Is the Ribbon Enough?

My Early Strength

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

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.

Is Your Church Testing for HIV?

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Thu, 5 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT

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.

I'm Swallowing as Fast as I Can

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Wed, 4 Apr 2012 09:59:00 GMT

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!

Celebration of Life Womens Support Groups vs the Church Ugh!

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:46:00 GMT

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.

Do You Wear the Ribbon?

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:44:00 GMT

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.

A Leper Colony by Any Other Name

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Mon, 5 Mar 2012 08:57:00 GMT

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 ...

This Is My Body, Given for You

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMT

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.

I Get Tested Too!

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:02:00 GMT

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.

In This Corner, the Scale

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:01:00 GMT

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.

My Lizzy, Me and HIV

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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!

I Yam What I Yam!

aftertheribbon@gmail.com (Rev. Andrena Ingram) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:45:00 GMT

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.