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.

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!

Depending on where you live, the weather may be showing little signs that spring isn't too far off. That's a hopeful signal, especially for those living in the areas that have been hardest hit by severe winter storms. Unfortunately, no matter what the weather does, we're still in the middle of what's commonly known as "flu season."

Last August, one of our members, Clifford Stoller, MD, wrote a guest post entitled The Truth About Back Surgery. In it, Dr. Stoller suggested that only a minority of back disorders actually require surgery. Taking on what has for a long time been conventional wisdom regarding the management and treatment of chronic back pain, he suggested a conservative approach as opposed to radical surgical intervention. A few months later, Jon. S., a member from Indiana, reached out to us because his experience with back pain so closely mirrored the statements Dr. Stoller made in his article.

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!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:27-29 (ESV) Somehow, even after Jesus had performed miracle after miracle and fulfilled every single Old Testament prophecy concerning himself, his disciples still struggled with disbelief.

February 21st - 24th, Liberty HealthShare will sponsor and attend the American Conservative Union's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C. This annual event draws thousands of attendees from all over the nation and we are excited to have a chance to interact with them.

When members join Liberty HealthShare, we understand they must undergo a "paradigm shift" in their engagement with the healthcare system, especially if they have previously used a third-party payer. That's why many of our blog posts are educational in nature - we know it takes some repetition and explanation in order for our members to understand and embrace the healthcare sharing mentality. We often get emails from members who simply want to say "thank you" to our staff and membership community for the part we have played in their health journey. It's always encouraging to us when we hear from happy members, but it's particularly rewarding when a member has obviously taken the time to understand and live out the stewardship values we hold dear.

Last Friday, January 19th, members of the Liberty HealthShare communications staff participated in the 45th annual March for Life, held in Washington, D.C. Starting at 1 p.m., we walked up Constitution Avenue with hundreds of thousands of other pro-life individuals to demonstrate our love and support for both pre-born babies and their mothers. The March culminated on the steps of the Supreme Court, the same building where abortion on demand was legalized in 1973. Ever since then, the March for Life has been held on or around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade to demonstrate that for those who believe life begins at conception, this issue is far from settled.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:5-6 (ESV) The Psalms are full of laments, many of which begin with the phrase, "How long, O Lord?" These verses from Psalm 13 immediately follow one such passage, but there is a noticeable shift in tone, beginning with the word "but."

Below is part 1 of a new blog series written by Sam, Liberty HealthShare's Social Media Specialist, as she tackles her new year's resolution to make meals from scratch. Follow her journey as she steps outside the microwavable, frozen meal box, and creates some healthy habits along the way.

January 19th is the 45th annual March for Life, held in Washington, D.C. The March is held every year on or around the anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion on demand. What started in 1974 as a small, peaceful demonstration meant to mark this somber anniversary has grown to become the largest pro-life event in the world. On Friday, thousands of pro-lifers from all over the United States will gather on the National Mall for a concert and rally.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (ESV) Throughout history, humans have struggled to have a rightly ordered relationship with God. If we are prone to an extreme, it is usually to over-complicate worship and the Christian life.