IT’s A NEW YEAR!  As we reflect on the past, and get ready for the future, we have important questions to consider.

Who, What, Where, When, and Why (the 5 W’s) – are the essential questions of a journalist. They take us beyond the headlines.

We can strengthen each other by sharing our weaknesses – and our questions. We can seek answers together.

PROBLEMS

This is a unique time in our shared history. National political issues, social uncertainty, a global Pandemic, Economic stress, and hosts of other issues have millions of us trying to cope with doubts, fears, pains, and problems. May it help to know that you are not alone!

Some may be hesitant to ask for help, thinking things like “… If I were strong in my faith I would be able to cope. I should be able to stand on my own.” This is an error in our thinking. There are no winners in the blame game – and ‘there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus’.

Others may wonder about potential conflicts between spiritual and psychological support. These don’t always conflict. We can seek help from specialists who will honor our beliefs –while using therapies familiar to the secular world as well. And we can thank God for both.

‘Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

SOLUTIONS

We can help each other. Check out these references:

“So we being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.     Romans 12: 5–8

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2

“But to each one of us, grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7

And … The Merriam Webster (on-line dictionary) defines the word ‘ministry’ to include identifying ‘a person or thing through which something is accomplished’.

Each of us have been graced with gifts – and God intends for us to use them for our own blessing, and to bless others. We are all called to be persons through which something is accomplished.

God also appointed specialists for some caretaking, comforting, equipping, and building-up of believers in the body of Christ (His church).

Self-help strategies are powerful tools that can bless us independently. They are also effective supplements to counseling or therapy, and they can be shared.

We have more than permission to seek, and to give, help and support. We are instructed to do so. Reach out.

CONCLUSIONS

The difference between a fortress and a prison is the location of the lock. In a fortress, the locks are all on the inside.

In times of crisis – we may allow fear, doubt, or confusion to exchange the lock positions on the fortress of our minds. Presuming locks to be unbreakable, and seeking protection – we may instead become prisoners.

One student told me, “…I think I’ve done that. I wonder how many doors were closed to me, because, I didn’t even try to open them.”

Reach out for help from your friends and family – from your partners, pastors, and professionals.  And offer your support to them as well.

King David’s Psalms offer encouragement and comfort such as this:

“…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalms 30:5

Be encouraged, dear reader – we are getting closer to morning. Happy New Year!

Blessings, Love, and Laughter,

Margaret

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