Rest Ministries, which serves the chronically ill.
Join Christian authors and experts during some of the 20 free seminars on live internet talk radio. Care enough to be informed. Visit http://www.invisibleillness.com.
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20 Seconds – 62 words – KILL DATE SEPT 14
Did you know that nearly 1 in 2 people live with a chronic illness and 96 % of illness is invisible? If it is not you, it’s someone you care about. September 8-14 is Invisible Illness Awareness Week, sponsored by Rest Ministries. Join Christian experts for twenty seminars through internet talk radio
Visit www.invisibleillness.com for more information. Care enough to be informed.
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15 Seconds 45 words – KILL DATE SEPT 14
Nearly 1 in 2 people live with a chronic illness and 96 % of illness is invisible! September 8-14 is Invisible Illness Awareness Week, sponsored by Rest Ministries. Visit www.invisibleillness.com for 20 free internet talk radio seminars with Christian experts. Care enough to be informed.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )MEDIA RELEASE: Invisible Illness Awareness Week Brings Together Thousands Who “Get it”
Living with an invisible illness can cause heartache and bitterness when one feels no one understands the significance of the illness. Invisible Illness Week provides that validation that people with invisible diseases often seek.
San Diego, CA — (SBWIRE) — 08/27/2008 — While we assume that most people are generally healthy, you may be surprised to find out that an alarming nearly 1 in 2 people in the United States live with a chronic illness. So why is it that most of us don’t even know when a friend or co-worker is dealing with diabetes, heart disease, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome? Because, according to the U.S. Census, about 96% of people have invisible illnesses.
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is being held this year, September 8-14, 2008. It’s a secular event sponsored by Rest Ministries, the largest Christian organization that serves the chronically ill. Visit the invisible illness awareness campaign’s web site at www.invisibleillnessblog.org . You can be encouraged through dozens of articles, including daily guest bloggers, find ideas to get involved in the outreach, and goodies to help promote awareness, from silicone bracelets to brochures. Tired of those looks when you park in a handicapped spot? Be sure to pick up a license plate or bumper sticker.
The focal point of the awareness campaign is September 8-12 (M-F) during which 20 telephone seminars will be held on a variety of topics and are open to anyone. Topics may also be of interest to those with loved-ones who have an illness. Some seminars include:
- Assess Yourself: Find the Job You Desire and Can Do Despite Illness Limitations
- The Civil Rights of Patients with Invisible Chronic Illnesses
- Overcoming Self-Defeating Behaviors
- Secrets of Paying for Medical Care
- How to Get Paid to Blog
- After the Diagnosis: The Journey Beyond
The theme this year is “Hope Can Grow From The Soil of Illness.”
Lisa Copen, 39, began National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week in 2002 as she continuously witnessed hundreds of people emotionally hurting just because they felt as though no one “got it.” Lisa has lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia for fifteen years and understands how validating it can be to just have one friend who you don’t have to explain everything to.
“Though there are hundreds of illnesses represented, and large differences in symptoms and pain levels, none of that matters more than feeling like someone understands you. When our best friends and family members are skeptical about our disease, it can be that last straw that sets us off into a spiraling depression.”
She says, “We plan to unite the millions of people who live with chronic pain and illness by offering an oasis of hope and understanding, as well as helpful information and practical tools to live the best life possible.”
Through the guest bloggers of Invisible Illness Week, to 20 seminars that supply tools to ensure that one is cared for–both body and soul–National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is succeeding in meeting that goal.
Find out more information and receive daily updates at http://www.invisibleillnessblog.org
Media Relations Contact
Lisa Copen
Director
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week
888-751-7378
http://www.invisibleillness.com
