Saints' Discussion Forums

I feel a little guilty asking for this prayer for myself, but I'm applying for disability and am needing to see a regular doctor and a cardiologist, who's giving me really expensive tests (one costs $2000-$3000 - nuclear stress test). Thing is, I am 2.5 years unemployed (and couldn't work more than very part-time anyway), have no medical insurance (and no company will insure me - the state high-risk insurance would cost almost $800/mo.). I have no income (other than less than $200/mo.) and am living on savings that are close to running out. I'm bamboozled. I really need your prayers.

Oh my that's a large one.. but for God all burdens are light..

So I pray God carry it for you and bring you through it.. God help you financially! St. Joseph intercede..

No guilt! Ask for prayers! And I pray get many of them!

I will pray especially for this intention.

I think I need to find a good financial help prayer.. until I do, I think St. Joseph, St. Jude, and the three Magi are good for these things.. Sts. Melchior, Balthasaar, and Caspar..

Sts. Melchior, Balthasaar, and Caspar orate pro nobis!

St. Jude, patron saint of the impossible, ora pro nobis!

St. Joseph, ora pro nobis.. Intercede we pray for Brigid and help her in her financial straits to overcome all difficulties.. and all those in need. Look kindly down upon the poor O Lord, and free us of anxiety, but give us guidance to all we need for our daily health and bread and home, all our duties and cares.

Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach you while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us.

Have you been to Social Services and checked out if Medicaid might help or if the state has a local free/low cost plan? Look into it if you haven't! :)

I know the state's plan is only 15%-30% less and since I learned this the state had to admit they were deeply in the red, so it's probably less now. $560/mo. isn't possible either. I haven't looked into Medicaid, though. That's a possibility I haven't thought of - and I used to do billing of ins. cos. and Medicare and Medicaid. ::)

Medicaid tends to be available for people with -very very little- (I don't know what the cut off point is and it's worth finding out) to zero income. I know some states have their own plans that cut in at a certain point, or even are required to, and can be fee based.  The also sometimes give people emergency funds when you sign up for at social services the first time, there's a limited fund for that. I can say, the sooner you sign up and see if you can get it the better because not everyone accepts it, and it can take time to get appointments from doctors normally -- with it it can take even longer.

I've had to use it a few times, but I'm no expert on the requirements. :) From what I was told however, even if you don't have the card, you can say you should be covered for it as you are applying for it in emergencies, and have it take care of some things even before the paperwork goes through or retroactively.

I once went through quite a hassle with them to try to get a hearing aid but it never worked out. They did however take care of a few doctors' visits. I'm hard of hearing, runs in the family.. Just over the border line for needing one.. Can hear normal conversation from most people, but if there's enough background noise or you're very soft spoken with a tiny voice it can be a great problem. Still haven't got one! Have to eventually find a program that will help pay for one I hope.

It's definitely worthwhile to take a trip down to social services and find out what they have there. They have brochures for all sorts of programs.. sometimes electric companies give discounts to low income people.. heating.. It can never hurt to go! :D Sure you might have to wait a bit in line, but that is life, and the place where you pray for the success there if you haven't yet.  ::)

I will definitely go down to apply! And I will notify my drs. that I am, too. I'll tell my family around about emergency services, too. Last time I was hospitalized it was over 8 hours before I was even awake and I know the registration dept. of a hospital wants results immediately.

I always see the thing about low-cost utility bills, but never think about them in terms of myself. ::) I'll have to change that.

Thanks.

I think I just inspired myself to find out more about what programs they have available as well.  :D

Every little bit helps, you don't have to be more than low income for some of them, or even just meet certain other requirements, such as caring for enough dependents -- so many people simply miss out during a tough spot because they do not think to go.

There were a bunch of brochures I took home the last time. Home heating was the big thing recently the government was helping out with. At least there isn't a problem now that I live on a second floor this winter with heating bills, the downstairs tenant takes care of all of that.

My family has had people working in social services in the past, so you would think I would be more on the spot with government programs for help -- my mother knows tons to help the elderly for example.. but I am a person who is helpless once forms and red tape rear their heads. But sometimes you have to get over that and go for it.

Let me know if it actually will help you though! I will keep praying!  :D

I live downstairs and wonder about the girl upstairs getting all my heat, too. ;D

I pray that our Lord will provide for you and will give you all the graces you need to keep spiritually strong during this difficult time.  May God come to your aid soon and may you be surrendered to his merciful love, confident that he is working in this situation to prove you in your faith.  Amen.

I will surely pray for you, Brigid. God will definitely pave a way for you.
Right now I'm covered under my husband's COBRA but in a few months that will end and I will have to shop for insurance. About 500$ a month  ??? for the whole family takes out a big chunk of my income and possible savings. I keep wondering if Obama's proposed health plan if it ever passes will help people like us in any way? I am against the abortion part of it, but will it help people in dire need of health insurance and make it more affordable?
There was a time when I was not sure I'd be covered under COBRA and researched every other possibility. People suggested to me to visit the county community hospital in case of an emergency. The waiting room period is long but you do get the treatment you need and it may be free for those who can't afford it.
We also have JPS Health centers here that provide affordable health care especially for those without insurance. I'm not sure if you have any such program in your state.
For your situation Medicaid will definitely cover you. I'm not sure you have looked into it. Contact your closest Social Security office, set up an appointment or just walk in and they are helpful. The waiting period is long , but once they start on your case help may start coming in.  :)

Yes, surrender and trust in Him are really difficult for me!

Thank you so much everybody.

I hope a national health insurance goes through also, to help all those in need (as long as it doesn't "break the bank", allows for all to follow their conscience and doesn't pay, in any way for abortions). If I do get this disability at least after 24 mos. I can get Medicare. In the meantime I will definitely look into Medicaid.

What does JPS stand for?

John Peter Smith hospitals. You may have a similar network in your area if you inquire around. Also I heard on the Clark Howard show that Kaiser-Permanante is a good and affordable insurance if you're planning to buy, but I don't have that company in my state.

I tend to think the National Health insurance proposed so far has been more harm than good, but we can always hope that eventually a proposal of some good could come out, though how likely that is I have my doubts.

A simple reform and extension of Medicaid would be a better solution than the complicated take-overs proposed so far, which have violated subsidiary, and the rights of individuals and doctors to decide how they wish to give and pursue health care.

More bad news today - I'm not quite eligible for Medicaid yet (just give me a couple more months or a few more of these tests), it's looking like the nuclear stress test is going to be a done deal - I don't think the cardiologists will agree to do the exercise stress test as it's too risky (at least that's good eventually for disability ::)). And my cholesterol labs came back so high that the dr. is putting me on a statin (over $2.00 per pill) right away without waiting the three weeks 'til my next exam as he was planning.

Oh, help!

Lent is here with a vengeance!


:thumbsup:

My mother had to skip one of those stress tests because her heart rate would go through the roof! Her chlorestoral is high too but I think it's genetic, she does watch what she eats though and refuses the medicine so far. I hope that statin helps!

I was worried about the Medicaid, it's a tight cutoff! But at least you know now when you will be!

You might already eligable for food assistance if you didn't check that. The cut off isn't as strict there I believe. Reducing grocery bills is a help!

May the Lord watch over our health all the more, and thanks be to God. :)

Thank you so much.  Apparently this state has a general food assistance plan (which I'm not close to being eligible for) and a food stamps program that I may be eligible for without selling my car.

I hope your own cholesterol is okay, since you think it's genetic. Now they're saying to start getting it checked even in your twenties. They've done autopsies on young soldiers (so very young and fit) who died in combat and they already had lots and lots of cholesterol build-up.

Dear Brigid, you will be prayed for in my daily rosaries, Masses and adorations.  And remember what St. Padre Pio tells us to do "pray, hope and don't worry."  God will come through for you.  You may feel anxiety but just try and take each day as it comes in peace without worrying too much about the future.  God knows your future and in his providence will provide for you...just ask him to protect you and keep you strong in faith, hope and love today...tomorrow he will be with you helping you some more.  Peace and God bless!

Thank you for your prayers! Yes, I know He will (intellectually, at least ::), but I'm thinking of praying to St. Pio. He seems one of the more recent Saints who have this "down" (besides, he's incorrupt, which doesn't hurt my smaller than a mustard seed belief).

Yes, pray to St. Pio.  He has helped many people in their need.  Keep placing all your confidence in God's merciful love, totally surrendered to his merciful love.  Everything he permits us to suffer is for our good.

Hi All,

I mentioned in an earlier thread about my daughter being overdue.
Just got word that she's gone to maternity with slight labor pains.

Please Pray... THANKS.

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How exiting! 

Lord, please bless Martin's daughter with a safe delivery and a healthy child to love and care for.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer.  Amen.

St. Therese ora pro nobis!

Lord bless this family, and this little child we pray and this delivery!

For a safe delivery and good health of mother and child, we pray. :littleprayer:

For a safe delivery without complications, and a happy baby.

How are you doing Brigid?  How are your spirits? 
I mention you every day after I read scripture.

Hi ALL,
Good News!!  My daughter gave birth to a baby boy at 3:15 this afternoon. Both mother and baby well. It was a long drawn out affair but thank God for all ending so well. This is the centenary year of the founding of St Columba's Church here in derry. The local Priest offered a novena of Latin Masses for all  babies who would be named Columba this year. Both parents have decided they will name the baby Columba.
Thank you so much for all your prayers ALLELULIA ALLELUIA!!!    :cheers:

Wonderful!! and Congratulations! :angelblue:
Columba , what a pretty name. Never heard of this saint. Looks like you have a good traditional priest.

Alleliua Jesus! Wonderful! Splendid!  :angelbell: :littlewings: :angelbell: May angels usher the little one through his life!   :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

I have some quotes and readings of St. Columba! A great grand saint he is.

Here's a little from the Lives of the Saints about him!

'One day toward the end of his life, being alone with Diarmid, his minister (as the monk attached to his personal service was called), he cried out all at once, "The bell let the bell be rung instantly!" The bell of the modest monastery was nothing better than one of the little square bells made of beaten iron, which are still shewn in Irish museums, exactly similar to those which are worn by the cattle in Spain and the Jura. It was enough for the necessities of the little insular community. At its sound the monks hastened to throw themselves on their knees around their father. " Now," said he, "let us pray -- let us pray with intense fervour for our people, and for King Aidan; for at this very moment the battle has begun between them and the barbarians." When their prayers had lasted some time, he said, "Behold the barbarians flee! Aldan is victorious!"

The barbarians against whom Columba rang his bells, and called for the prayers of his monks, were the Anglo Saxons of Northumbria, who were still pagans, and whose descendants were destined to owe the inestimable blessings of Christianity to the monks of lona, and the spiritual posterity of Columba.

According to Scotch national tradition, the new King Aidan was consecrated by Columba upon a great stone, called the Stone of Fate. This stone was afterwards transferred to Dunstaffnage Castle, the ruin of which may be seen upon the coast of Argyll, not far from Iona; then to the abbey of Scone, near Perth; and was finally carried away by Edward I., the stern conqueror of Scotland, to Westminster, where it still serves as a pedestal for the throne of the kings of England on the day of their coronation.

. . . Let us listen while his biographer tells how he came to the aid of a woman in extremity . . . One day at Iona he suddenly stopped short while reading, and said with a smile to his monks, " I must go now and pray for a poor little woman who is in the pains of childbirth, and suffers like a true daughter of Eve. She is down yonder, in Ireland, and reckons upon my prayers, for she is my kinswoman, and of my mother's family." Upon this he hastened to the church, and when his prayer was ended, returned to his brethren saying, "She is delivered. The Lord Jesus Who deigned to be born of a woman has come to her aid; this time she will not die."

. . . One day while labouring in his evangelical work in the principal island of the Hebrides, the one which lies nearest to the mainland, he cried out all at once, "My sons, today you will see an ancient Pictish chief, who has kept faithfully all his life the precepts of the natural law, arrive in this island; he comes to be baptized and to die." Immediately after, a boat was seen to approach the shore with a feeble old man seated in the prow, who was recognised as the chief of one of the neighbouring tribes. Two of his companions took him up in their arms and brought him before the missionary, to whose words, as repeated by the interpreter, he listened attentively. When the discourse was ended the old man asked to be baptized; and immediately after breathed his last breath, and was buried on the very spot where he had just been brought to shore.'

- The Lives of the Saints

 :D  :D  :D

Interesting!

That is a wonderful quote. He is the patron Saint of derry and he once said concerning the Oak Grove where the church now stands, " There is an angel on every leaf."
On His feast day 9th june, there is a Eucharistic procession through the streets and every Catholic in derry wears an oak leaf.

Now that's a wonderful thought, to wear one of those leaves! :)   :tinyangel:

Congratulations! :-X

Brigid, I pray that your disability benefits come through very soon.  I'm praying for you!  Persevere and trust in the Lord with total surrender!

You're a wonderful pray-er Therese!  :D

Those things are the ones that are hardest for me ::) ::) My pride is my (temporary) downfall. :(

Thank you for praying. I know your prayers are heard. :angelblue:

Trusting in the Lord with total surrender can be difficult, especially during hard times.  Let us always strive to imitate little children who trust in their loving father's goodness and who trust with absolute confidence that he will always come through and meet their needs.  

If you fear trusting in His merciful love and fear being totally surrendered to it, then pray for confidence in His merciful love and pray to be abandoned to His merciful love - even repeat throughout the day "Jesus I trust in you."  You can pray the prayer "Jesus, I believe in You, help my unbelief"...you can even pray "Jesus Christ , Son of God, have mercy on me" over and over and know that God will be sure to be merciful towards you and will answer your constant prayers.  

God has a special plan for you, and He will always do what is best for your soul.  Saints have told us to thank the Lord for the trials He sends or permits because they are sent or permitted as our remedy, for our good - if we would only let God sanctify us through our trials by not putting up any resistance to them and by placing our total confidence in His merciful love!

If you haven't yet, you can even give this whole situation over to our Lady for her assistance!

It's frustrating, but my spirits are okay, generally. Whatever happens I know He wants to happen. I've mentioned this bureaucracy on the Daily Life Thread (and missed it here  :-[ ). Thanks for praying for me.

When I remember to be like a little child, as St. Therese taught, I can sometimes really surrender (and possibly even trust for a short time, but that one's harder for me) - unless you count just saying exhaustively, "Oh, I don't care. Do what You want. I can surrender exhaustively fairly easily.

The 'Jesus Prayer' really helped me a number of years ago, then I fell out of the habit. I could start that again. ;)

I've neglected to hand this specifically over to our BVM, partially since I'm consecrated to her anyway and partially because I include her (again generally) in my morning offering. Do you think I need to offer this to her specifically? ???

Why not just say, "Mother Mary, I hand this situation over to you.  Take over, please; and help!"  Putting this in words will be very pleasing to Mary.  She always loves to hear from you!

That's wonderful that you are consecrated to her and include her in your morning offerings! :)

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Hi Brigid,
I was reading your prayer request earlier in the week and included your intention in my Rosary but didn't reply as there was something I wanted to post that might be of help but it's a bit long. It was sent to me as Word Document and wasn't sure how to upload it but I’ll put in two parts on the Book Study thread just by pasting it in.
Since before the New Year my work situation has been dire. I'm a decorator and never was without work for any length of time since I left college but with the current economic situation here in Ireland things have never been so bad financially (not just for me bout for thousands of others).
I put into practice what I learned  in this pamphlet and I can honestly say that I've never gone short since. My work situation hasn't changed, in fact if anything it's got worse but miraculously I somehow manage. Money just seems to be there when needed.    Hope this helps
Let me know what you think.
   

Thanks. I'll be looking forward to it.

some unintentional smiley's appeared when I pasted in the document but maybe thats providential   :).

 :happyroll:

Yes! That happens to me too! There's a way to stop that, if you click 'additional options' you can check a 'no smilies' box.

It gets rid of them for the whole post!  :(

 :D

You might also pray like St. Teresa Avila, "With the way You treat Your friends, it's no wonder You have so few!"  I believe that was with shaking fist after she fell off a horse and into the mud.

I think that story is so funny. St. Teresa of Avila was so confident in Him!

And so are you................. no matter how anything turns out.

And also so my sp dir told me yesterday.  No matter what I would come up with something...... and not to worry.  "And protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ."  (and I think this goes also with that last days discussion on the other thread.

I think you and your sp. dir. are so right!

I, too, am consecrated to our Lady and mention her in my morning offering, but I wouldn't hesitate to call upon her to take over when things became too hard for me.  But because you are consecrated to Mary she is already operating in your life for sure.  Just to clarify.