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.

Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45 (ESV)

In today’s fast paced digital age, it can be a chore to keep your personal information safe from those who would misuse it. We want to equip you with these tips from our IT Security Team to thrive as a member of both Liberty HealthShare and the digital world.

From time to time, a member reaches out to us with a particular perspective and an offer to share his or her knowledge with fellow members. This was the case with Marcia W., a member and chef from New Jersey who was gracious enough to pass along some information on her experience of eating "close to the earth," along with a recipe for our readers to try. We followed up with Marcia and asked her to share a little bit more about how her philosophy regarding food relates to her Liberty HealthShare membership.

At Liberty HealthShare, we are privileged to invite members to take back control of their healthcare in an industry where costs are skyrocketing beyond foreseeable limits. It can be daunting to navigate the intricate policies and red-tape that mark our national healthcare system. Many people choose to forfeit their say in their healthcare costs by opting for a third-party insurance rather than pushing for the best possible cost and care.

Being a member of Liberty HealthShare means that you are a part of a nationwide community that supports one another through shared costs and shared commitment. A great way to meet your fellow members in person is to attend one of our regional Member Meet-ups. Our most recent member meet-up was held on the evening of May 30th at a restaurant in San Antonio.

Pre-Notification Quick Facts: Ask First | Be Informed | Control Cost

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8 (ESV)

But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)

When we discuss preventative medicine and ways we can take responsibility for our health, annual wellness visits might come to mind as a means to accomplishing both. It seems to be part of the conventional wisdom most of us abide by, at least in theory. We may not make that visit every year, but we know we should. Or should we?

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV)

Last week, we sent an e-mail to all members, announcing a recent transition in leadership here at Liberty HealthShare. In case you missed it, here's the text of that e-mail and a special video message from Larry Foster, our new CEO.

Up until a few weeks ago, it seemed warm weather would never arrive for the northern part of the United States. Thankfully, it seems spring (and in some places, summer) temperatures have finally arrived and even better, it looks like they are here to stay! However, along with longer, warmer days, comes a need to consider sun safety and the risk of skin cancer.

...I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV)

It's amazing what a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup can do for a person when they are sick. Even just saying the words "chicken noodle soup" somehow magically makes the immune system perk up. After a few weeks of traveling, inconsistent sleep, and everyday stress, I was bound to attract any germs that were floating around waiting to attack a vulnerable immune system.

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.