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Rae Lewis-Thornton: The Power of Knowledge

AIDS activist Rae Lewis-Thornton on how getting tested for HIV saved her life.

Knowledge is a powerful thing. We can use it for greatness or use it against the natural order of the life that God has given us. That’s with every single thing in life. Just because you know how to make a bomb, does not mean you have to use it to destroy others. Nope, even the “baddest” technology can be for a greater good.

Now, my issue today isn’t that complicated. In fact, in the scheme of the universe it’s a small issue, but for me, it weights heavy on my heart and in my freaking back, tummy and arms. Two weeks ago, I made a declaration about my weight. I laid out a good argument on why I need to hit the gym. I was good that week and then last week it went to hell in a hand basket.

My nights were so sleepless last week that I was dragging and cranky all week. Everything I did was a struggle because of sleep deprivation. That’s why I didn’t blog last week. I was too tired and cranky to even think. Menopause is kicking my tail. I guess they call it pre- menopausal. I haven’t stop my menstrual cycle just yet, I have one every 2-5 months, but these night sweats and mood swings have been all consuming. Let me tell you, waking up from sleep in the middle of the night because it feels like you are on fire from the inside is not pretty. Waking up twice in the middle of the night is like a nightmare from hell.

When I made it to therapy last week, I thought that I was losing my mind. We tried to unpack this issue as best as we could.

Read more about Thornton’s story about her own HIV status at BlackDoctor.Org.

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(Photo: Courtesy Rae Lewis-Thornton)

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