Being Well When We're Ill.

Book Review.
Dawn, Marva J. Being Well When We’re Ill. Wholeness and hope in spite of infirmity. Augsburg Books. 2008.
M.J.D.- is a theologian and educator with Christians Equipped for Ministry of Vancouver, Washington.
Comment. Henry.
Marva addresses this topic of ‘being well while being ill’ from her own personal experience. This gives the book a high level of authenticity. It will be a real source of encouragement to those who are dealing with severe disabilities and a helpful support for those who are ministering to people with disabilities and illness.
“Emotional, intellectual and spiritual wholeness don’t require physical wellness.” (7) How to deal with difficult disabilities in life is modeled for us by the psalmists. Our specific circumstance must be viewed through “God’s larger story”. (21) Doing this will help us with the tension that is part of what we feel (the heart) and what we know (truth).
There is a difference between reality and truth. “Reality is what we notice on the surface- what we feel and see. Truth is much larger. It encompasses everything that genuinely is going on.” (29) Scripture stresses knowing much more than feeling. This may involve changing from asking the question ’Why?’ to asking the question ‘What or Where?’ i.e. “What is God doing in the midst of this?” (42) Lament is acceptable and therapeutic. There are many laments in the Psalms.
When it comes to unacceptable responses to difficulties the book of Job deals with the temptation of retribution and other bad theological ideas. An unbalanced focus on our infirmity reduces our view of God and his power to provide. Part of God’s loving training sometimes includes the discipline of infirmity and tribulation.
Affliction is alleviated by the support of a loving community. The options to relieve physical pain are valid. In our culture that worships productivity those who are incapacitated by infirmities deal with an added stress. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” (John Milton.)
What leads us to wholeness in spite of our infirmities is ‘discovering that our lives are gathered and hidden with Christ in God’. ( Marko Rupnik)” (257) Total wellness is part of eternal hope.