January 2008

T

o ‘educate’ is to develop mentally and morally; to ‘know’ is to perceive directly, to have understanding of, to be aware of the truth; ‘knowledge’ is the clear perception of the truth, something kept in mind. This month, we invite you to join us as we explore the very timely and important topic of HIV/AIDS, specifically, the necessity for all of us to get educated about this issue. In a November 26, 2007 Washington Post article, HIV/AIDS is described as “a modern epidemic remarkable for its size, complexity and reach into all parts of the city.” The data and statistics are laid out for us in unflinching clarity: The District’s AIDS rate is the worst of any city in the country – 1 in 20 DC residents is thought to have HIV and 1 in 50 residents is thought to have AIDS. There is indeed power in knowledge, in having facts available to us – for how can we begin to formulate solutions if we do not know and appreciate the magnitude of the problem?

In understanding the breadth and depth of the impact of HIV/AIDS, we can as community, nation, world, continue to adopt a proactive stance: disseminating information, developing strategies for intervention and implementing needed services. One such resource available here in the District of Columbia, is The Women’s Collective, a non-profit that provides HIV Care Management and HIV prevention services to women and families. Through a variety of services, including free HIV Testing, mental health and complementary therapies, risk counseling, community outreach, support groups, advocacy and family social activities, stories are being shared and lives are being saved.

Lord, so often we focus on the how, why, and the unfairness of life. My prayer is that you aid us in focusing on the realities that we are facing. Provide us with courage to walk through the darkness of the unknown. Have the Holy Spirit take us by the hand and guide us through the valley of death. Thanking you for the goodness before us (salvation) and the mercy behind us (redemption). Amen.
 

Peace and blessings,

Chap