"It's in the Blood"

September is regarded as Blood Cancer Awareness Month. In light of that news, Zelphia's Thoughts will begin September's blog with a bit of helpful knowledge. (Disclaimer: I am not a medical authority, just sharing information I have learned).

It's in the Blood!!

Blood cancers, also called "hematologic cancers", are located in the blood. The main types of blood cancers as defined by cancercenter.com are:

~ Leukemia, which originates in the blood and bone marrow

~ Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, which develops in the lymphatic system from cells called

lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections

~ Hodgkin Lymphoma, which also develops in the lymphatic system from cells called

lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. Hodgkin

Lymphoma is characterized by the presence of an abnormal lymphocyte called the

Reed-Sternberg cell.

~ Multiple Myeloma,this begins in the blood's plasma cells, a type of white blood cell

made in the bone marrow.

A common list of symptoms include:

~ Fever, chills

~ Persistent fatigue, weakness

~ Loss of appetite, nausea

~ Unexplained weight loss

~ Night sweats

~ Bone / joint pain

~ Abdomen discomfort

~ Headaches

~ Shortness of breath

~ Frequent infections

~ Itchy skin or skin rash

~ Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin

These cancers, called "blood cancers" or "hematologic cancers", again, are located in the blood. Hmmm....that got me to thinking. What else is in the blood? The scriptures say "For the life of the flesh is in the blood..." (Leviticus 17:11 - NKJV). Without blood, we won't survive. It literally keeps us alive and healthy!!

According to hematology.org. it's functions include:

~ Transports oxygen and nutrients to the lungs and tissues

~ Forms blood clots to prevent excess blood loss

~ Carries cells and antibodies that fight infection

~ Brings waste products to the kidneys and liver, which filter and clean the blood

~ It regulates body temperature

So the three main functions of blood are: 1) transportation; 2) regulation - keeps the body in balance; and 3) protection - against infections.

Wow! Now go with me here....God said "...the life of the flesh is in the blood..." and we need blood to live and be healthy. As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. We need blood to live spiritually and be healthy spiritually. You see, when God created Adam and Eve, they were perfect. Np spots or blemishes. No sickness or disease. No death. But sin stepped in the picture and everything changed. Now there is sickness and disease. Now there is death. Both, in the natural and in the spiritual. But God didn't leave mankind hanging. He prepared for our redemption even before He created the world!

! Peter 1:18-19 says this, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with

corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition

from your fathers;

(19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without

spot."

(KJV)

Jesus came and shed HIS blood to save the world from sin. So you see - it's in the blood!! The precious blood of Jesus Christ. What's in the blood? I'm glad you asked. There is salvation in the blood of Jesus. There is power in the blood of Jesus. There is deliverance in the blood of Jesus. There's protection in the blood of Jesus. There's regulation / balance - in the blood of Jesus. And there is healing in the blood of Jesus. Oh, I could go on and on right here, but I believe I've given you enough to meditate on.

So whatever your challenge may be (not a problem, just a challenge), whatever your situation is, just know and believe that the answer to it all...."It's in the Blood"!

Always remember Jesus,

Zelphia D. (Zel)

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