Dr. Rita Hancock
By Suzanne O'Keeffe, 700 Club Interactive
CBN.com –DR. RITA HANCOCK
Dr. Rita offers her patients a well rounded approach to being in true health with the idea that it involves all elements of the body, mind, and spirit. Included in this passage to wellness are the spiritual and emotional dimensions of humanity. Taking these into account, Dr. Rita examines how medical illness, chronic pain, depression, drug abuse, other addictions, and many other infirmities can all be tied to our emotions; whether we will forgive others, if we are holding on to past hurts, etc. Throughout her book, Dr. Rita explores and guides the reader to becoming free from physically debilitating illnesses. Some of her advice deals with confronting behavior that need to be changed, exposing lies that have caused a wrong belief system to be in place and receiving the forgiveness and love from God that brings a deep level of healing.
PERSONAL TESTIMONY
Dr. Rita was raised in an Italian family and as she describes it, "had access to the world's most delicious food" while growing up. As with many people, the years of overeating took their toll and Dr. Rita found herself weighing 207 lbs while only standing 5'1". Before she entered Cornell University, she had lost 75 lbs. by increasing her exercise and lowering her food intake. As she studied and researched nutrition she began to see how the body (the way we treat it), and the mind (the thoughts we have), and our spirits (our relationship with the Lord) all come together to make us whole and well. It began the revelation that it is not the bad habit that we give our attention to for change, but what is the driving force behind it. Her good news is, "God's truth sets you free from all of it..." Attributing her victory in weight loss to God's grace, His infinite wisdom coupled with her research of practical tools, she is able to personally say,"..if you follow the principles in this book, you ought to feel less stress, more peace, and less physical pain along the way as you see greater and greater levels of Spirit-led healing."
"YOU'RE NO GOOD"
According to Dr. Rita there are foundational lies that we have all believed about ourselves. Those lies seem to mainly been put in place during childhood. As the lies take root and effect how we think, move, have our being there will be a physically effect as the body compensates from the stress, depression, and anxiety. All those have a very negative effect in every fiber of our mind, spirit and body. Dr. Rita suggests that we not "believe everything you think." Some examples would be:
* You're fat
* You're ugly
* You're stupid
* You're unlovable
* God does not love you.
* You're just like your mother/father.
* You can't be forgiven for what you did.
* It's all your fault.
She further explains that our lives can be centered on these thoughts but we are to become aware that it is time to let them go and begin to believe the truth of what God says and thinks of you. The journey of this this process will occur as you begin to ask questions about yourself, why do you reach for "false comforters" and "short-term distractions" when facing painful thoughts? Trying to understand what sets off the unhealthy behavior is best done with partnering with God. It is God who formed us and knows us in the deep places. At each chapter's end, Dr. Rita has provided some thought provoking questions to ask God about yourself and how He wants to help you stop the lies.
RADICAL WELL-BEING
By following the criteria Dr. Rita lays out, you will find help in overcoming pain, anxiety, stress, illness, etc. that are found in the unattended areas of sin, "emotional baggage", and lies we have believed about ourselves.
Her book is broken down into five key areas including not just the emotional issues, but includes our physical health as well. However, our physical health is uniquely tied with our emotions so the two are not easily separated. As we take steps to better health we are submitting our mind to Christ, discovering the source of our pain, being open to make changes in our behavior and habits, receive wise Christian counsel, and allowing the Lord to work His will. The desired end result will be that the things which have hindered and frustrated us will begin to leave and a new life in our body, spirit and mind begin to take shape and stay with us forever.
Dr. Rita lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two children. She is currently a Oklahoma delegate for the Christian Medical and dental Association.