Crises. We all have them from the time we’re born until the day we die. When we were young we had little crises—remember elementary school when you missed the school bus or forgot your permission slip to go on a field trip? At the time it was a crisis, but fortunately one we all lived through and adjusted to quickly. As a teenager you probably remember your first date that flopped, a not-so-good school event, a job you were fired from or your first car accident, all bigger crises. The list grows the older we get; life is full of crises, and if you’ve been fortunate enough to dodge some of the bigger ones, consider yourself blessed.

If you’re mature and have a few years behind you, I’m sure you’ve experienced a crisis or two that really rocked your world. It happens, but, I hope, you were able to get through it with the help of friends and family. I remember when my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor twenty-five years ago and needed surgery. His doctor told us the tumor was probably not malignant but said, even so, brain surgery is risky and we should get his personal business in order prior to the operation. Let me tell you, this rocked my dad’s world! I still remember praying with him before surgery and telling him how much I loved, him just in case we never spoke again. Fortunately, it went well that time, but two years later he had another brain tumor that required surgery and this time the outcome was less than good, leaving him with a stroke and paralysis on his left side. Again his world was rocked! Overnight he became physically challenged, losing the ability to talk clearly, walk or even stand by himself. I don’t know if my dad had suicidal thoughts, but he did struggle with depression. Back then there were very few books about suicidal thoughts or self-help books on depression. My mother was a real trooper, taking care of my dad, and after months of physical and occupational therapy, a leg brace, prayer, love and dedication, he was walking and talking again.

Having our individual worlds upset and at times actually rocked is normal. The emotional impact to us may vary depending on the circumstances and our faith. As we go through these crises we grow and as we pray and experience God’s comfort our faith also grows. I’m still amazed when God shows up in a circumstance that has rocked my world and calms all my anxiety by flooding my heart with peace. It’s as though I hear His voice saying it’s all going to be fine, trust me, and I do and it does turn out fine. I’m not saying it’s always easy or this calmness comes in one hour or even in one day; I’m just saying it does come. God is good—no, He’s very good—and He loves you and me in good times, crises and even when our worlds are rocked.

Make a Difference

Between 1999 and 2015 suicide rates in the U.S. increased 24% according to an article in the Wall Street Journal on April 22, 2016. The growing numbers in every age group are alarming. The World Health Organization estimates there are 1,000,000 suicides a year, with that number expected to double by the year 2020.

Why? All the statistics show the increase but offer very little information as to why that number is growing. You and I could probably list many reasons why we think suicides are on the rise, but the fact is they have increased and those who compile the statistics predict they will continue. How sad! I’m not willing to read an article or see a statistic and accept the trend without trying to do something to alter the trend.
I know we’re talking about a worldwide epidemic; however, with all the technology available I believe something can be done. If a video posted on YouTube can reach millions of viewers in a matter of a couple days, then so can the message “Suicide is Not a Solution.” With the availability of self-help books on suicidal thoughts, books on depression and spiritual guides for depression, clinics available to help those suffering, associations dedicated to the prevention of suicide and chat rooms for those who suffer or struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide, there are practically unlimited resources for people to get necessary help.
The Internet is loaded with information, and more people today than ever have access to the web. There are over fifty search engines worldwide, giving those suffering access to the information that can help them. We lose enough people through disease, terrorist attacks, accidents, and crime without suicide becoming a growing contributor.
In the U.S. military the loss of men and women to suicide is higher than deaths from enemy fire and accidents! This is a huge social problem and it’s time something is done about it.

Through my research and discussions about Don’t Jump! It’s Only a Bump I discovered that suicide has touched many if not most households, but it’s something people don’t like to talk about. I agree it’s a very sad topic because it appears there is very little we can do about it. But something can be done!
The Jason Foundation is a proactive group getting Congress to write laws state by state requiring teachers to undergo training to help them identify teenagers with suicide tendencies and help them. This is one of many organizations.
Depression is very real and affects millions of people. Let’s reach out and help those suffering. Encourage them to seek professional help. There are many self-help books available about depression. Churches provide many different services for individuals and groups suffering from depression, addictions, abuse—the list goes on and on.

There’s no simple solution that fits every circumstance, but one thing for sure if we choose to do nothing and accept the current trend is that the suicide rate will continue to rise. However, if we collectively make an effort I believe we can change the trend. I also believe helping those who suffer so that by giving them HOPE of better days ahead they will develop a reason to want to live. Life is wonderful even with its difficulties.

The abundant life is within reach through Jesus Christ! Hope of a good life and eternal life is available to all. Suggestion: read the Bible and pray. You and I can make a difference. Spend some money and time, and love those hurting.

Emancipation Day is a holiday in Washington, D.C., to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act, which President Abraham Lincoln signed on April 16, 1862. The holiday is held annually on April 16.

Today we celebrate 154 years since the “Emancipation Declaration” was signed and placed into law.

I recently saw the movie “Lincoln” and was moved, feeling very proud of being an American and sad at the same time. I was proud because of the freedom we all have and the battles fought over the past centuries to gain and maintain that freedom. I was sad because I realize that today’s political climate is all about taking away our freedoms and regulating every citizen to the nth degree. The Emancipation was signed with the purpose of freedom, declaring that ALL people are created equal. Let’s continue to fight for our freedoms. As a nation, we need to stand up and elect representatives who share our dreams and goals of independence and personal rights. The USA is a great country made up of people of all races with different political, religious and personal views. Our differences are what we all have in common, which makes us special if not unique.

So much for political freedom. Let’s talk about emotional freedom. Why do we insist on carrying so much emotional baggage? When we travel, our luggage is on wheels purposely designed to lighten our load and make moving faster and easier. Once we’re in the airport, every piece is transported by cart or conveyor, so we enjoy our traveling experience and come back in fine spirits. Emotional scars can be extremely burdensome and limiting; similar to travel baggage, they can feel bulky and heavy, minimizing our full potential.

In 1862 President Lincoln basically said the time had come; the Civil War was being fought, men and women were dying, family and country were dysfunctional, so he put his foot down and said now is the time to end slavery, and I won’t accept anything less! It took hard work and many difficult decisions, but his determination prevailed.

I’m encouraging you to put your foot down and say today is the start of your personal “emancipation,” the end of your being a slave and the start of your getting free. Quit hauling all the emotional baggage from one day to the next. Start dropping the bags one at a time. If they don’t improve your day or mood or outlook, drop them. What happened yesterday, last month or last year is in the past, which is a good place to leave it. Take a deep breath and let it go. Focus and put your all into the day; when you do, the day will repay your effort, giving you great results.

Start fresh and improve your body, mind and soul. Eat better, exercise, let go of the past and start reading the Bible. Emancipation!

Proverbs 3:1 says: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.”

Friends
I’m not talking about the TV show called “Friends”; however, my topic is similar. I remember when I was in the second grade, my school teacher was trying to help our class remember what letter comes first, “i” or “e,” when spelling “friend.” She shared a little phrase with the class that I still remember today and use to make sure I spell “friend” correctly. The phrase goes like this: “A true friend is a friend until the end,” and the word “end” is the last three letters of the word “friend.”

How many true friends do you have? I hope many and that you continue to make new friends. “Experts” claim that due to our mobile society the average person changes his or her portfolio of friends every ten to twelve years. If this is accurate, then friends don’t last to the end anymore, which is a sad fact, or at minimum a sad statement.

Let’s talk about a friend to the end. A friend to the end is someone who will be at your side through good times and bad to the very last moment. When you have money and when you don’t. If you need cash they’re ready to lend you $50 or $100 because they know you’re good for it. Your friends are someone you can talk to about anything because they can relate and they really care. When you’re feeling your best or your worst, friends to the end are just a phone call or text away.

In the Bible, Proverbs Chapter 17:17, we read: “A friend loves at all times,” which describes the heart of a friend. Friendships can be difficult to cultivate and develop sometimes, but don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. Proverbs 24:24 says, “A man that has friends must show himself friendly,” which encourages us to display the same traits and characteristics we would like to see in a friend. The verse continues to say, “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” I believe this suggests that Jesus Christ is that friend that sticks closer than a brother. There are times when we are so discouraged, lost, hurting, lonely, confused or depressed that we can’t even begin to share ourselves with someone else. The “friend that sticks closer than a brother,” Jesus Christ, is the friend we can call upon and with whom we can share what’s in our heart and mind. When we talk to Jesus openly, honestly and sincerely about our needs, amazing changes begin to develop. Like most friendships, the more we discuss and share, the greater the friendship. Jesus wants to be your friend . . . your friend to the end!

Worry Free

 

Don’t Worry. Stamp it out! What If?

 

The knot in your stomach continues to gnaw at you as you worry about all the contingencies in your life.

 

Worry………..…Worry………….…Worry … does it ever stop?

 

What if this or that happens? The possibilities are endless.

 

Ask yourself what is gained by worrying about all the different possibilities? Anxiety grows the more you worry and dwell on all the “what ifs” that can affect your life. Why dwell on them and what is gained by all your worrying. Anxiety is like a snowball going downhill it grows and grows in size until it overwhelms and consumes you. Worry creates anxiety which eventually steals your zealousness and joy of life. Worry never solves any of your problems or circumstances in your life.

I remember one time I set up a doctor appointment because I was suffering from some lower stomach pain. The symptoms had me concerned because they all pointed towards me having something very serious, so naturally I was extremely worried. When I discussed my symptoms with my doctor he immediately set up test which started the same afternoon. My doctor was concerned; I saw it in his face and heard it in his voice. My mind was racing as I rehearsed again and again what I would say to my wife. I was worried, my kids were ages ten and fifteen how was I going tell them and what would I do? This was ten years ago and fortunately all test came back negative but I still remember how worried I was and nothing came of my worrying. Even if my test would of comeback positive the worrying would not have changed my circumstances.

So why do we worry? It’s exhausting and a waste of a tremendous amount of time and energy. We look ahead thinking of all the events in our life and strategize on how we will be effected and what can we do to improve the outcomes this is normal and not a bad process. There is fine line between being prepared and worrying. Being prepared by rational thoughts and process can actually improve our lives and those around us.

 

Don’t worry!      Quit fretting!

 

Fear causes us to worry: the fear of not knowing what the future holds or maybe fear because we do know what the future holds. Here’s an example of both types; if I get a speeding ticket and it’s due to going way over the speed limit so much over the limit I have to appear in court before a judge. My first fear which is known is the judge is going to reprimand me in front of others for breaking the law and being irresponsible my second fear is the amount of my fine or sentence for breaking the law which is unknown. Some fear is naturally good such as the fear we experience when we find ourselves in a dangerous situation such as crossing a busy street, climbing ladder or riding a bicycle due to the level of fear we are very careful. These fears we usually don’t worry about because we have confidence in having a positive outcome so why not have the same confidence in the uncertain circumstances that turn into fear?

 

Confidence comes from experience, experience comes from doing, doing comes from overcoming fear and overcoming comes from faith in God.

 

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

 

When you find yourself losing sleep because of worry the solution is… seek the Lord, very simple. Read your Bible and Pray!