I Am New

Romans 15:13New International Version (NIV)13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

It's interesting that since 2001 when America was attacked, a record-setting percentage of Americans have been diagnosed with Major Depression and Anxiety.  I believe at the very heart of the problem is the insidious effects of unresolved trauma in the lives of people. Sadly, in the American culture, our tendency when bad things happen to us is to bury the pain down deep and not talk about it.  

I remember as a child listening to my mom tell me that she heard some bad news today, but she can't tell me about it.  She never did tell me. Coincidentally, she developed a heart condition that eventually lead to a serious life-altering stroke. Several years later she passed. 

I believe that nothing positive ever comes when we bury our pain. For many people, if we're not processing our inner hurts appropriately by seeking trusted listeners, then we're medicating it with alcohol, drugs, or both.  It doesn't make sense to me when we're feeling bad about something to consume something that is considered a depressant, but that is exactly what people are doing. Is it any wonder why the end result is the magnification of their pain and feeling a whole lot worse than they did before they consumed that stiff Vodka gimlet?  Is it also any wonder why it's easier to buy a bottle of alcohol in our alcohol consumed society than it is to seek mental health treatment for those unresolved emotions?

The good news is when pain enters our lives, we're not alone.  All of us will be processing grief and loss issues at some point in our lives. The good news is that Jesus Christ wants to walk with you on this journey. Just knowing this fact should make it more comfortable to seek those in your friend circle to help you share your pain.  

For those who are struggling with the problems with alcohol and drug addiction, Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge is there for you. For more information on how this highly successful program can help you, go to this link: https://www.mntc.org/

I have learned in my life that Jesus Christ wants to walk with you on your life's journey. He is knocking on your door. Are you listening and will you let him in? The choice is yours.