Tag Archives: sisterhood

Circle of Strength: Embracing Sisterhood to Overcome Autoimmune Challenges

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Dr. Karla and Dr. Carolyn

This past weekend was very special for me as I celebrated the beauty and value of good sisterhood relationships. I was invited to participate with one of my close sister friends on a panel in which we discussed what makes our bond so precious.

My panel partner is my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Carolyn Lightford. We developed a friendship that quickly evolved into a sister bond many years ago during our 3rd year of medical school. Our relationship deepened during our time together in the same Family Medicine Residency program.

Carolyn and I have shared so much during these past few decades. Together we have laughed, cried, studied, celebrated, complained, prayed, and encouraged one another. We have also served as each other’s physician! God allowed our paths to cross many years ago and we agree our bond is for life.

The same day of the sisterhood panel, I acknowledged a milestone with another group of special ladies. My sorority line sisters, Vivian, Karen, Cathy, Monya, (my sands) and I celebrated becoming members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 44 years ago.

Take Five – MuRho-Delta Sigma Theta

These ladies became my family during a time when I needed support, community, friendship, and positive influences. We became that for each other during our quest to become members of the sorority. Forty-four years later we are still connected. We live in different towns; however, the love remains.

During the panel discussion we shared some of the “Golden Rules” of friendship which include:

  1. Listening well
  2. Honesty
  3. Extending a shoulder to cry on
  4. Genuine interest in one another
  5. Loyalty
  6. Acceptance
  7. Love

When I became ill a few years ago with auto-immune disorders, these sisters were among those who prayed for me, checked on me, loved on me, and encouraged me on my journey to healing and recovery of health. My sisterfriends are important in my holistic wellness.

I grew up in a home with brothers; however, I have been blessed with precious “sisterfriend” relationships throughout my life. I don’t take them for granted and I am forever grateful. If you are blessed with special sisterfriends, reach out to them and let them know how much they mean to you. They can be “lifesavers”.

If you are struggling because of autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high-level of dedicated, personalized, 1 to 1 support in taking control of your health to thrive, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery sales call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your appointment today!

Blessings,

Dr. Karla

The Beauty of A Great Community!

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I’m so blessed to have connections in different cities and I don’t take the kindness and hospitality of others for granted. Whenever, I am the beneficiary of the generosity of others, it encourages and reminds me to be kind to others as well.

I recently traveled to Florida to attend a conference for women entrepreneurs. While I was looking forward to meeting with the other attendees and learning from the various workshops and activities during the conference, I knew there would possibly be some challenges as it related to eating the way I wanted.

My autoimmune disorders are controlled and have been in remission largely due to my nutrition and lifestyle regimen. It can be a challenge finding the proper foods when you are traveling out of town, staying in a hotel, and don’t have a car.

Often, when dining at a restaurant, I can usually find “sides” to order if the restaurant is not known specifically for being “vegan”, “vegetarian”, or “plant-based” friendly. There were not many choices at the hotel restaurant where I was staying, but I was able to manage okay.

HOWEVER, I was so grateful to be able to reconnect with my friend, Denise, who a few years ago had moved with her husband to the city where the conference was being held. Denise came and picked me up to attend Sabbath church services where her husband is pastor. Then she invited me over to enjoy a home cooked “plant based” ‘Sabbath lunch.

Getting ready to enjoy Sabbath lunch!

But she didn’t stop there. My girl had me fix myself a “to-go” plate. She even gave me stuff to share with my conference roommate. Ya’ll, I had my “to-go” food the next day for breakfast and lunch. It was soooo good too! I’m grateful and so glad I reached out.

I’m reminded of the scripture in James chapter 4:2 that says, ” you have not because you ask not”. Now, James may not have been talking about the scenario I just described but I’m still glad I was not too afraid to get in touch with Denise. She and her husband, Pastor Fred, helped to make my visit to Florida a great experience.

As we move forward in 2023 and beyond, let’s look for opportunities to be kind to others. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

If you suffer from chronic illness, such as autoimmune disorders, and are ready to take control of your health so you can fulfill your God-given purpose, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you! Click HERE to schedule your call today! I look forward to speaking with you!