Tag Archives: #relationships

#inspiration

Our Post-Pandemic World

In the past several months, I have heard from so many people who are struggling with anxiety, depression and feelings they haven’t felt before. The common theme with each of them has been, “I don’t understand why I feel this way. I’ve never been like this before.”

God prompted me to remind them of what we have dealt with since 2020. Isolation has shredded mental health and created new, unhealthy neural pathways. We are hardwired to be in relationship with each other. This goes beyond loneliness. We are experiencing a mental health crisis that’s worse than the pandemic. More people than ever are feeling hopeless and taking their own lives.

If you are reading this and are experiencing similar feelings, please reach out to someone. Your life is precious and has purpose. None of that has changed because of a virus.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline is 988. It’s confidential, free, and it might be the lifeline you need…

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#inspiration

Insane!

There are people in this world who will act like we are the greatest thing ever, only to turn on us when we don’t allow them to manipulate us. You know the type. Narcissistic personalities have pervaded society, or at least it seems that way.

Narcissists will try to break us down and rebuild us the way they want. They are sick. They see nice people as prey, not as a person who has their own goals, dreams and desires. Narcissists are like ninjas when it comes to manipulating and gaslighting people. They have struck you before you even knew they were trying.

Stand up for yourself. It won’t be easy to learn this lesson. Remember this-God alone has authority over our lives. Let Him guide you through the process of learning…

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#inspiration

Columbine

On the morning of April 20, 1999 two dark and disturbed young men ended the lives of 12 students and one teacher before the two murderers took their own lives. At the time, the Columbine High School massacre was the largest school shooting in American history.

From this unthinkable tragedy, an organization was born: Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first child killed that day, but she did not die in vain. Her impact on the lives of others lives on. Over 30 million people have experienced her story, thousands of youth suicides have been prevented, and at least 8 documented copycat school shootings have been averted.

After Rachel’s Challenge is introduced into a school, the school becomes a safer, better-connected community. Students are no longer trying to learn in a “fight or flight” environment. I proudly serve on the board of Rachel’s Challenge. Check it out here:

http://www.rachelschallenge.org

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#inspiration

Pulled

We are busier today than we have ever been before. People are working longer hours, sacrificing their relationships and their health, while gaining very little ground. Is the trade-off worth it?

We all have our priorities. We spend our time focusing on what, or who is most important to us. These are matters of the heart.

Learn to say no to anything that robs you of time with your children. Say yes to gratifying experiences! You don’t need to feel guilty for not allowing yourself to be pulled away from what matters most. And equally important, take care of yourself…

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#inspiration

Black and White

Some people like to deal in absolutes. They are rigid in their thinking and their beliefs with no room for margin. I find those types of people to be difficult to work with.

The world is not black and white, it’s gray. We can learn from each other, but only if we are willing.

I encourage you to open your mind and your heart. Try to see things through the eyes of others. It’s not a threat to your beliefs, but a way to expand your worldview…

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#inspiration

Riches

The culture of the United States is greed. People work themselves to poor health, shaky relationships and find themselves disillusioned. They may have acquired wealth, but lost themselves along the way.

None of this is taught in the Bible. Solomon, the wealthiest man to ever live, asked God for wisdom. And he got it!

You must decide what’s important to you. If you value your family, your health and seek fulfillment, you might not have as much money, but you will be wealthier than most…

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#inspiration

Used

Have you ever been used by someone? I believe we all have been used at one time or another. It hurts to know you were meaningless to another person.

Users have a different type of personality disorder. They can rationalize their sick behavior, never acknowledging the pain and carnage they leave in their wake. They simply move on to their next prey.

Here’s a counterintuitive way to deal with the users. Pray for them. Honestly pray for them. Prayer changes you, whether they change or not…

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#inspiration

Conflict

We live in an imperfect world, so conflicts are inevitable. They don’t have to ruin relationships, though.

Many times conflicts arise and arguments ensue because of miscommunication. One person says something and a counterparty hears something different. Or perhaps they believe it’s about them.

When conflicts arise, and they will, talk them out. If you owe someone an apology, give it without making excuses. Solid relationships can withstand conflict…

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#inspiration

Texting

Texting has made us lazy. Texting is convenient for quick check-ins, but they aren’t conversations.

Electronics have practically taken over our lives. Email, ZOOM and instant messaging are great for saving time. Yet, we need to make time for others. We need human connection, and you cannot get the same effect from a screen.

Replacing the sound of another voice seems to be the norm nowadays. Let’s change that…

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