Where Faith, Psychology, Medicine, and Patriotism Meet
By Rev. Dr. Daryl C. Greene

Happy Independence Day!

Ask not what your country can do for you: Ask what you can do for your country.
John F. Kennedy

God is at work in the world because God has a plan. Knowing that the world is far from perfect, God has called a universal draft to transform the character of human life on this planet.Jesus announced this plan, saying, "The Kingdom of God is at hand". He calls all his followers to participate in ushering in this new era of peace and compassion. Therefore, being a Christian requires that each one of us discern how we are called to fit into God's plan by helping those in need and working to transform society. As I read the Bible, there are no exemptions, not for the rich, or for the poor, or for the busy, or for the lazy, not even for health reasons. We are called to be in mission!

Defining patriotism, President Kennedy essentially asks, "What is your mission?" This is a great country! It is a privilege to live here. But this country is not perfect. We still have people who are hungry, homeless, sick, and in need of education. Every American is asked to do something practical to make this a better country for us all to live in.

Psychologist Victor Frankel discovered that people could not only survive, but rise above the most difficult and painful circumstances - if they had a mission. Every medical doctor knows this truth as well. Those patients who have something to do that gives their life meaning and purpose live longer, heal faster, and suffer less than those who do not.

Sometimes people who are facing difficult health challenges feel like withdrawing from the world. They think that they are exempt from the call to be in mission and to serve others. But if you have been struggling with pain and physical limitations, or if you have been diagnosed with a serious disease, the best thing you can do for yourself is to discern something you can do, in spite of your limitations. Something that makes your life valuable to yourself, to God, and to at least one other person. Then rise up from your sick bed and fulfill that mission. Do your duty to God and Country. You will feel better. God will strengthen you and bless you!

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Dr. Greene, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, is a resident of Richmond, IN, and author of the books "Feeling Better: The Wisdom of the Doc", "You Can Feel Better: How to Cope With and Overcome Chronic Pain and Progressive Disabilities from a Holistic Christian Perspective", and "Walking Free: The Nellie Zimmerman Story."