By now most of us here in Richmond County have heard about Pastor James Brigman who lives in Rockingham and is walking to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness. The Brigman’s daughter, Lauren Faith is 9-years-old but at birth, only weighed a little over a pound. This required her to have constant care and left her in a fragile state for the rest of her life.
With the direction of God, 51-year-old James Brigman began a 375 mile journey on foot to D.C. to be a voice for his daughter as well as other children and adults who cannot speak for themselves. Congress will soon address a Medicaid bill which could possibly cut funding that would no longer allow children and adults who need to receive the appropriate care. Without this care, they could be forced to go into hospitals or nursing homes.
James arrived in Raleigh Monday to be interviewed where he was met by a cheering crowd. Thanks to a quick response from Senator Thom Tillis, James now has a meeting scheduled with the healthcare staff when he arrives in D.C. He plans to bring attention to Congress the seriousness of not cutting this part of Medicaid.
Sixteen-year-old Brayden Coggins has given his time to follow along with James through this journey. Brayden drives a van full of supplies for James as he needs. What a dedicated young man he is to devote himself in this manner! James recently got a nice surprise from a friend, Pastor Paul Haber, who drove up to walk with him.
This story makes me think of all the times I could actually be a voice, a hand, or anything needed to help make a difference in someone’s life. How many times do we possibly have an opportunity, although it may inconvenience us, but we ignore it? Let us all remember the efforts of James and make time to reach out to others. It only takes one to start a journey. What can you do?
Click Facebook page: A Voice for Lauren Faith Brigman and all Medically Fragile Children/Adults
Giving is Healthy
Can giving be healthy? We don’t usually think of our health when we give, but it has some great benefits. Below are some of the noted benefits that we receive when we give to others.
• Giving tends to lower blood pressure
• It can help reduce stress
• Gives longer life
• Mood booster
• Helps fight depression
• Releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin into the bloodstream, which makes us feel better about ourselves as well as others
After all, shouldn’t we help others just because it’s the right thing to do? Give and it shall be given back to you!
