The Healing Powers of Spirituality

The role that spirituality and the church plays in the African American culture is quite immense.  Especially when it comes to the healthcare, African American communities find it very beneficial to express their needs and concerns with their spiritual communities. 

Physical healing can actually take place by sharing your physical challenges and fears with your church leadership, friends and family. Suffering in silence may be a badge of honor to some, but it goes totally against biblical principles.

Although religion isn’t something solely designated to the African American community, it remains to be a strong bond within the individuals and acts as one of the largest activities that brings the community together.  Especially for those individuals who find it difficult to voice their true feelings, particularly when those feelings may ask or require help from others, religion and a church community can be the perfect “safe place” for those people to ask for help and know that they will not being looked down upon or berated for their prayers.

Too often people that need the most help, are the ones who are least likely to share their difficulties. They feel as though they’re being a burden, so they try not to let anyone know what they’re going through. They don’t want to be an inconvenience to anyone. Their response to the question "is everything okay"? is usually answered with "I’m doing well, please don’t worry about me", or "I can manage, you don’t have to be bothered with my problems." Sometimes their response is a very prideful "I don’t need any help, I’m fine." I’m sure we can all relate the feeling that it would just be easier to "be quiet" and ride it out.

On of the biggest parts of being a part of a spiritual community is not just asking for help, but also offering help before that help is even asked for.  People begin to believe in the system when they know they are getting something out of it. 

Physical healing as well as a good mental attitude is contingent upon getting others involved. Take it upon yourself to help those seniors who you feel may need of support by initiating conversations and companionship. We all respond well to someone who cares. Don’t let anyone suffer in silence. All they may be looking for is a good conversation and a little company. You may be just the voice they need.