Freedom Over Fear

It seems to me that so much of our lives can be consumed with fear. The obvious problem with this is that it is impossible to be both afraid and free at the same time! Fears freeze us. As a matter of fact I have heard (and seen) that extreme fears can actually freeze us to the point of clinical depression. I tend to believe that as I have seen lives frozen to the point of depression with those who have been very close to me. We can allow any emotion to control us, and fear is no exception. The problem with attempting to overcome our fears is that they are based on reality, both real and perceived.
After the attacks on September 11th, as a nation our fear level was heightened. As a matter of fact there were then certain colors assigned to our national security, which either calmed or intensified our fears, depending on each person's perspective. Even with the death of Usama Bin Laden, our security fears are not alleviated. So, what's my point here?
My point is this: fears do not have to rule us, nor should they usurp our freedom. One of my favorite movies is  Ghost Rider. I know, I know, it's strange. Near the end of this movie when Johnny Blaze (Nicholas Cage) confronts the devil, he says this: "You can't live in fear!" Johnny Blaze spoke the truth! You see, fears are natural, but we cannot let them become our life, our very existence. Hence, we cannot live in fear. Jesus said in John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and have it with abundance." The original word here in Greek is zoe and it means a real, full life. So, between Johnny Blaze and Jesus' Word (which of course has real authority) I think we can see that we can make choices that will help us to live real life. We have to make a conscious choice that we will not allow anything in our circumstances rule us. Fear is circumstantial. Freedom comes from living above our circumstances. For me that means trusting God when He says: Fear Not!! And when He tells me that His perfect love for me will drive any fear away. So, as I adjust my thoughts and change my mind, I realize that I do not have to be controlled by my fears.
This is just a start and I know often it is much more complicated than this. But, take a bite, chew on it for a while and see how tasty this freedom from fear can be.
Until next time. God bless you,
Vinny

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year! Really?

I know that this seems like a strange title/question. But, it's not really, is it. Did you ever notice that there are folks around this time of year that are really struggling to get excited about anything, while you are having a great time anticipating upcoming events? Or, have you noticed that you are the one struggling to get excited, while those around you are TOO happy?
While the majority of us see this season as a positive one, enjoying the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation. There are a smaller number of people who cannot, no matter how hard they try, muster up even a little Christmas spirit. Now, all of us hopefully understand that family losses are magnified when there is a special time dedicated to familial gatherings. Christmas, Chanukah and New Years are three of those events. Personally, I lost my mom in January of this year. It was a result of many months of sicknesses and our family was somewhat prepared for her passing. But we, as a family, will most certainly feel that loss this holiday season. As a matter of fact I am already thinking about my mom's wonderful attitude that bubbled over during the Christmas season. She is missed.
A friend of mine shared with me that her family lost seven family members and close friends this past year! Do you think that will have an impact on their holiday celebrations? Of course it will.
My purpose of this topic is not necessarily for folks like my family and my friend's, but those of you that find yourself unusually down right about now. Just so you know, I am not an expert in this field, but as a therapist of many years (and a human being with real emotions) I can sympathize. My family and I will certainly celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year effectively without out mom, but it won't be the same. I believe that the aforementioned friend, becuase of her faith, will also have a celebrative Christmas. But, for those of you who are struggling, I mean really struggling, I've included a link from WebMD for you to peruse. It's about Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD and is quite comprehensive. Please look it over and know that there are some things that you can do for yourself and your loved ones to assist you in your healing. http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/seasonal-affective-disorder

And, for all of my readers, may God bless you and remember to celebrate the birth of His Son, Jesus.
Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year.
Until next time, God bless you.
Vinny Joy