Tag: emotions

“Nagatives”

Donna Hutcherson

“ I lift my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth” -PSALM 121:1-2 NIV

In the midst of “normal“ living, thoughts we don’t want to have will intrude upon our minds, often at the most opportune times. Melancholy, fear, disappointment, anger, loneliness, sorrow – negative thoughts – which, left unchecked, would bring us down, mentally and emotionally at first, and physically if we allow them to rule. Often coming in a barrage, these “nagatives” tend to worm their way into our consciousness, trying to grab us by their repetition.

Once you recognize this attack on your mind, it is wise to start your own counterattack with truth – simple and forthright statements that you can repeat at will. “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 42:6) gives us direction to quiet ourselves and recognize Who really is in control. Your situation- or that of world events- is NO SURPRISE to God. And He will give you direction if you will only quiet yourself enough to listen. That takes PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. How do you conquer the “mountain” in front of you? One step at a time. Practice listening for the details of that next step. I can’t help thinking that if I were blind, or in the darkness of night in a strange place, that I would listen VERY carefully to the one guiding me through that darkness. We need to practice listening for God’s direction, no matter how or through whom He sends it.

During my study of the brain after Dale’s stroke, I recalled a short and simple video by Dr. Phil Parker that we both had seen on NEUROPLASTICITY, the ability for the brain to change itself. This truth was key in helping Dale to develop new neural pathways, yet we had first learned of it in regard to changing our personal habits. I’ve included a link to this 90-second video below and suggest you watch it. You will be encouraged that you can change your thinking habits and overcome the “nagatives” that you face.

https://youtu.be/tJ93qXXYRpU

Steps to changing your thinking habits:

  • Recognize nagatives.
  • Quiet yourself.
  • Speak aloud simple truths.
  • Listen for the next step.
  • Take that next step.
  • Practice, practice, practice

Get help if needed. You are not alone. Oftentimes we need the support and encouragement of others just to take that next step. Know who’s on your team and ask for help.

Thank you, Father for Your plans for us and for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 29:11, John 14:26 ESV)

Casting Crowns “Voice of Truth”
https://youtu.be/enxca57LiVU

A Time for Tears

Donna Hutcherson

Weeping. Crying. Sobbing. Wailing. Viable grief, mourning, sorrow; we are emotional beings…for our good. “a time to weep” -Ecclesiastes 3:3 ESV

Tears often make an appearance suddenly, unplanned…and often not preferred. We all cried as babies, but as we grew to adulthood, social stigmas were taught or learned, implying that crying — particularly at work or in public, or in men– is something to be avoided, ashamed of, or is a sign of weakness. Medical research proves the opposite: emotional tears have been found to eliminate stress hormones and other toxins from the body. Crying also stimulates the production of endorphins, our body’s natural pain killers and “feel-good” hormones, bringing physical and mental relief. Many years ago I learned to give free rein to tears for my own mental and physical health after experiencing chronic back pain. Through the medical truths presented in Dr. John Sarno’s book “Healing Back Pain”, I addressed issues that I had repressed for years. Tears came, I allowed them, and at that point found the release and relief that accompanied crying and positively affected my physical being.

As a caregiver, many situations provoke emotional tears: loss, sorrow, grief for your loved one, compassion, frustration, weariness, being overwhelmed, exhaustion, to name a few. You will also face times that you cannot give way to crying – in emergencies when things happen too quickly, when you need to make immediate decisions, or even when your crying would hamper the emotional well-being of your loved one or halt the progress of their therapy. However, when tears and emotions are repressed, you will find they will surface later in some way and often “out of the blue”. At those times, it is wise to give yourself a time to grieve, allowing the memories to surface and the tears to flow, developing the strength and self-awareness to cry. Doing so will aid in the process of resolving your sadness and grief as well as preventing depression.

If you personally still need permission to yield to tears, then consider that permission is granted – from your Creator, your Heavenly Father, as He created you. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” -John 8:32 ESV. We are free to be all God created us to be, unashamed and without fear of anyone’s reactions, judgment or retribution. Truth states there is a time for everything under heaven (read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) and Truth is that Jesus wept and He is our example (John 11:35). As we yield to God as Lord of our emotions, the very emotions He created in us, we can freely give rein to tears, knowing His Lordship will undergird us with peace and those tearful moments will be just that –moments, although at times they may seem never-ending – and they will serve His purpose in us and in others, even if we never know to what extent.

Thank you, Father, for tears – cleansing, healing, releasing our overflowing emotions, and that You know us inside and out. (Psalm 139:1-18 ESV)

SONG LINK:
Mandisa “Just Cry”
https://youtu.be/pxvnVa-dGT8