Discovering what life has in store is always difficult, especially when life has sent us twists and turns, ups and downs, tragedy and seeming defeats! Knowing what to do and how to process these stressors can be valuable, if not essential.
Let us begin by saying acknowledging the issues and facing the stressors is first and foremost in recovery and discovery. The practice of denying the truth of a circumstance is a common defense, but one that has little positive return. Procrastination is when it is Wednesday and we say we did it on Thursday; fancy way to avoid certain consequences.
It can help to acknowledge the events and the stressors if we have a regular and comforting support system. Our culture is independent and more isolated than ever before. It is a good thing to have a regular accountability system, a friend or colleague who will support you and ask the difficult and challenging questions! It is of little value when this confidant is accommodating and pleasant and unable or unwilling to ask and push you to self awareness and honesty. The truth is we don't and won't often establish this type of relationship. If we wish to do so, we must see the advantage and benefit it brings us. I hope you will.
Article Photos
Rev. Bob Edwards
This relationship then facilitates you facing the acknowledgment of the stress and then the willingness to own the "stuff" and to claim personal responsibility for the resolution and outcome of the growth wanted and needed for life to go on joyfully. Owning the stress helps us to work with the ever-present want to blame others or situations or events for the stressors. It is the city's fault It is my wife's fault!
The resolution comes in listing the problems, listing the possible solutions, keeping the focus on the problems, not the people and then choosing the best course and giving that solution a try!
After we acknowledge, own and take responsibility, the last and hoped conclusion is in believing that resolution is not only likely, but imminent. The power of the positive, when it is believed, is documented and very convincing.
Fact Box
Reflections, a mini-sermon written by Minot and area clergy, will appear each Saturday in The Minot Daily News. Clergy interested in writing a mini-sermon should contact Religion Editor Loretta Johnson at 857-1952 or toll-free number at 1-800-735-3229.
To begin the process of discovering the time and truth of the world that we are forced to live in, we must believe in ourselves and believe that it is finding resolution. Live in the now and believe in the future, as you trust God and the process.
I hope this is helpful. If you need more or want a cup of coffee to learn more, give me a call at 833-8907. In the meantime, peace and live up in a down world! Shalom!
Rev. Bob Edwards is president of Upward Living Ministries in Minot.