Healing Begins In Your Heart and In Your Home! Part 1
July 20, 2018 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health
~ Healing Begins in Your Heart and Your Home! ~
Part 1
CHRIST CAME TO SET US FREE!
“It is for FREEDOM that CHRIST has set us FREE. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened with a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5
Seven IF’s to healing your heart and home!
IF You really want healing to begin seek the LORD above ALL else. You cannot change what has been, but YOU CAN start afresh TODAY.
IF You want to start healing this next generation think about what you do and say in front of them. Apologize for what has been and help them get to a better place. It’s never too late to start anew.
IF You raised, or are raising your children by yelling, screaming and cussing at them guess what? They will probably do the same thing. They will seek to dominate and control others…
IF You hit them upside the head and slap them in the mouth; guess what? You are instilling anger within them. You are making them a slave to sin. This is not all appropriate or necessary. It is more a reflection of your lack of self-control than their behavior.
IF You are beating them to death; guess what? You are really, actually beating the natural life out of them. You are replacing it will stress, anger, hate, insecurity, and rage. You are actually shutting them down and causing them to become violent and pushing them towards seeking physical hitting and abusive ways that create even more inner conflict. This further serves to give them poor coping skills which makes them feel unloved. It sets up an inner unhealthy emotional environment that welcomes addictions and very little self control. To name a few; Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Overeating, Undereating, Promiscuity, Homosexuality, Adultery, Fornication, Unfaithfulness, Stealing, Lying, Fighting and Violence. These are just a few of the results… Their way of being is now obsessing and learning to dominate and control rather than exercise Self-Control and become FREE!
IF You are calling them out of their name, talking bad about everyone else and constantly putting them down: guess what? You are helping them have an identity crisis as well as low self-esteem… They will see themselves as you express yourself to them. They will have poor opinions of others as well. They also will feel lesser than, rather than equal too. Children are NOT your slaves or possessions and should not be treated as so regardless of race, creed or color… Teach them respect by being respectful.
The Good News is;
You can become FREE! You can begin to heal your heart and home!
IF You have done none of the above; guess what? There is still room for self improvement. As long as the Lord has us on this side of heaven it is to grow in His Grace. God really can help you build and establish a healthy, loving, safe, balanced as well as fun secure living environment. A place for all to grow and flourish. But, you just have to be willing to put in the time and effort. Always invite the presence of the Lord all around you. Your home enviroment will be whatever you make it. When you are truly willing to make some changes there are unlimited possibilities… Get busy!
Christ Jesus overcame, sin, death and the grave so we could live better well-rounded lives. True success is inclusive of obeying God and daily embracing His principles.
Know God and His Word for yourself. God really does have a purpose and plan for each of our lives. But it is your choice to daily seek him above the ways of this world. “DRAW NIGH TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU!”
There IS ALWAYS HOPE in the LORD! Together you can move forward towards healing. You really can be healed, delivered, restored and set FREE!
“Greater IS HE that is within you than he that is in the world…”
http://alpha7.org/2018/07/20/healing-begins-in-your-heart-and-your-home-part-2/
Grief – (Grieving Is Emotionally Painful) Part 1
December 28, 2009 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health
Whenever you or a love one experiences a traumatic situation, significant loss, serious illness or death it is normal to experience grief.
There are many other types of losses that occur in life that can result in grief as well. Recovery issues, divorce, relationship issues, addiction, disappointment, financial harships, relocation, career change, natural disasters as well as a miscarriage or abortion can all trigger one to experience a significant degree of grief. We are experiencing worldwide a plethora of adverse climatic weather conditions, pestilence & plagues. This has resulted in a multitude of personal loses. Lives, homes, businesses, possessions, and mental wellbeing has been greatly impacted. The initial reaction to any of the above is usually shock accompanied by a feeling of numbness.
Find solace in GOD while you are grieving
Grief can often result in one feeling a deep sense of overwhelming depression, anger, fear, anxiety, hopelessness and or abandonment. It is also possible to ask “why me?” Anger and resentment may result in feelings of ambivalence. Initially the above symptoms are natural. The passing of time is a partial salve that can and will eventually anesthetize your deep pain.
If you are a Christian, finding solace in God’s Word during grief is a great resource to help you maneuver through a plethora of emotions. It is during grief you can actually learn to embrace God’s spiritual comfort. The deep void that one experiences during grief is often unexplainable. So if you don’t feel like talking try spending some quiet time with God. Truly the Lord can help you rise to a level of Joy despite the grief that besets your soul.
Make it a point to not intrude upon the privacy of others.
As you truly and earnestly seek God who is the ultimate “Comforter” you can experience His abiding presence. If you are a believer you should know that God’s Word is true. Not some of it but all of it. His promise to “never leave us nor forsake us” must be faithfully embraced in your hour of need. Only He can give you; “His Peace that surpasses the understanding of man.”
Grieving is an emotionally painful process
Allowing the one that is grieving to talk freely about how they are feeling is healthy and consoling. Many become depressed and can have a deep sense of guilt. There are two types of guilt; normal and neurotic guilt. Neurotic guilt is based on unrealistic expectations or situations. Deep depression is actually disappointments, and or unresolved anger turned inwardly. This has begun to burden down their soul. It must be faced in order to begin the healing process…
It is healthy to allow yourself or them the freedom to talk about their love one, issue or situation at hand. It is a choice to move towards healing.
Enabling is never healthy. Allowing them to work through their emotions by being there for them or encouraging them to be active is a good thing. Timing and sensitivity is key. Taking a walk, run or go jogging may even be relaxing and release some inner tension. During an opportune moment try telling them a humorous story or a funny joke can help lift their spirit momentarily.
Encourage them in their walk with the Lord
If they don’t already have a relationship with the Lord seek appropriate moments to introduce them to the Lord. Helping them to freely express their feelings and concerns are healthy. Remember everyone is different. Just because you do not see them crying does not mean they are not grieving. Some people elect to privately grieve. Sometimes just doing nothing momentarily is good.
Just being there helps. There are times they prefer to just be alone. Don’t force yourself into their private moments. Check in on them when led. A good friend will be patient, sensitive, caring and compassionate and understanding at this time. Again, just knowing you are there for them can be a great sense of comfort.
During the holidays when there are many festive celebrations this can also be a reminder to many of their time of loss. After the holidays pass and all the seasonal excitement has dissipated there may be a resurgence of grief. This too is a natural response. Again try to allow yourself to think of some of the happier times you shared together.
Freely cry when necessary yet do not become overwhelmed and allow it to pull you in a deep depression. The tears will help to naturally relieve your soul of pressure. Reach out to someone you trust when you feel yourself going in a deep dark place. Depression and sickness can be spawned in the midst of grief. Emotional pain when not dealt with properly can trigger physical illness. Where, what and whom you focus on will make a world of difference.
GOD still has a purpose for you
In spite of all the painful things that can happen or has happened in life, there is always something good to think about. God still has you here for a purpose. Some days you might have to take it a moment at a time. Again, please allow yourself to think about some of the cheerful experiences you shared with your love ones. God tells us in Ecclesiastes that there is a time for everything. Although painful suffering is a part of life. You can make it though this. Just think if we did not know sorrow how would we know joy?
Life can be difficult at times
This may be the last thing you want to hear. But their time on this side of Heaven has expired. They have lived their life here on earth. Your love one is really in a much better place. They have actually transcended suffering. They have moved on to Heavenly Eternal Life to experience ultimate healing if they are believers. If not pray fervently for their souls… Just maybe in their lasts moments they choose to accept Christ Jesus into their hearts. When you focus on God you can have joy even in the midst of your grieving. This is why it is so important to develop an intimate daily ongoing personal relationship with Him. This way you can be sure of where you will spend eternity. You can also ejoice knowing; You will see them again.
God does not take pleasure in seeing us suffer. He too knows the ultimate suffering. Remember when HE allowed HIS sinless SON CHRIST JESUS to die on the cross for the sins of the world? So yes, cry when sorrow besets your soul. But look to the Lord the “Author & Finisher of your Faith” to help you through it. He can help you do what seems impossible.
Grief and sorrow are a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. When they disobeyed they chose sin, death and grief as a way of life for mankind. This is why it is important to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Because of His death and resurrection we now have direct access to the Father.