Is the Ribbon Enough?

Is the Ribbon Enough? http://www.thebody.com/content/65446/is-the-ribbon-enough.html A blog by Rev. Andrena Ingram at TheBody.com. http://www.thebody.com/images/blog/andrena_biobox.gif Rev. Andrena Ingram http://www.thebody.com/content/65446/is-the-ribbon-enough.html 115 145 We Are Here, and We Are Tired: A Challenging, Amazing, Undetectable Year http://www.thebody.com/content/78846/we-are-here-and-we-are-tired-a-challenging-amazing.html As World AIDS Day approaches, I am daily recognizing the blessing of life, and family and friends. I am recognizing always those in this struggle who have gone on before me, those who will come after me and those in the trenches with me right now. I am especially thankful and prayerful for those of us who are long-term survivors.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/78846/we-are-here-and-we-are-tired-a-challenging-amazing.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Tue, 22 Nov 2016 17:59:00 GMT Disease-Free, Clean and What? http://www.thebody.com/content/77011/disease-free-clean-and-what.html I saw something written on my Facebook timeline that made me shake my head in shame.

I felt a little shame for the statements and shame for the person who wrote it. I thought they were a bit more far along in being supportive of person's living with HIV. The shame I felt morphed into anger. Anger that folks are still using language like this, in 2016.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/77011/disease-free-clean-and-what.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Thu, 28 Jan 2016 21:17:00 GMT Frankly My Dear ... http://www.thebody.com/content/76986/frankly-my-dear-.html Checking in with my Facebook HIV group and my son asks me, "Do people take issue that you may be spending too much time with HIV stuff?"

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/76986/frankly-my-dear-.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 25 Jan 2016 19:35:00 GMT Fighting HIV Stigma Through Support Groups, Friendship http://www.thebody.com/content/76847/fighting-hiv-stigma-through-support-groups-friends.html Last week many "celebrated" World AIDS Day. I am the sole pastor of a congregation with many challenges, and so I am not able to simply take off. I make time, when I am able.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/76847/fighting-hiv-stigma-through-support-groups-friends.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 9 Dec 2015 19:32:00 GMT Surviving HIV: POZ 100 Long-Term Survivors List http://www.thebody.com/content/76797/surviving-hiv-poz-100-long-term-survivors-list.html So this year, I was chosen as one of POZ's 100 Long-Term Survivors ... and I guess, oddly enough you can say that I am very grateful. Twenty-seven years of living with this disease is nothing short of miraculous; but the miracle goes way beyond me, way beyond those living today. I feel the recognition belongs to many other people.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/76797/surviving-hiv-poz-100-long-term-survivors-list.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Tue, 1 Dec 2015 21:18:00 GMT Transfusion of Grace http://www.thebody.com/content/76211/transfusion-of-grace.html I had a conversation in a neighborhood cafe about the scope of my ministry ... and as I spoke about being an HIV activist, she actually wanted to know whether I contracted HIV through a blood transfusion.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/76211/transfusion-of-grace.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 29 Jul 2015 02:27:00 GMT Every Survivor Counts http://www.thebody.com/content/75931/every-survivor-counts.html I am grateful for this National HIV/AIDS Long Term Survivors Awareness Day! It has given me time to reflect on my journey.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/75931/every-survivor-counts.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 8 Jun 2015 12:00:00 GMT HIV: Put Out the Red Light http://www.thebody.com/content/75639/hiv-put-out-the-red-light.html Somewhere, there's a "Roxanne" putting out her red light, wearing that dress or jeans and red pumps ... or no pumps at all. Somewhere in the world there is a sex worker named Roxanne, or Jade, or Sapphire, or Maria, or Julio or even Tom.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/75639/hiv-put-out-the-red-light.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:56:00 GMT The Bubble-Gut Dilemma http://www.thebody.com/content/75640/the-bubble-gut-dilemma.html Trying to get up and get moving. Doctor visit in Center City, and wouldn't you know it ... it's a sh*tty morning! Figuratively and LITERALLY.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/75640/the-bubble-gut-dilemma.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Tue, 24 Mar 2015 13:19:00 GMT Rock That Red Pump, Pastor! http://www.thebody.com/content/75642/rock-that-red-pump-pastor.html I jumped out of bed this morning, remembering what day it was! It is "National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day"! I had just the right shoe for it! The red pumps I wore for my 60th birthday celebration a few weeks ago!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/75642/rock-that-red-pump-pastor.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:45:00 GMT The Beginning of the End of AIDS? You or Me? http://www.thebody.com/content/75562/the-beginning-of-the-end-of-aids-you-or-me.html How ironic that my last post in November has the slogan from the organization (Red) (one) had a little slogan that said: "The beginning of the End of AIDS starts with YOU" ... and I went on to talk about how I was gonna take a break and yadda, yadda, yadda. And how I needed to get real selfish and take a break from all the activism stuff! How ironic! ROFL!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/75562/the-beginning-of-the-end-of-aids-you-or-me.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Tue, 3 Mar 2015 17:14:00 GMT World AIDS Day 2014 and Selfishly Taking Care of Yourself http://www.thebody.com/content/75277/world-aids-day-2014-and-selfishly-taking-care-of-y.html Oh my goodness, I can't believe I haven't written anything since July of this year! Where has my head been at?

Activists and advocates should always be on the ball! Out there on the front lines, moving the cause forward and ever "in your face."

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/75277/world-aids-day-2014-and-selfishly-taking-care-of-y.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sun, 30 Nov 2014 04:26:00 GMT I Face These Issues ... You? http://www.thebody.com/content/74829/i-face-these-issues--you.html I saw this picture posted by UNAIDS. If you click on the picture, it will open up, and you can read in the balloons some good things and some not so good issues, we, who are living with HIV face. By no means are the issues listed complete, and while we may identify and possibly share many of the same issues, we also deal with with many different issues.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74829/i-face-these-issues--you.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMT Tell Me: What's in YOUR Closet? http://www.thebody.com/content/74759/tell-me-whats-in-your-closet.html It was hard coming up with something to talk with you about. I didn't want to be up here talking just to hear myself talk, but I wanted it to be something memorable, something different, something so important that it would stay with you for at least awhile, if not until the end of your days.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74759/tell-me-whats-in-your-closet.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 18 Jul 2014 16:34:00 GMT What's Faith Got to Do With It? http://www.thebody.com/content/74606/whats-faith-got-to-do-with-it.html Please, don't take this personal. When folks talk about faith and HIV, I can only go from my experience and the experiences I have gathered on my journey and the journey of those blessed men and women who have shared their faith experience with me.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74606/whats-faith-got-to-do-with-it.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 13 Jun 2014 15:45:00 GMT Infected! Oh, My! http://www.thebody.com/content/74342/infected-oh-my.html How many of you remember being told that you had tested positive for the antibodies which cause HIV? I remember it like it was yesterday! The results were shocking, nothing would EVER be the same! I was filled with dread, I was filled with shame, and I was filled with fear. Took me a few years to get comfortable in my skin.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74342/infected-oh-my.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sat, 5 Apr 2014 14:37:00 GMT HIV, Plantations and the Holy Ones http://www.thebody.com/content/74047/hiv-plantations-and-the-holy-ones.html Well, beloved Black History Month has taken on a deeper meaning for me this year. I have learned of some noteworthy, and yet unknown Black folk in my family tree,Which I began tending back in 2006 but its growth was stunted because I could not get past my great grandma Alice on my mother's side of the family.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74047/hiv-plantations-and-the-holy-ones.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 7 Mar 2014 19:35:00 GMT Say What You Wanna Say: Be Brave on World AIDS Day http://www.thebody.com/content/73342/say-what-you-wanna-say-be-brave-on-world-aids-day.html This post is for World AIDS Day 2013. It is in honor of those who call me, or make appointments with me to finally disclose your status, for those who read my blog posts on TheBody.com, and reach out to me. It is a post for all who are contemplating coming out from wherever you are. You are loved and supported!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/73342/say-what-you-wanna-say-be-brave-on-world-aids-day.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sun, 1 Dec 2013 04:04:00 GMT HIV -- At an Airport Near You! http://www.thebody.com/content/73220/hiv--at-an-airport-near-you.html I am well known to walk around my community on Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia in my HIV shirt. I have worn my shirt at a conference in Orlando (pretty much insulated with church folk). I wear my HIV shirt in supermarkets.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/73220/hiv--at-an-airport-near-you.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 15 Nov 2013 08:01:00 GMT I'm Free! http://www.thebody.com/content/72573/im-free.html I have finally announced to my congregation and to my Facebook peeps that I have quit smoking, that I am on the patch and that I would appreciate their prayers!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/72573/im-free.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Thu, 29 Aug 2013 13:52:00 GMT Take Your Meds! (Video) http://www.thebody.com/content/72562/take-your-meds-video.html This is in response to a few articles that seem to be making the rounds about certain "pastors/faith leaders" telling folks to stop taking their medication. And that "God" will heal them.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/72562/take-your-meds-video.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:36:00 GMT You're in My Stuff http://www.thebody.com/content/72319/youre-in-my-stuff.html About two weeks ago, I spent the whole day with someone at the VA (Veterans Administration) Hospital. He confided to me that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed support for his first visit. The visit was at least 3 hours long. They very slowly and thoroughly explained his prognosis, and his treatment plan. It was so informative ... by the end of the visit, I was on information overload! I can't imagine how he or anyone else can process all that information at once.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/72319/youre-in-my-stuff.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:14:00 GMT Are You Clean? http://www.thebody.com/content/71890/are-you-clean.html Does your language need a good wash????

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/71890/are-you-clean.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:07:00 GMT For Better or for Worse http://www.thebody.com/content/71667/for-better-or-for-worse.html Grief is funny ... you go through the stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Supposedly in that order.

I grieved the death of my husband for years, went through all the stages, but am finding that even after the stage of acceptance, one can revisit the stages all over again!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/71667/for-better-or-for-worse.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 3 Jun 2013 01:49:00 GMT ... And Your Point Is? http://www.thebody.com/content/71595/-and-your-point-is.html When I am at a gathering of any sort, I usually wear my HIV shirt -- which proclaims "HIV POSITIVE"; especially at religious gatherings. I can only imagine what goes through some folks minds.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/71595/-and-your-point-is.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 24 May 2013 14:48:00 GMT Undetectable ... but! http://www.thebody.com/content/71471/undetectable--but.html Think having HIV is okay, because it is "manageable"?

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/71471/undetectable--but.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Thu, 9 May 2013 15:51:00 GMT Undetectable? Whaaaat? http://www.thebody.com/content/71081/undetectable-whaaaat.html I think everyone who is living with HIV can remember, with great clarity, the day they were diagnosed. I believe that even if you were in a drug/alcohol induced fugue, you still were able to remember that day.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/71081/undetectable-whaaaat.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:10:00 GMT HIV Behind the Walls http://www.thebody.com/content/70912/hiv-behind-the-walls.html The Holy Spirit strikes again.

I have been praying about this for the past week. It is settled, and it is well with my soul.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70912/hiv-behind-the-walls.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:42:00 GMT All People's Church and Their Response to HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/70733/all-peoples-church-and-their-response-to-hiv.html I am uber-excited and proud and thankful whenever I hear of a church picking up the gauntlet and doing what needs to be done. In this specific case -- about HIV in our communities!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70733/all-peoples-church-and-their-response-to-hiv.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Tue, 5 Mar 2013 13:43:00 GMT Journeying Through Wilderness http://www.thebody.com/content/70683/journeying-through-wilderness.html I am still here! I feel like Elmer Fudd hunting Bugs Bunny, not that I am hunting anyone... but I have been and and trying to be vewy, vewy quiet!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70683/journeying-through-wilderness.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 1 Mar 2013 13:48:00 GMT Where Does It Hurt? http://www.thebody.com/content/70682/where-does-it-hurt.html As a child, whenever you were outside playing and fell off your bike, or fell down as you were running down the block... chances are you ran inside crying, where your mom or dad would say: "What happened?" "Where does it hurt?" Chances are, a little antiseptic a band-aid and a hug (and a little nudge) to get back out there and play is enough to dry your tears and do exactly that: "Get back in the game".

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70682/where-does-it-hurt.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 1 Mar 2013 13:38:00 GMT God Is Trying To Tell You Something http://www.thebody.com/content/70269/god-is-trying-to-tell-you-something.html In moments of quietude, before I head over to the Community Meal, I find myself meditating on God. I find myself wondering what God is gonna say to me this morning, through the many folks who will enter into 'our house' for a meal. I find myself, still basking in last week's Word about the 3 wise men, who entered the house and encountered the Christ child and Mary, bowing before Christ and offering up their gifts. I wonder what gifts the wise ones in the community will offer today, while understanding that just their presence is enough.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70269/god-is-trying-to-tell-you-something.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:56:00 GMT "Stop Poppin' That Thang!" http://www.thebody.com/content/70236/stop-poppin-that-thang.html Before I take it upstairs, I was having a "Soul Train" moment, and scrolling through my timeline. I have been noticing this past year more that quite a few folks have been put in jail for knowingly not disclosing their HIV to others, and others becoming HIV +.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70236/stop-poppin-that-thang.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 7 Jan 2013 17:54:00 GMT Stayin' Alive http://www.thebody.com/content/70191/stayin-alive.html Random thought ... well, not really random. I guess I am just thinking about my life, and the passing 'years', not just last year, but the past "years"; and I wish I could find my psych report. I will before the week is out (if I remember), so that I can find the exact quote that psychiatrist used.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70191/stayin-alive.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:43:00 GMT In the Arms of the Angel Are Ribbons http://www.thebody.com/content/69990/in-the-arms-of-the-angel-are-ribbons.html Even though World AIDS Day was yesterday, I commemorated it today, during our church service. I should say, WE commemorated it, because that is exactly what happened. Today's gathered assembly commemorated it. Did they ever! Other years my WAD services have fallen short: both of attendees and of support. This year, I was more intentional with publicity, and this year, I did it on a Sunday, and combined it with a healing service.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69990/in-the-arms-of-the-angel-are-ribbons.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sun, 2 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT Got a Ribbon? http://www.thebody.com/content/69693/got-a-ribbon.html Here we go again: World AIDS Day 2012, coming right up! Time to dig those ribbons out of your drawers and closets and jewelry boxes! Don't have one? Not to worry, wherever you decide to celebrate WAD, I'm sure they'll have some ribbons. Just make sure you save them this time ... so this time next year, you'll be ready!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69693/got-a-ribbon.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:43:00 GMT October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month http://www.thebody.com/content/69628/october-is-national-breast-cancer-awareness-month.html October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now, I know you may be wondering what does it have to do with HIV? From this website, I found this bit of useful information: "HIV weakens the immune system and allows the growth of other viruses that can cause cancer. Scientists are working hard to figure out the links between HIV, other viruses and cancer and to make medications that prevent and treat these diseases. In the meantime, do what you can to stay healthy and prevent cancer."

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69628/october-is-national-breast-cancer-awareness-month.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 31 Oct 2012 08:00:00 GMT Put a Ring on It? http://www.thebody.com/content/69218/put-a-ring-on-it.html "Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers". Hebrews 13:4

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69218/put-a-ring-on-it.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:54:00 GMT Towers of Our Lives http://www.thebody.com/content/69082/towers-of-our-lives.html Praise God! I have been clean from crack cocaine and alcohol for 24 years! I remember being 5 years into my recovery, walking down the street and seeing the little vials (with different colored caps) which the crack came in, on the street, and my stomach "flipped," sending a (Lost In Space) trigger through me: "Danger!, Danger!"

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69082/towers-of-our-lives.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:32:00 GMT Are There More ... Like Me? http://www.thebody.com/content/68758/are-there-more--like-me.html If you've been keeping up with the Olympics, you have heard that Ji Wallace, an Aussie Olympian, revealed his HIV status in a letter to Star Online!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/68758/are-there-more--like-me.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Thu, 9 Aug 2012 15:44:00 GMT The Issue of Blood http://www.thebody.com/content/68517/the-issue-of-blood.html "Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." Mark 5:25-28

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/68517/the-issue-of-blood.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 3 Aug 2012 16:15:00 GMT I've Got a Life! http://www.thebody.com/content/67746/ive-got-a-life.html It's been awhile since I have sat down to write a new blog post, this sista's been dealing with life on life's terms. So, that being said, let me also give a hearty welcome and thanks to all who journey through my space in the Web. I am able to see where you all come from, and am grateful for you taking the time to peek in, even if you don't make your presence known ... you are reading, you are seeing life through my eyes and my life experience, through MY context. I should also add, that this blog is not entirely for the Christian community, but for those who are seeking information about HIV/AIDS. I may post sermons or God stuff up in here every once in awhile, but HIV/AIDS reaches a larger audience. I will not force theology and religion down people's throats, who are living with this disease and have been hurt by the church, judged by the church, and condemned by the church.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67746/ive-got-a-life.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 6 Jul 2012 11:04:00 GMT Take the Test Take Control (2001) http://www.thebody.com/content/67672/take-the-test-take-control-2001.html Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk!

"and by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you" Acts 3:16

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67672/take-the-test-take-control-2001.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:53:00 GMT Don't Make Me Unfriend You http://www.thebody.com/content/67644/dont-make-me-unfriend-you.html How sad are you for "unfriending" someone, because you "thought" they had HIV ... then again, thanks for the revelation!

So, the doorbell rings the other day, and it is a person who regularly delivers stuff to St. Mike's. Months ago, he came in, and we somehow got on the topic of HIV (I think I gave him a copy of the article that came out about me). So we talked for awhile about HIV and me, or HIV within the church. It happened so long ago, I forget exactly what the conversation was about.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67644/dont-make-me-unfriend-you.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sun, 24 Jun 2012 11:00:00 GMT Women, Religion and HIV Kenya 2007 http://www.thebody.com/content/67360/women-religion-and-hiv-kenya-2007.html I'd like to take you on a small journey. I am sure you will find my methodology quite simple... and it begins with a story about a man who ministered to crowds of people, who cured every disease and sickness among the people and who proclaimed the message of God's kingdom -- that is, the good news of God's unfailing love.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67360/women-religion-and-hiv-kenya-2007.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Fri, 1 Jun 2012 12:57:00 GMT My Early Strength http://www.thebody.com/content/67169/my-early-strength.html Today is my eldest daughter's 31st birthday, and this post is dedicated to her.

A lot of people always compliment me about how strong I am, in my disease. This was not always the case. In truth, it is because of my children. Most of us, if we cannot find the strength to live for ourselves, carry on expressly for our children. Upon learning of your diagnosis, to hear those words (or words to the effect): "I'm sorry to tell you, you have tested positive ..." is life changing! Life altering! Most of us long-term survivors can remember everything about that day ... the color of the room, what was on the walls, "that look" of the person telling you.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67169/my-early-strength.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT Is Your Church Testing for HIV? http://www.thebody.com/content/66950/is-your-church-testing-for-hiv.html Years ago, as I began my CPE training (Clinical Pastoral Education) in a hospital in New York, I entered an office and saw this painting, and was intrigued. I learned about the artist -- Maxwell Lawton, and even had the opportunity to speak with him briefly on the telephone. I am sorry I never got to meet him in person. He passed away in 2006. You can learn more about him here.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66950/is-your-church-testing-for-hiv.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Thu, 5 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT I'm Swallowing as Fast as I Can http://www.thebody.com/content/66505/im-swallowing-as-fast-as-i-can.html How's this for The Last Supper?

I saw this painting on one of my Facebook friend's wall. It is quite striking isn't it? It is called "The Last Supper", and is by an artist by the name of Shiralee Siebert from Cape Town, South Africa. She does fantastic artwork and is available for commission, which this piece was done for. Her website is: Art by Shiralee Siebert. Okay, I needed to make sure I gave credit where credit is more than due!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66505/im-swallowing-as-fast-as-i-can.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 4 Apr 2012 09:59:00 GMT Celebration of Life Womens Support Groups vs the Church Ugh! http://www.thebody.com/content/66663/celebration-of-life-womens-support-groups-vs-the-c.html I had the "pleasure" of speaking tonight to a group of women, who are living with HIV. I met the Director of the organization which leads this group, after my November Citywide article came out. She finally emailed me, and came to meet me during one of our Community Meals. She asked me to come and speak to the women.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66663/celebration-of-life-womens-support-groups-vs-the-c.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:46:00 GMT Do You Wear the Ribbon? http://www.thebody.com/content/66401/do-you-wear-the-ribbon.html Greetings! I came up with the name for my blog from the one symbol which is universally recognized in the HIV and AIDS fight. The red ribbon.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66401/do-you-wear-the-ribbon.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:44:00 GMT A Leper Colony by Any Other Name http://www.thebody.com/content/66019/a-leper-colony-by-any-other-name.html Did you know, that when the AIDS epidemic hit in the '80s, there was a proposal to isolate all persons with AIDS? I first heard this last year. The proposal came from none other than Mike Huckabee, who wanted an AIDS "quarantine," and what's more, wanted to separate the homosexuals, who in his mind posed a dangerous health risk. This is what was written about him in the Huffington Post ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66019/a-leper-colony-by-any-other-name.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 5 Mar 2012 08:57:00 GMT This Is My Body, Given for You http://www.thebody.com/content/65801/this-is-my-body-given-for-you.html What do condoms have to do with the words of institution we hear each Sunday (or whenever the pastor is about to give communion)? These are familiar words to us, as we remember the Lord's Supper, when he first spoke these words to his disciples on the "night in which he was betrayed." They remind us of the betrayal, and the crucifixion: when he gave his life up, to be a ransom for many. He told us to remember him in the body and the blood -- the bread and the wine.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65801/this-is-my-body-given-for-you.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sun, 5 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMT I Get Tested Too! http://www.thebody.com/content/65494/i-get-tested-too.html I can't believe how many years I have been doing this. I got tested once for HIV, and now I still get my blood tested every three months to see what the virus is doing in my body. For the past 23 years, I have been doing this! Twenty three years ago, I remember getting "tested" every other month. During one stint, I was getting my blood tested every month. That was a bummer.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65494/i-get-tested-too.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:02:00 GMT In This Corner, the Scale http://www.thebody.com/content/65493/in-this-corner-the-scale.html Well, there you see it ... the scale! Most women have some ongoing love/hate relationship with their scales. Add HIV or AIDS to the equation, and you get a whole 'nutha dynamic. I have been talking and writing off an on about my struggle with my weight. And I must say again, that it is not really MY struggle, but other people's struggle with where THEY think I should be as far as weight goes.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65493/in-this-corner-the-scale.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:01:00 GMT My Lizzy, Me and HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/65492/my-lizzy-me-and-hiv.html When I was thinking about moving here about 10 years ago, to attend seminary, my first concern was: where am I going to receive medical care. I reached out to someone here, who referred me to Philadelphia Fight ... and I met Lizzy, and we have hung tough for almost 9 years!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65492/my-lizzy-me-and-hiv.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT I Yam What I Yam! http://www.thebody.com/content/65445/i-yam-what-i-yam.html Hi Everybody! I am excited to become one of "thebody.com" bloggers on this site. I come here often and have been checking out a lot of your blogs, and you folks are pretty amazing! I have been around the "proverbial block of cyber-land" for many years now. I remember when "Prodigy" was the one of the first online services, the other was CompuServe. I have belonged to many online groups AND a majority of online personals sites, and one of the first things they always ask is for you to provide a short intro about who you are. It has always been a headache.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65445/i-yam-what-i-yam.html aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:45:00 GMT