Monique Ruffin
The Real Cost of Health Care Reform
The debate over health care reform continues, and each day there seems to be more ridiculous claims that have nothing to do with the plight of everyday Americans who need access to a doctor for preventive care or unexpected illnesses. As I watch and participate in the conversation I feel as though something is always amiss. There is finger-pointing, name-calling, correcting and defending—all of which distract attention from the core reason we are having this conversation. Accessible and affordable health care will offer Americans peace of mind to live creative, productive and whole lives. Health care provides a peace of mind needed to fulfill one’s unique potential. The matter of peace of mind and its value is getting buried under the debris of lies, confusion and compromise.
I can gratefully boast that at the age of 40 I have never had any physical health issues, but for those who have found themselves debilitated by pain and illness, the true cost of our current health care system is apparent. Those Americans who have fallen into the spiral of worry, fear and isolation due to illness know very intimately how being sick can force you to confront your physical and emotional limitations. The current debate about the cost of health care seems to have overlooked what the individual and the collective forgo when a person is emotionally crippled under unaffordable health expenses. What poor health care costs our nation in creativity, productivity and innovation is enormous. This scenario applies as much to the individual quality of life as to businesses struggling under the pressure of rising health care expenses. Money that could be invested in training and providing an environment geared towards innovation and growth is currently being filtered down the health insurance drain.
There is no value one can place on peace of mind. When my toddler was born with Downs Syndrome I fought tooth and nail to make sure he’d have state-funded health insurance. I wanted to sleep at night knowing his every medical need would be provided for, knowing that such a safety net would allow me the freedom to focus on preventive measures crucial for his development. Losing my own health insurance has been a by-product of leaving my job to care for my son. Honestly, sacrificing my health care was a low price to pay considering what may have been at risk.
This health care debate has focused on the issue of cost without addressing the price of peace of mind, and the mind, body and spirit connection. When my son failed several hearing tests during the first year of his life, without concern of cost, we were referred to the best facility for hearing in California. I was very worried about the probability of my son suffering from hearing loss, but having access to the necessary care granted me a peace that allowed me to show up in my parenting and as his advocate. Not being forced to worry about funding freed me to care for my child. Offering access to the millions of uninsured and underinsured will likely free those Americans to nurture their inherent talents and lead more productive lives that will benefit the collective.
Our citizens are our greatest resource. Providing an atmosphere that maintains capable, innovative and creative citizens is the cost of living in a free and civilized society. As Americans we often claim to be best and the brightest in the world. Truth be told, the statistics say otherwise. We’ve all heard that the US is trailing and in some cases near the bottom of infant mortality rates and life expectancy. That can change now if we are willing to consider the real value of health. What can you create without your health? What can you give without your health? Can you serve without your health? For the millions of Americans who live in fear of getting sick and not being able to afford seeing a doctor, what is the cost of sacrificing the gifts and talents that are untapped within them?
Our nation is young and we are at a pivotal point in history. We have an opportunity under the leadership of President Obama and the millions who went to the polls last November to begin creating a society that understands and values human beings. We have an opportunity to build a nation that is at its core compassionate and safe for all. We will profit as a society from the cures and inventions that propel us forward medically, environmentally and socially. These cures and inventions are presently undiscovered within a child who only needs the proper environment and nurturing to realize his talents. As the health care debate wages on, let us consider the creativity and genius we are currently sacrificing under the current health care system.
Just the other morning I heard a quiet ringing. It hadn’t occurred to me it may be the phone until my son, who is now 2 1/2, placed his hand to his ear and started saying hello. He, unlike his mother, recognized the quiet ringing as our home phone. I simply couldn’t hear the phone clearly, so the answering machine beat me to it. I’m deeply grateful my son can hear perfectly. Ironically, I have no insurance coverage to obtain the hearing test my son was able to receive, clearing him of any hearing loss. God bless America.
Please join our morning prayer and inspiration conference call Prayers CHANGE U.S. We meet Monday - Friday at 7am-7:15am (PST) by dailing (308) 344-6400 access code 468459#. Or you can listen to to recording anytime by dailing (641) 715-3470 access code 468459#. All faiths, beliefs and philosophies are welcome. All I ask is that you be willing to lend your energy and intention to creating a America that works for all people.
Hello Fellow Praying Souls,
Well, well, well . . . yesterday the first of our prayers was answered. Americans went to the polls and overwhelming voted for change and transformation by electing Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America. We contributed to this result in ways unseen and immeasurable.
Today, I’m in awe of the grace extended to us by God. I’m also eternally grateful for every moment and sacrifice that preceded this momentous event. We stand on the backs and shoulders of all those who’ve prayed, cried, marched, voted, run, sang, preached and died for this great season of equality in our country. As many African Americans are walking proud today, I know this is for all Americans. Something long lost has been restored to all people with the result of this election. We can all walk with our heads up and shoulders back. In truth, I think I’ll just lay prostrate with my face on the floor before our holiness, Lord God.
As President Elect Barack Obama prepares for his upcoming for four years, I ask that you join me in continued prayer for our country, its healing, and the new day that’s dawning even as I write to you. It is my desire and intention to create a movement of prayer for all people of all faiths, to unite us in ways we’ve only dreamed. I hope you will join with me in this sacred endeavor.
Now the work really begins and the prayers must continue. So continue to join me, Monday - Friday at 7am (pst) at 308-344-6400 code 468459#.
Peace and Blessings
inspiredchoices@earthlink.net
For the past two months I have been hosting a prayer teleconference each morning for this country and the election. We have been praying for all things good, transformative and perfect as we approach this historic event. Here are the questions I’ve asked to each participant.
How would you walk if your hearts desires for the country and its citizens were fulfilled? How big would you smile if every citizen had access to good and affordable health care?
What would your morning mood be if you knew our soldiers were coming home safely and Iraqi was transitioning well and moving towards self sufficiency?
How would you feel if you turned on the television to see President Barack Obama addressing the nation?
Capturing the feeling of your hearts desires for yourself and the country is a powerful tool toward change and transformation. It is the greatest act of faith to behave as if it is already done. Let’s all begin walking, talking and being as if we are convinced of a victory on November 4th.
If you’d like to join us on our final calls, please call 308-344-6400 access code 468459# -
7am (pst)
For questions email me: inspiredchoices@earthlink.net
Blessings be,
Good morning my fellow prayer warriors,It seems some of us have been having a difficult time getting on to the tele-conference. This has happened before to others, in the past I have just hung up and tried again until I gain access. The number is (308) 344-6400 code 468459# and we are praying at 7am PST monday-frida. If you have more challenges please let me know. I can be reached at inspiredchoices@earthlink.net
Remember today we are praying that all Americans wake up our connection, it is our prayer that we begin to heal all the racial divides that have plagued this great country for centuries. We know God's love goes far beyond color, gender, religious affiliations and social-economic identification. We are all made in the image and likeness of God.BlessingsMonique Ruffin
Today Monica and I hosted a house meeting in our neighborhood. There were about 15 people in attendance. All women except the wonderful man, who shared he just became a citizen 2 years ago. The theme of our meeting was anchoring change personally. We each took an opportunity to share how we are changing our lives personally. I personally believe inner change will bring forth change that will ripple out and become change on a national scale. Each person's sharing was authentic and heart felt. One woman spoke of feeling willing to call herself American for the first time in many years. She told a story of being a teenager in Paris, France. A man approached her asking, "are you American or African". She answered, "American". She said not since that moment in Paris had she felt proud and willing to call herself "American". But now she feels American and proud. Another person shared that the world is watching this election, cheering for Obama's victory. We all agreed this is an auspicious Presidential election. We ate good food from Trader Joe's, drank lemonade and watched the video sent from Obama's office. The day ended with everyone feeling inspired and fired up. Many of us agreed to participate in voter registrations and host other home meetings. After cleaning up, I gathered my things, my 17 month old, his things for the short drive home. I also gave one of my girls a ride to the Leimert Park Village. I parked for moment and we had church in the car. She reminded me this the thirty year anniversary of The Wiz. With that I will ask "Can You Feel a Brand New Day"? You hard core Wiz fans will catch my drift. - Every body wake up!
Blessings
The other day I had a thought that brought tears to my eyes; if Obama is elected President of the United States of America, it will forever change what it means to be a Black American. The thought of Obama as President struck something deep inside me.
When I was a little girl growing up in the 70s, my parents joked of having a black president, “it won’t be the White House any longer, they’ll have to paint in black.” Even then I knew they were joking and they didn’t really believe it was possible to have a black man as President of the United States. The same applies if Hillary is elected, it will forever change what it means to be a woman in this country.
Here is what I mean. For centuries the leaders in this country have been white men. The faces of this country’s founders have been embedded in our minds: old white men with white hair. Admittedly, it was their wisdom that created our Constitution, Bill of Rights, the three arms of Government. It was also from their world view . . . as privileged, white men. When we look at our American history, black people have been considered a fraction of a human; this was actually written in the Constitution as it applied to slaves, their owners and taxes. For the past several centuries, we have been doing everything possible to restore ourselves to our God-given humanity. With each step towards progress we have struggled, marched, rebelled, and even killed for equality. Women have not had the same struggle as black people, but we have faced our battles boldly as well.
The face of power in our country has always worn the face of a white man, until the last couple of decades. Even our images of God of are old white men with white hair. These images have created unspoken boundaries. You don’t belong there because you’re different. These jobs are reserved for a certain type of people, the privileged and entitled. These unspoken boundaries solidified and confirmed themselves in the minds and hearts of millions of people, until we all came to know and accept the rules of the game.
Speaking as a woman who is also a Black American, this is all very exciting and wonderful. There were places in my mind I reserved only for the worthy and privileged, now I realize I am that also.
Peace and Blessings,
Monique
