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Speaking the Truth in Agape Love
“…..speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 Speaking the truth in love is to share our thoughts and feelings in a way that is kind and compassionate. We do need to love others and maintain our integrity at the same time by honestly sharing truth. If our goal is to clear the air or selfishly get things off our chest, we most likely have not spoken in love. In these instances it is exceedingly easy to harm or belittle; for our goal should be that what we share benefits the…
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Total Trust
What do you do as a Christian when life throws you an incredibly mind-blowing turn of events—something that is startling, terrifying, and completely unexpected? Buddhism offers a concept referred to as radical acceptance. Radical acceptance involves accepting reality as it is. It does not mean that you agree with the situation; rather, that you cease fighting the reality of the situation. It is what it is. This does not mean that you judge the situation as good. It does mean that acceptance is the only way out of this current state. When, in the moment, a thought of the problem enters the mind, the moment is to be tolerated. The…
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Bible Study & Scripture, bible study insights, Christian Living, Faith & Transformation, Identity in Christ, Spiritual Growth
SELF TALK: Renewing Your Mind in a Broken World
CH 3 – It’s a Crazy World Understand and take courageWe all expect living in this world to be life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, this is incorrect. It is a wild ride. This world is crazy, full of cracks, flaws, unsound, and way off. The Bible refers to the crazy world as the “World System.” The World System is judged by God and it has a ruler, the Devil. John 12:31 – You will have tribulation in this World System. John 16:33 – Satan has help in causing tribulation. These are fallen angels that were cast out of heaven with him when he rebelled. (Revelation 12:7–9) The…
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Bible Study & Scripture, Biblical Encouragement, Christian Living, Faith & Transformation, Mindset & Discipleship, Renewing the Mind, Romans 12:2 Insights, Spiritual Growth, Trials and Suffering, Truth & Identity in Christ
What Does It Mean to Be Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind?
The phrase “transformed by the renewing of the mind” is found in Romans 12:2. One of the first of Paul’s exhortations in this letter to the church in Rome was to be renewed in their minds: “ Do not be conformed to this world (any longer with its superficial values and customs), but be transformed and progressively changed (as you mature spiritually) by the renewing of your mind (focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His plan and purpose for you). (AMP) Paul is using the word world…
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Trials and Suffering
We all know that life is hard. Thank God, Jesus told us in this world we would have tribulation – great trials, hardship and suffering (John 16:33). He didn’t deceive us by letting us think otherwise. Both the Old and New Testament clearly give one account after another of the pain borne in this world. Reeling with the covid pandemic, the entire world endured affliction and death. Loved ones died. Many of us suffered through the ordeal and yet lived. However, reflecting on the last four years, my personal journey involved more suffering during that period: five surgeries, three other hospitalizations, and worst of all, the death of our 2-year-old…
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Bullying
Bullying is a form of emotional/verbal/psychological abuse that can affect people of any age. Often harder to prove due to lack of physical evidence, the fact remains that victims can be seriously damaged for life. Regardless of the person’s age, the following illustrations will hopefully emphasize the need for increased media exposure regarding this topic. Children are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves so often. Lightly supervised or unsupervised playgrounds in neighborhoods, schools, and recreation facilities are common breeding grounds for bullies to flourish. Mark is a 6-year-old boy who is currently in therapy with a child psychologist due to being bullied on his school playground. His specific bullying was…
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Emotional Abuse of Children
Parents and caregivers who emotionally abuse children do these children a massive amount of harm. Below, in a combined list by competent professionals, you will find the specific actions included in emotional abuse of children. Constant criticism Belittling—put-downs, name calling and intimidating body language Rejection Continuous yelling Committing violence against the child or even threatening violence Allowing the child to witness physical or emotional abuse of another Withholding love, support and guidance Neglecting basic needs Destruction of one’s pet or valued possession Threat of abandonment (including suicide) Not allowing the expression of anger or sadness therefore curtailing the development of the full range of emotions The above emotional abuse of…
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Abuse of Adults
Abuse is defined as any action that intentionally harms or injures another person. Let’s take a look at adult emotional abuse also known as verbal and/or psychological abuse. Emotional abuse is a pattern of actions meant to humiliate, insult, shame, and create fear in an individual in order to control and manipulate them. Growing weary and worn down, distorted thinking can affect the person’s reality, causing them to believe the abuse is their fault. At the extreme, they may actually believe they deserve the abusive treatment. This pattern can occur in parental relationships, with children, with the elderly, in romantic relationships, in work settings, and even in so-called friendships. Resultant…
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Subjugation and Abuse
When I refer to chronic subjugation, I am speaking about a psychological condition that manifests itself in an ongoing pattern of destructive and servant-like deference. This condition occurs through voluntary compliance; it is imposed not from without but from within. The heart cry of each of us is to be liked, accepted—yes, loved. Individuals may give in to chronic subjugation because they fear abandonment, rejection, retaliation, feel guilty, or simply have a hunger to please. Whatever the reason (and there are many), these individuals persistently place the opinions, preferences, values, desires, and needs of others before their own. This occurs so often that chronic subjugation slowly smothers those who practice…
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Stress and Anxiety
If stress and anxiety are extreme, they will hamper our daily functioning ability. Indeed, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders beset approximately 40 million adults a year. The most common mental health disorder in the US, anxiety can be classified as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. Eliminating known triggers of chronic anxiety is crucial. Thoughts, people, situations, and behaviors that send you into a panic attack are triggers to be observed and worked through. In addition, the feeling of powerlessness or loss of control can produce chronic anxiety. To prevent this from activating a panic attack, you…
Psychotherapist – National Board Certified – Licensed Professional Counselor