The Health Repair Ladder: A Faith-Based Guide for Christian Women
- Yvonne B
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 18
As Christian women, we carry many responsibilities—nurturing our families, serving our communities, and caring for those God has entrusted to us. But in the midst of pouring out, we often forget that we, too, need tending. Scripture tells us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Caring for our health is not vanity—it’s stewardship.
One concept that beautifully captures this truth is the Health Repair Ladder, a teaching explained in Shonda Parker’s The Naturally Healthy Woman. The ladder is a simple yet powerful picture of how we approach wellness: beginning with the gentlest, most foundational practices and climbing upward only when necessary. Each rung has its place, but the wisdom comes in knowing where to begin.
🪜 First Rung: Physical Medicine – Food, Rest, & Lifestyle
At the base of the ladder are God’s simple, everyday gifts—food, water, rest, movement, and sunlight. This is where health begins. Often, illnesses and imbalances can be addressed by:
Eating whole, nourishing foods that reduce inflammation.
Getting restorative sleep allows the body to heal.
Staying hydrated with clean water and mineral-rich broths.
Engaging in gentle movement, stretching, or walking.
Allowing time in nature and sunlight for mood and hormonal balance.
👉 Shonda Parker reminds us that many health concerns can be resolved right here, without needing to climb higher.
🪜 Second Rung: Botanical Medicine – Herbs & Natural Remedies
The next rung reminds us of the healing power God built into His creation. Scripture says,
“Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you;” (Genesis 1:29).
Herbs, teas, tinctures, poultices, and essential oils can be safe, effective ways to support balance and recovery.
Herbal teas for calming nerves or aiding digestion.
Tinctures that support immunity or hormone balance.
Topical oils for skin healing or pain relief.
💡 While gentle, herbs are still medicine and should be used with knowledge, prayer, and respect.
🪜 Third Rung: Targeted Supplementation
Sometimes our food supply, stress, or life stage leaves us depleted. Supplements can restore what is lacking. Examples include:
Magnesium and B vitamins for energy, mood, and cramps.
Iron for women experiencing heavy cycles.
Omega-3s for brain and hormonal health.
Shonda Parker emphasizes that supplements should complement—not replace—wholesome nutrition. They are a bridge to restore balance where diet alone cannot meet needs.
🌿 Quick pause! Want to know which supplement is right for you? 👉 [Take the Quick Assessment here.]
🪜 Fourth Rung: Pharmaceuticals – When More Support is Needed
The rung above botanical medicines is pharmaceuticals. These can be lifesaving, but they also carry risks. Rather than rejecting them out of fear or relying on them too quickly, the goal is to seek prayerful discernment and wise counsel.
Medications may be necessary for infections, chronic illness, or acute pain.
Side effects and long-term impact must be considered. (Take the free Just the Insert Training Course)
Stewardship means weighing risks against benefits.
Shonda Parker encourages us not to fear pharmaceuticals, but to use them responsibly and as needed—never as our only answer, but as one of many God-given tools.
I want to interrupt your reading—take the Medicine Nutrient Depletion Assessment and start moving down the Ladder of Health! [Start Now →]
🪜 Fifth Rung: Surgery & High Intervention
At the top rung is surgery or advanced interventions. These are higher risk, but sometimes unavoidable. God has given wisdom to surgeons and physicians for times of crisis.
Surgery may be needed to repair, remove, or save life in urgent cases.
Emergency care is a blessing, and we can thank God for skilled professionals.
This level is not where we begin, but it is a rung we may climb when every other step has been exhausted or time is too short.
🌸 The Ladder as a Journey of Stewardship
What I love about the Health Repair Ladder (as Shonda Parker teaches) is that it helps us see health not as a quick fix, but as a journey. We don’t always stay on one rung—sometimes we climb up in a crisis, and then we climb back down, returning to food, herbs, and lifestyle for ongoing care.
The beauty of this approach is that it gives us confidence:
Confidence that God has equipped us with food and herbs for daily wellness.
Confidence to seek medical care when needed without fear or guilt.
Confidence to trust God’s provision at every level.
✨ Reflection Questions for You ✨
Which rung of the ladder are you currently using the most?
Do you lean too heavily on the upper rungs—or avoid them altogether out of fear?
How can you bring your health journey before God in prayer this week?
If you are at any rung—especially the top 2 rungs—I recommend joining the 40 Days to Replenish Guided Online Challenge to begin the process of moving down the Ladder of Health! 👉[Join the Challenge →]
💖 Sister, health is not about control—it’s about stewardship. Whether through food, herbs, or surgery, may we walk in wisdom, using every tool God has provided for our good and His glory.
Health Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health changes.
📺 To learn more, watch the video below!
🙏 May your faith make you well.
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