“No, no! Jesus didn’t experience anxiety!” we might say. I think this is a reaction to quickly judging emotions as bad and untrustworthy. Consider Christ’s prayer in the garden, as he neared death. We read quite disturbing words from Luke: “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground”.
I'm no etymologist, but words fascinate me. Kardia, in many of its uses, has captivated my attention for a long time. As a Bible student, kardia appears multiple times as the Greek word for heart.
Not the organ that pumps blood through your body. Kardia is the figurative core of your being. It is the seat and center of human life, emotion, volitional will. It is the "causative source of one's psychological life in its various aspects." All that to say, your heart is a huge deal and deserves attention and care!
Situationship. We’ve heard the term before. It’s a fancy name we’ve given to a not so glamorous approach to dating, and sometimes even marriage. In the past it’s been referred to as friends with benefits or maybe a fling. But as with anything, a new generation has come along, slapped a new label on it and ta da…you have the awkward in between friends but not in a relationship, situationship. It’s sex with no real commitment. Vulnerability with the lack of emotional intimacy.
Most people are repelled by the thought of being “addicted” to anything, especially to sex or pornography. It makes us want to hide. We want to change the subject or point the finger to someone else.
That word “addict” images dirty, uncontrollable, sexual thoughts and behavior that we don’t want to be associated with.
Choosing a therapist may feel like a mix between looking for a primary physician and going on a date. One you hope you only have to see once, and the other, you hope you’ll be able to see for a long time. Whichever it is for you, congrats on making a step toward your own health! It’s scary, but it’s incredibly important. Here are a few things to consider as you look for a therapist to join you on your path toward healing.
There’s something in that phrase that explains itself. There is a feeling and a longing that wells up in our souls when we hear it. “The Heart of the Father”. Our hearts reach out for something that we either had as children and want more of, or missed out on and deeply long for, but never really put words to. “The Heart of the Father”.
That’s my dog. You know what he’s doing? He’s bringing glory to God. You know how I know? Because he’s doing what dogs do. He’s being completely dog-ish. Sometimes he does other things. He chases squirrels, he digs for voles (our yard is evidence of this), he barks at Steve, our neighbor, he eats, and well, other things. These are all things that dogs were designed to do. When he does what he was made to do, he brings glory to his Creator.
One of the painful realities of life is unmet expectations. Desires unfulfilled. Dreams shattered. This, at the very least, is disappointing. Disappointment can bring anger, sadness, and anxiety that last for a day, a weekend, or, sometimes, months and even years. Disappointment’s ache can last so long and be so deep that it alters our outlook on life and even our sense of who we are.
“No, no! Jesus didn’t experience anxiety!” we might say. I think this is a reaction to quickly judging emotions as bad and untrustworthy. Consider Christ’s prayer in the garden, as he neared death. We read quite disturbing words from Luke: “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground”.
“I don’t want to be a burden to anyone.”
You don’t have to look too hard or far to hear it. People back-peddling from their needs saying, “oh, but don’t go through too much trouble” or “it’s not that big of a deal, I’ll be fine.” It’s a funny thing when you think about it. In reality, we are all burdens. None are free from being dependent. One of the greatest lies we tell ourselves is that we don’t need people.
You may have moved to a different house or city. You may have even immigrated from a different country. Perhaps you left home for college and returned after your first semester to find that your belongings have been placed elsewhere and your friends are not as available as they once were. You may have experienced personal change and family relationships you had may have changed for better or for worse. Maybe you experienced a tragedy and your ability to feel safe has forever changed.
A positive pregnancy test. Immediately, my heart swelled, and my thoughts swirled: How fortunate are we to be pregnant a second time?! Are you a boy or a girl? What will life be like with two young children? I can’t wait to meet you. I love you. Logic tells us not to get attached until it’s “safe.” Statistics show us that many pregnancies end in the first trimester. My brain tried to protect my heart, but my heart attached anyway.
