| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “The end of anxiety and despair” Our Bible verse for today: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Our thought for today: “How far are you willing to go for someone?” This morning’s devotional isn’t so much for those who suffer from anxiety and despair as it is for those who love them and who want to help. I love the story told by Brennan Manning in his book “The Ragamuffin Gospel” about a pretty young woman who had a cancerous tumor in her cheek that had to be removed by surgery. In order to get the tumor out, the surgeon had to cut a small but critical nerve that controlled the corner of the mouth. As a result, the woman’s mouth was left in a permanent state of being twisted downward at the corner. It was a palsied, even slightly clownish look. And it would never get better. This was her new appearance, for the rest of her life. Once the bandages came off the woman asked for a mirror so she could see what she looked like. After a minute she looked at the surgeon and asked, “Will it always be like this?” “Yes”, he replied, “it will stay like that.” The woman lowered her eyes and was silent. Her husband was standing there observing. He then stepped forward, smiled, and said, “I like it. I think it’s cute.” Then he bent down to kiss her and as he did, he twisted his own lips to match hers, thereby demonstrating that their kiss still worked. Anxiety and despair are often the result of perceived imperfections and limitations that the person is struggling with. Often, those imperfections and limitations are real and they are long-term or even permanent. We can help others adjust to and live with the reality of their situations simply by being empathic and supportive. Understanding, compassion, and support can go a long way towards helping someone deal with their fears, insecurities, and limitations. How far are you willing to go to help someone who is struggling with doubt, insecurity, anxiety, and despair? Will you be patient with them? Will you make some adjustments in your own life in order to help them deal with their issues? Will you twist your lips to show your spouse that your kiss still works? One of the most helpful things you can do for someone who is struggling with anxiety and despair is to let them know you care, and then take practical steps to help them deal with it. More about this tomorrow. God bless, Pastor Jim |
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