Positive and Past 50: Words of Wisdom to My Newly Diagnosed Self

Helen Turner Goldenberg, 65, Dallas, Texas; Diagnosed in 1984

Helen, break away! Break away from fixed ideas, fear and social determinates of health. Break away from your black family cultural ideas, where you learned very early that family business is family business and you only go to doctors when you are sick and never psychiatrists because we solve our own problems. Break away from faith-based fear, stigma and discrimination, because the old stereotypical profile of HIV (gay white male, drug addict or promiscuous) does not fit.

Helen, you are greater than AIDS! And you must be proactive in the management of your health. Disabuse yourself of faith-based distortions about God's punishment for sin. Develop a true relationship with God based on his written word, then you will know his love, his deeds, his word, seeds and spirit. And with his strength and courage, you can do all things!