The Preservation of Black Americans’ Health

A Transformation Toward Healing and Wholeness

By Thomas Jackson

ealth disparities among black Americans remain a significant concern. Black Americans face higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, and overall poorer health outcomes compared to other groups. Yet, hope exists — hope rooted in practical health principles and an abiding trust in God. The Bible, the greatest medical book ever written, provides timeless guidance for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Why is the Bible so essential to health? Because God, the Creator, fully understands the complexities of our bodies and minds. He alone is qualified to tell us how to maintain and restore our health.

Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know ye that the LORD he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (KJV). God has given us divine instructions for health.

Psalm 119:73 declares, “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me. Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments” (KJV).

G.O.D.S.P.L.A.N. for Health Transformation

For those seeking a practical approach to health transformation, the Bible provides a clear blueprint encapsulated in the acronym G.O.D.S.P.L.A.N. These eight principles offer a comprehensive approach to healthy living.

Godly Trust (Genesis 2:17) : Trusting in God is the foundation of health. When we align our lives with His divine guidance, we open ourselves to His healing power.

Open Air (Genesis 1:6-7) : Fresh air revitalizes the body and supports cellular function, boosting overall health.

Daily Exercise (Genesis 2:15) : Regular physical activity strengthens the body, improves mental clarity, and boosts energy.

Sunshine (Genesis 1:16-18) : Sunshine is essential for vitamin D production, boosts mood, and supports the immune system.

Proper Rest (Genesis 2:2-3) : God modeled rest during creation, and we are instructed to follow His example. Proper rest restores the body and mind.

Lots of Water (Genesis 2:10) : Hydration is critical for detoxification, digestion, and overall bodily function.

Always Temperate (Genesis 2:16-17) : Living in moderation — whether in food, drink, or other lifestyle choices — is key to good health.

Nutrition (Genesis 1:29) : God’s original dietary plan emphasizes a plant-based diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts, providing essential nutrients for the body.

These principles, rooted in Scripture, offer a natural approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

wide illustration of a waiting room filled with people of color and health professionals talking amongst themselves

Photo: Adobe Stock

Understanding Disease: The Cause and the Cure

To effectively combat health issues, we must first understand the nature of disease. The Ministry of Healing offers profound insights:

“Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health” (Ministry of Healing, Page 127). This means that when we neglect or violate the natural laws of health, our bodies begin to suffer. Disease is nature’s way of signaling that something is wrong and must be addressed.

“In case of sickness, the cause should be ascertained. Unhealthful conditions should be changed, wrong habits corrected. Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to re-establish right conditions in the system” (Page 127).

Simply put, the cure is in the cause. To heal, we must address the root cause of our sickness.

Black Health Disparities: A Call for Action

When examining the health of black Americans, it’s essential to confront the disparities that persist. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading causes of death among black Americans are heart disease, cancer, and accidents. Black Americans have the highest mortality rate for all cancers combined, compared to any other racial or ethnic groups. Additionally, black Americans experience higher infant mortality rates, with 11 deaths per 1,000 live births — almost double the national average of 5.8.

Spiritual Practices and the Health Journey

In any health journey, the role of spiritual practices is fundamental, especially when embracing a well-rounded approach like G.O.D.S.P.L.A.N. At the core of this plan is Godly Trust, the belief in God’s power to heal, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually. Healing doesn’t just occur in the body; true transformation must begin in the mind and spirit.

It is important to note that 99% of disease begins in the mind. Stress, anxiety, and unhealthy thoughts can manifest as physical ailments, underscoring the importance of addressing mental and emotional health first. Jesus demonstrated this beautifully when He healed the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12. Before restoring the man’s physical ability to walk, He first addressed his sin, offering forgiveness. This act brought peace to the man’s mind and soothed his spirit, which was necessary for his physical healing to take place. As the greatest healer who ever lived, Jesus showed us that true healing involves an approach that addresses the whole person: physical, mental, and spiritual.

Prayer plays a vital role in this healing journey. It is through prayer that we communicate with God, seeking His guidance, peace, and restoration. G.O.D.S.P.L.A.N. encourages us to trust God’s ability to heal, not just our bodies but also our minds and spirits. By submitting our emotional burdens to God, we experience a peace that surpasses understanding, which in turn reduces stress and helps to restore physical health.

As we embark on this journey of health, we must remember that the healing process begins with faith, prayer, and a willingness to trust in God’s plan for our wholeness.

Heart disease remains the number one killer of black Americans. While heart disease rates have steadily decreased among white Americans since the 1970s, the decline among black Americans has not been as sharp. Black Americans aged 18 to 49 are twice as likely to die from heart disease as their white counterparts. Despite the Affordable Care Act expanding healthcare access, black Americans still face challenges in receiving timely treatments, such as cardiac catheterizations, and the lack of such access contributes to poorer outcomes.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another prevalent issue. One in three black Americans suffers from high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Black Americans also develop high blood pressure at a younger age and often experience more severe cases than other populations. Without proper management, this condition can lead to severe health complications.

Embracing G.O.D.S.P.L.A.N. for Healing

To address these health disparities, black Americans must embrace the G.O.D.S.P.L.A.N. natural approach to healing. These principles are not just about diet and exercise, but about trusting God, living in moderation, and practicing good habits. It also involves seeking God’s healing power and wisdom in every area of our lives through prayer.

By incorporating these principles, we can begin to reverse health disparities and address chronic conditions. G.O.D.S.P.L.A.N. offers a comprehensive strategy for aligning our lives with God’s design for health.

If we truly want to experience healing, remember that “the cure is in the cause.” We must first identify the causes of our health problems and make the necessary changes.

With faith, practical action, and a commitment to God’s principles, we can experience the health transformation needed for long-term well-being.

Spiritual Practices and the Health Journey

As we embark on this journey of health, we must remember that the healing process begins with faith, prayer, and a willingness to trust in God’s plan for our wholeness.

Thomas Jackson and his wife Laverne own and operate M.E.E.T. Ministry (Missionary Education and Evangelistic Training), a non-profit health retreat in Huntingdon Tennessee.

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