I haven’t written in a while. Horribly sick. Not only have I spent a lot of days in bed but I couldn’t concentrate.
My body’s inflammation levels are three times what they should be according to my rheumatologist. The ordeal of going to a doctor now causes unbearable stress—raising my inflammation through the roof. After 2020 I’ve lost faith in medical professionals.
The irony is that my illness is iatrogenic. Doctors created it and steadfastly refuse to acknowledge the ugly truth. Why?
These thoughts intensify the pain. Sometimes they seem to cause swelling. I know I’m not alone though.
After Christmas I plan on starting an anti-inflammatory diet. That, with a regular sleeping schedule and exercise should help strengthen my body.
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I have been wondering while bedbound—nerves afire, muscles spasming—what should I do? To whom much is given much shall be required. Yet all I have is knowledge. No material resources, no social clout or giant platform, no connections with powerful people.
Then a model comes to my mind. Crisis pregnancy centers.
It’s only recently they’ve drawn so much hatred. It used to be even people who supported abortion spoke well of those charities.
Those centers are usually staffed entirely by volunteers. They offer food, clothing, toys, diapers, and other things poor single mothers need. I’ve worked at a couple myself. Grass roots and local. Decentralized which makes them nearly impossible to infiltrate.
The wealthy NGO Planned Parenthood hates them because they are so effective at lowering abortion rates. All they do is offer TLC. Material goods and support to women who really don’t want abortions but might feel they had to due to desperate circumstances.
Workers at pregnancy centers pray with them and tell them about Jesus (if they are willing) since there is no state funding to yank the centers around by. They even offer post abortion counseling for women who regret abortions so they may find healing and forgiveness through Christ.
I keep thinking about the model used and how it can be employed in other ways to build micro systems to survive outside Mr. Global’s world.
Characteristics of these local, grass roots groups.
Decentralized.
Focus on meeting basic material needs.
Avoid the need for state certification.
No state funds.
Point/coupon system to buy goods. Earn the coupons from within the micro system.
Keep it small, understated and low profile.
These would not be pregnancy centers. Just to be clear. They would be called “local circles.” Or “work centers.” Not really nonprofits. More like clubs.
A bunch of cottage industries and neighborly services exchanged with one another. Baby sitting, tutoring, elder care, housework. We could turn crafts into practical skills and teach each other.
These clubs that I’m envisioning are for women. But I’d love to see men starting similar clubs—but more focused on protection and providing food than nurturing and sewing.
It’s a crying shame how Promise Keepers has been treated. Men and women need each other just like neighbors need one another.
Every time we come together in love that is another blow to Mr. Global.
I’d love to start such a club here. If only I can lower the inflammation. Even writing this piece is a challenge at this moment. At least my knuckles aren’t swollen.
Promise Keepers! I haven't heard a peep about Promise Keepers for over a decade!
What became of Promise Keepers, and how were they "poorly treated"?
Feel better soon, my friend.
Prayers for you, for your healing. thank you for writing.