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When Good Things Become Idols by Victor Mushimbami

When Good Things Become Idols Introduction   Someone recently asked me to write more deeply on a topic I’ve been teaching, how we often create our own idols, call them “God,” and worship them while ignoring the true and living God who has revealed Himself in the Bible. This teaching has really touched many people, especially after I shared a true story. I had preached to someone whose boss told all workers not to go to church for six months, only to focus on work. But before those six months ended, the boss got very sick and had been down for more than a month. That’s one of many examples of how God can deal with us when we put other things before Him. The Danger of Divided Hearts We live in a world full of distractions, family, work, money, school, and even ministry. These things are not bad in themselves, but when they take more of our time, attention, and love than God, they become idols. And God is very clear: He is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14). That means He wants all of us, n...
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The Devastating Consequences of Inadequate Housing: A Critical Exploration of the Interconnectedness of Built Environment, Social Determinants, and Health

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What I Learned


Through my exploration of the topic, I gained a deeper understanding of the profound impact that inadequate housing has on both physical and mental health. The readings revealed a clear connection between the built environment and health outcomes, emphasizing the significance of safe and secure housing (Northridge and Sclar, 2003). I discovered that inadequate housing can manifest in various forms, including overcrowding, poor ventilation, the presence of harmful substances like lead, and a lack of proper sanitation facilities. Each of these factors not only affects physical health, leading to issues such as respiratory illnesses, infections, and chronic diseases, but also significantly contributes to mental health challenges.


Dispelling Preconceived Notions


Before engaging with these sources, I held the misconception that inadequate housing solely affected a person's physical well-being. However, the readings broadened my perspective by highlighting the mental health consequences as well. For instance, overcrowding can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression (Story and Glanville, 2019). I learned that the psychological toll of living in inadequate conditions can be as severe as the physical ailments that arise from them. Understanding that mental health issues can stem from environmental stressors like lack of privacy and safe spaces has shifted my approach to discussions surrounding housing and health.


Connections Between Social and Built Environments


The readings by Koohsari et al. (2021) and Mouratidis (2021) shed light on the social aspects influencing the impact of inadequate housing. Social capital, defined as the networks of relationships and the quality of those connections within a community, can play a buffering role against the negative health effects of poor housing (Story and Glanville, 2019). A supportive community can provide emotional assistance, practical help, and resources that mitigate the stressors associated with inadequate living conditions. Conversely, a lack of social support can exacerbate these effects, leaving individuals more vulnerable to health challenges. This realization has underscored the importance of fostering community ties and encouraging social engagement as vital components of public health initiatives.


Conclusion


In conclusion, this exploration challenged my initial understanding of inadequate housing and its consequences. By delving into the readings, I grasped the interconnectedness of the built environment, social determinants, and health. I now recognize the critical role that safe and secure housing plays in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, I understand the importance of considering social capital and community relationships in addressing the health impacts of inadequate housing. This comprehensive perspective is essential for developing effective interventions that aim to improve housing conditions and promote overall health in communities.





References


Northridge, M. E., & Sclar, E. (2003). A joint urban planning and public health framework: Contributions to health impact assessment. American Journal of Public Health, 93(1), 118-21. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447705/


Story, W. T., & Glanville, J. L. (2019). Comparing the association between social capital and self-rated health in poor and affluent nations. SSM-population health, 9, 100508. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100508


Koohsari, M., Nakaya, T., McCormack, G., Shibata, A., Ishii, K., Yasunaga, A., Hanibuch, T., & Koichiro, O. (2021). Traditional and novel walkable built environment metrics and social capital. Landscape and Urban Planning, 214. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104184


Mouratidis, K. (2021). Urban planning and quality of life: A review of pathways linking the built environment to subjective well-being. Cities, 115, 103229. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264275121001293


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