You're Not Alone if You're a Bit Fearful . . . or You're Freaking Out

If you're reading this, I'm guessing you've experienced some level of apprehension, worry, fear, or anxiety in the last few weeks.

If you haven't, please check your pulse.

These thoughts and emotions are perfectly normal, understandable, and completely valid given what we are journeying through.  It's important that we are free to name our emotions without shame or blame or guilt, to acknowledge they've come calling, and then make healthy choices with where we go from there.

We don't let emotions run the show or call the shots, but we do acknowledge their presence and their potential power to hold us hostage.  We are wise enough to listen to what they whisper and sometimes shout so that we can take pro-active action to channel them into becoming strengths.

Lest we think we're bad Christians or people of little faith because fear has crept in, let's dispel that lie once and for all.  God has shaped us, created us, and loves us deeply.  He fully knows our frailties and fragilities as well as the places where we are courageous and full of strength.

No, the spirit of fear isn't from Him.  We can make a series of continual proactive choices to give our fears in their various shapes and forms back to Him whenever they make their most unwelcome appearance.

HE EMPOWERS US

Right now we know that we have little control over much of what is happening to us and to our world.  It's not uncommon to feel powerless ... which can easy morph into hopelessness and believing we are victims.  God changes that for us.  He empowers us with wisdom, discernment, insight, solid decision making skills.  He allows us to set boundaries, to make a series of choices each day that have the potential to lead us into healthier places in body, mind, and soul.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. 

{2 Peter 1:3}

HE INFUSES US WITH LOVE

As we connect with God throughout the day, He infuses us with the necessary love {and patience and grace and sense of humor} to love each other well, especially when the four walls are closing in on us.  Shifting our focus upward and outward, we are less prone to be self-absorbed, defensive, petty, and small.  We are more eager to build each other up.  Encourage each other.  Reach out.  Go the second mile.

Perfect love casts out fear. 

{1 John 4:18}

HE GIVES US SANITY

There's no doubt that depression and anxiety will increase in our general population during this crisis with all its unnerving and traumatic pronouncements, life-shaking changes, decisions, and tragic losses ... most specifically for those of us on the exhausting front lines of battle or those with a genetic propensity or past experiences with these illnesses. 

Symptoms of depression

Symptoms of anxiety

Brain health issues are not a spiritual flaw, they are a physical disease that must be addressed by a doctor.  If you're experiencing depression or anxiety, pick up your phone and call your physician right now.  Or call 911 if you're in crisis.  There is no shame in reaching out for help, in fact it is vital.  The building of a sound mind allows us to live out our God-given empowerment and call to love with healthy bodies and eager hearts.

O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit.

{Psalm 30:3}

Let's talk ...

Linda

P.S. 
Please read ⇨  Because We've Gotta Kick Fear to the Curb

P.S.S.
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Mary & Lisa