Past Emails
Confronting Myself
Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
The Challenge of Facing Our Pain
(This is a true story based on my life and my past)
I woke up screaming, “BOMB!!!” or so they told me. They were just pulling me out of anesthesia from back surgery, and I’d just broken the doctor’s nose. It seems that this was to be the first time someone told me I had violent night terrors. It would not be the last.
Night after night, I’d wake swimming in a sea of sweat, completely disoriented, not knowing if I was here, there, or actually in Hell. Were those monsters real, or was it me the whole time? Could they both be true?
Just the other day, I woke up in physical pain, my bicep throbbing. All I recalled was swinging to fend off my attacker and then waking with an actual manifestation of pain. As tears rolled down my face, I laughed hysterically as I realized I had landed the blow on myself. Fighting off my imaginary foe, I'd punched myself solidly in the bicep.
I laugh and cry writing this because I realize that it is often myself that causes me the most harm. It is often the unhealed, unaddressed things from my past that manifest themselves into pain for others and myself. It is now that I realize that it is the hurting who often hurt others.
Today, I invite you to ask yourself: Is there something you need to address causing you to hurt yourself or others?
Embracing the Struggle
Psalm 34:18 reminds us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. Our inner struggles, past traumas, and unaddressed pain can manifest in ways that harm ourselves and those around us. Recognizing this is the first step toward healing. The Lord is near, ready to heal and restore us if we are willing to confront our inner demons.
Inner, Outer, and Above
Inner (Mental and Emotional Fitness):
Healing begins within. Reflect on the areas of your life where you have unresolved pain or trauma. Seek professional help, confide in a trusted friend or counselor, and, most importantly, pray for your pain before God. Allow His presence to comfort and guide you through the healing process.
Outer (Physical Fitness):
Taking care of your physical well-being is essential in your healing journey. Exercise regularly and eat nutritious foods, even when it's the last thing you feel like doing. Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress, while proper nutrition supports overall health and resilience. These habits can help mitigate the physical manifestations of trauma and support your emotional and mental recovery.
Above (Devotion to God):
Our spiritual health deeply influences our overall well-being. Regularly spend time in prayer and scripture reading. Invite God into your healing process, asking for His guidance and comfort as you address past traumas. Allow His presence to fill your heart with peace and His wisdom to direct your steps. By leaning on God, you find the strength to heal and the courage to face each day with hope.
Faith and Fitness
Living with unresolved pain and trauma can lead to self-destructive behaviors and harm those around us. Addressing these issues is crucial for our well-being. Many conditions like IBS and chronic stress are rooted in untreated trauma. Exercise and eating well may often be what you least want to do, but they are precisely what your body and brain need. Incorporate these healthy habits into your healing journey, trusting that God will use them to restore your body and mind.
Prayer
Lord, we thank You for being close to the brokenhearted and saving those crushed in spirit. Help us to confront our inner demons and seek healing in Your presence. Give us the strength to persevere through the challenges of addressing our pain, trusting that You are at work in our lives. May our efforts honor You and reflect Your love and grace. Amen.
Confronting Myself
Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
The Challenge of Facing Our Pain
(This is a true story based on my life and my past)
I woke up screaming, “BOMB!!!” or so they told me. They were just pulling me out of anesthesia from back surgery, and I’d just broken the doctor’s nose. It seems that this was to be the first time someone told me I had violent night terrors. It would not be the last.
Night after night, I’d wake swimming in a sea of sweat, completely disoriented, not knowing if I was here, there, or actually in Hell. Were those monsters real, or was it me the whole time? Could they both be true?
Just the other day, I woke up in physical pain, my bicep throbbing. All I recalled was swinging to fend off my attacker and then waking with an actual manifestation of pain. As tears rolled down my face, I laughed hysterically as I realized I had landed the blow on myself. Fighting off my imaginary foe, I'd punched myself solidly in the bicep.
I laugh and cry writing this because I realize that it is often myself that causes me the most harm. It is often the unhealed, unaddressed things from my past that manifest themselves into pain for others and myself. It is now that I realize that it is the hurting who often hurt others.
Today, I invite you to ask yourself: Is there something you need to address causing you to hurt yourself or others?
Embracing the Struggle
Psalm 34:18 reminds us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. Our inner struggles, past traumas, and unaddressed pain can manifest in ways that harm ourselves and those around us. Recognizing this is the first step toward healing. The Lord is near, ready to heal and restore us if we are willing to confront our inner demons.
Inner, Outer, and Above
Inner (Mental and Emotional Fitness):
Healing begins within. Reflect on the areas of your life where you have unresolved pain or trauma. Seek professional help, confide in a trusted friend or counselor, and, most importantly, pray for your pain before God. Allow His presence to comfort and guide you through the healing process.
Outer (Physical Fitness):
Taking care of your physical well-being is essential in your healing journey. Exercise regularly and eat nutritious foods, even when it's the last thing you feel like doing. Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress, while proper nutrition supports overall health and resilience. These habits can help mitigate the physical manifestations of trauma and support your emotional and mental recovery.
Above (Devotion to God):
Our spiritual health deeply influences our overall well-being. Regularly spend time in prayer and scripture reading. Invite God into your healing process, asking for His guidance and comfort as you address past traumas. Allow His presence to fill your heart with peace and His wisdom to direct your steps. By leaning on God, you find the strength to heal and the courage to face each day with hope.
Faith and Fitness
Living with unresolved pain and trauma can lead to self-destructive behaviors and harm those around us. Addressing these issues is crucial for our well-being. Many conditions like IBS and chronic stress are rooted in untreated trauma. Exercise and eating well may often be what you least want to do, but they are precisely what your body and brain need. Incorporate these healthy habits into your healing journey, trusting that God will use them to restore your body and mind.
Prayer
Lord, we thank You for being close to the brokenhearted and saving those crushed in spirit. Help us to confront our inner demons and seek healing in Your presence. Give us the strength to persevere through the challenges of addressing our pain, trusting that You are at work in our lives. May our efforts honor You and reflect Your love and grace. Amen.