Some things we never forget. Like that first fumbling kiss in the darkened movie theater. Not impressed. Or the knee-knocking reprimand from a policeman–after being stopped for speeding my first time. And unfortunately not the last. Or the joy-rush when my red, wrinkled babies, were first placed in my arms. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?
But on a more somber note…My parents can tell you where they were when JFK was assassinated. My husband’s aunt can tell you her exact spot when Elvis died. I remember my location (at a client’s house) and what I was doing (styling a bookshelf near the TV) when the first plane crashed in the 911 tragedy.
And no one worldwide will ever forget 2020.
Global pandemic panic.
Escalating unemployment rates.
And in our great country, add another ticking time-bomb—Civil rights unrest.
“I have never seen such a convergence of the pillars of our life. All of them have been shaken,” says Dr. Kevin Gilliland, a clinical psychologist and director of Innovation360, outpatient treatment centers in Texas. “ All three are major issues in our lives independently, and they’re all occurring at the same time.” The study notes that forty-five percent of Americans feel their mental health has gotten worse. People magazine, June 29, 2020
So if you are reeling and off-kilter, you have every reason to feel that way. Anxiety and fear are kissing cousins and they both parked their moving vans at our curbs and barged in like uninvited houseguests.
Anxiety tries to take residence in our hearts as wizened fingers begin a slow steady squeeze.
Fear of the when?
Fear of the how?
Fear of a future that looks different than we envisioned. Fear that throws me to my knees, and paralyzes my prayer life. Fear sinks into my bones until all I can focus on is the situation at hand that looms overwhelming.
I mull, I fret, I feel that sinking pit in my stomach, the one that robs me of my appetite and steals my peace. If I’m not careful, I move even farther into my head. My brain explodes with what if’s.
I Fear for my family.
I Fear for my aging parents.
I Fear for my country.
Yet I realize I must slow the downward skid. The Spirit whispers, “Breathe in, breathe out, breathe deep, breath slow.”
Then it happens.
He helps me slow the whirlwind of destruction in my head and— awakens my brain to the truth I know, the truth I’ve studied since I was small,
The truth of God’s word,
The truth of God’s universe,
The truth that He is the one who runs the show. Always has been, always will be.
I am not in control, nor is a virus or politician. I can ride anxious–this roller-coaster of worry. I can feed it with dismal daily doses of news reports and politics.
Or I can choose to wean myself and dwell on the things I can impact.
A marriage of meaning and fulfillment,
Relationships with my children,
Cultivation of friendships,
Befriending and caring for the lonely.
It’s time to push the reset button. Freedom from anxiety is there for the asking. Pray with me:
Dear Lord,
Let your sweet peace be my companion during these dark days and uncertain times. Help me to trust you and leave my worries at your feet.
But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
Psalm 59:16
Helpful advice from a professional:
Dr Gilliland makes these observations and recommendations-
- Think about how you consume the news. (TV, radio and social media can be overwhelming). Reading allows you to input information in smaller more manageable doses.
- Be aware anxiety/depression can turn into anger. “Emotions are an appropriate response to a painful experience, and we’ve got to give that space and time.”
- Monitor your anxiety levels daily. Use a 1-10 scale. If your level is high, ask yourself what your fears are. “Start to break it down, and monitor what your mind is doing so you can work your way back to calm.”
Peace be with you my friend.