Liberty HealthShare Official Blog

At Liberty HealthShare, we are taking the essential steps to help us avoid any potential disruptions or inconveniences the coronavirus may cause in servicing our members.

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:14-17 (ESV)

Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:3-4 (ESV)

Here at Liberty, we love to meet and get to know our members better. One way we are looking to increase these interactions is through occasional, regional "Member Meet-Up" gatherings. On the evening of March 20th, members of our Communications Department hosted the first meeting of this kind at a restaurant in Tampa, Florida. As it was our first event, we weren't quite sure what to expect, but we're glad to say the evening went wonderfully.

One of the things our members appreciate most about Liberty HealthShare is the flexibility they enjoy. Because we emphasize both freedom and personal responsibility and do not restrict how, when, or where our members access healthcare professionals, they can choose what is best for them and their families.

End-of-life planning isn't a topic most people want to discuss. Even when we approach the time at which those conversations make sense, at least some of our loved ones are likely to find the subject depressing or premature. But death is a natural part of this life, and as many of us know from personal experience, the whole experience can be much less traumatic when expectations and wishes have been made known ahead of time. There's no time like the present to begin planning and discussing this subject with your family and friends. In fact, Monday, April 16th offers the perfect opportunity, as it is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), an initiative of The Conversation Project.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear...Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29, 32 (ESV) This is a time of what feels like unprecedented division in our nation. Especially on social media, there is the illusion of anonymity, which makes many feel as though they can go on the attack against others.

This Is For The Gluten-Free Folks! I think it's safe to say that we all know at least one person in our life that has decided to follow a gluten-free or a low-carb diet. Many individuals who choose this path do so because of a medical concern but there are also those who see an overall health benefit to eating this way. I, myself, do not have a medical reason to eat gluten-free, nor have I adopted a low-carb lifestyle, but I do know there are members of Liberty HealthShare who do. In an effort to connect with all of our members, this recipe is for you!

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:26-28 (ESV) After Jesus' resurrection, even among the apostles, there were those who struggled or refused to believe He was alive. Thomas, in particular, earned himself the dubious honor of representing all doubters throughout history because of his unwillingness to believe.

One of the key values that animates the work of Liberty HealthShare is right there in our name: liberty. We believe our members should be able to access the healthcare that is best for them and their families, without bureaucratic oversight or interference. It's especially rewarding for us when we find out this emphasis on freedom has positively impacted members on a practical level, enabling them to get the care they need in a timely manner. This was just the case for Mary and Dan K., members from Texas whose children have endured serious health issues in recent years. We recently talked with Mary about their experience as Liberty HealthShare members through a difficult and frightening season.

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split...When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:50-51, 54 (ESV) Have you ever had what you thought would be an ordinary experience turn out to be a life-altering one?

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him...But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43 (ESV) There is very little room for ambivalence when we encounter Jesus. The cross in particular divides, demanding either rejection or acceptance of the Messiah.

I would like to take a minute to thank the people of 1800's Naples for creating a wonderful, round, cheese-covered piece of deliciousness called pizza. Everyone has their favorite kind of pizza and mine happens to be the Margherita. Featuring large pieces of mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil, the Margherita pizza was named after Queen Margherita in the late 1800's. You could say this style of pizza is fit for a queen.

Easter falls on April 1st this year, which will be here before we know it. As one of two major holidays observed by Christians, Easter offers an opportunity to celebrate with our church communities, family, and friends, and even more importantly, to reflect on Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. There is a real risk of missing Easter's significance amidst bunnies, egg hunts, and family gatherings. Even for those who intentionally engage in Good Friday and Easter Sunday observances, the reality is, we can go through all the pageantry without ever truly reflecting on what it signifies.

Last month, Liberty HealthShare Executive Director Dale Bellis spoke to a packed ballroom from the main stage at the American Conservative Union's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland. Liberty HealthShare does not endorse political movements, parties, or candidates, however, CPAC offers a great opportunity to share healthcare sharing with an audience that is invested in religious and economic liberty; principles we strongly feel should be promoted. The moment he took the stage, Dale delved into what he believes are the fatal flaws in our nation's current system for healthcare delivery, homing in on the third-party-payer system in particular.

hen Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man." ...Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death..." Luke 23:4, 20-22 (ESV) The cast of characters who were part of Jesus' final earthly days ranged in devotion from disciple to mortal enemy. Pilate is intriguing because, by all accounts, his role was that of an unwilling participant in the infamous event.

Chances are, you or a loved one has been personally touched by a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that impacts the body's ability to handle glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. Most people who suffer from the condition have type 2 diabetes, which results from the body not using insulin as well as it should, a condition called "insulin resistance." This type of diabetes used to be known colloquially as "adult-onset," but due to an epidemic of obesity among children, more and more children and teens are now diagnosed in the United States each year.

As part of our ongoing effort to introduce members to various Liberty HealthShare employees through our "human interest" stories, today we're sharing an interview with our shuttle driver, Paula (pictured left).

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Galatians 6:14-15 (ESV) At times, it is tempting to place our trust and hope in the things we do for Jesus.

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Matthew 9:27-30 (ESV) As Christians, we all struggle with living out the belief that God's grace truly is enough to save us.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) One of the dominant messages sent by our culture is that success is measured largely by financial standing. Despite the fact that most of us know there is a limit to the satisfaction and security money provides, we must constantly fight the temptation to place our trust in our possessions.

The growth we saw throughout 2017 confirms that Liberty HealthShare continues to attract record numbers of households to our ministry. As we look ahead to what promises to be an equally exciting 2018, we want to take a few minutes to reflect on and give thanks for everything God has done this past year.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. Psalm 5:11 (ESV) When we reflect on our relationships, it's clear that the people with whom we feel the most closeness are those who have earned our trust. Where protection and loyalty are a given, joy follows.

Tax Day is April 17th. Claiming your exemption as a member of a healthcare sharing ministry is simple.

Within the Liberty HealthShare community, we prioritize health and financial stewardship as far as they depend on us as members, but we also understand that life can hold accidents, diagnoses, or health outcomes we didn't see coming. Trusting God with the fact that life is unpredictable while doing everything we can to remain healthy is just part of the journey. Bearing burdens for our fellow members when they are faced with an unexpected diagnosis or injury is why Liberty exists.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Galatians 2:20-21 (ESV) Much of scripture is worded bluntly, and it can sometimes be hard to swallow.

The winter blues are no joke. The sky is grey, the trees are bare and the constant thoughts about spring weather consume our days. Subzero temperatures, icy roads, and dreary weather are sure to bring even the happiest person down in the dumps. So what can you do when you're stuck inside and feeling blue? Throw on an apron and get yourself in the kitchen!