We each have a story to tell....

This past Tuesday I went to another support group for persons living with AIDS/HIV. Unlike my first experience, these were all adults. There were about 60 persons that were present and the topic of the meeting was the different forms of discrimination that these persons faced when others find out of their infection. I wont go into details considering this was a support group, but I will say that for many, they had become outcasts by the families, jobs, and friends. As I looked around the room, I was amazed at what I saw. There were a variety of persons each telling a different story. They were of all different ages and economic backgrounds. Some looked as though they were just coming from work. Others looked as though they havent been to work in quite sometime. A few looked like grandparents, while others looked like college students. Of all these persons, not a sinle one looked sick. Some were filled with laughter, while others expressed different forms of anger. There were several that were eager to express their stories, while many just sat in silence. Yet part of my responsibility here is to provide an open ear to those who want to share their stories on a one to one encounter. I shall keep you upadated on those. However please keep in mind that I take my responsibilites as a Minister seriously and confidentiality is important. I will share generalities, but there may not be many specifics. I did however want to share a poem written by one of the members that he was willing to share with public eyes. He simply wanted me and others to hear his story. Enjoy...


AIDS

As
In the
Days of
Sodom

As one grows he changes-
In the days of our forefathers everything was there
Daily this and that happens
So is it today – Today is Like Sodom.

Today people are hungry
Hungry for what can make them alive
Alive, yes alive you can be when fit.
Fitness can make you survive.

Survival can make you somebody
Somebody can be me or you
You do things on your own
Only you can do it.

It can sometimes be beautiful
Full of goodness and sadness
Never can you be alone
Alone to start the day.

Daily I sin but forgiven
Forgiven when asked for forgiveness.
But why can I not be forgiven due to ignorance?
AIDS is regarded as sin today.

Where does it come from?
From man nowhere else.
Yes we are dying of it (as it is said so)
For the Lord said because of sin we are going to die.

Sinners do not understand why they do
Sin is wrong – by thought, speech, and deeds
Yes, I do it because I want or need it
Sometimes it is done by me, you or him
So what went wrong – not to be corrected

It is said you die of AIDS
No it is because of opportunistic infections
Like pneumonia, meningitis and alike
Because nothing you can do on your own
They feed and wash you
Days go until you die.


Yes I am going to die, but not of AIDS
For it is no death sentence, but a wake up call
It can be of T.B., cancer or car crash – Not of AIDS
When weak you need strength for food
What can you eat when there is no food?

There is treatment for HIV and AIDS, but no cure
It is said prevention is better than cure.
Is that so? You ask that question.
Yes, stop AIDS by preventing it.
But how?

A.B.C
Abstain from sex when not ready
Be faithful to your partner
And have one sexual partner.
Condomise when sexually active
(When married for sex is good for married partners)

Always protect yourself when helping someone with blood
(wear gloves)
For blood carries this virus
Be careful then
I was told six years back
That I have this virus

AIDS IS REAL AND HIV CAN BE PREVENTED