As we go
through life we face many experiences, some pleasurable and others painful.
Pleasurable events help motivate us to continue
moving forward. On the other hand, painful events can create
spiritual shock, paralysis, dismay, or anger. The
unpleasant feelings that accompany painful moments can overshadow our lives if
we allow them to, leading to depression, anxiety, and even mental
illness. Therefore, it is imperative that we find healthy ways to cope
with emotional pain. There are 3 steps in managing painful
experiences effectively: acknowledge, pray, and forgive.
ACKNOWLEDGE
Acknowledgement
is the beginning stage in every process imaginable to mankind. For
example, if your car has a problem, you must first acknowledge the
issue before bringing the car to the mechanic; if you are sick, you must first
acknowledge the symptoms in order to seek medical attention;
and if you are in debt, you must first acknowledge that you
are ultimately struggling with life balance in order to devise a plan
to get out of debt. Acknowledgement is integral to all
that we do, we must first acknowledge a matter before addressing
it. This is the same concept that surrounds the premise of coping
with painful experiences. To effectively address pain, we must first
acknowledge that the pain exists. In acknowledging your pain, you
will find that you are ready to move forward to the next step, pray.
PRAY
The power of
prayer is often underestimated. I can attest to the fact that
prayer is indeed powerful. As humans, we are not designed to
carry emotional baggage and burden. As a matter of fact, painful
experiences are merely growth opportunities. Think about
it, when a child or teenager grows they complain of joint and bone
pains, known as "growing pains"; when a woman becomes
pregnant and the baby grows, the mother experiences pain
throughout her body; and when we experience pain on any realm (physical,
emotional, spiritual, etc.) the same applies. In reflecting on the
idea that pain equals growth, it is important to recognize that pain
accompanied by prayer expedites the growth process. Prayer serves as
anesthesia to pain. Additionally, the heavy baggage that comes along with
emotional pain becomes God baggage. He works through those issues, leaving
you only with the memories that can be used to glorify Him. Pray
faithfully and walk your assigned walk and the pain will soon disappear.
FORGIVE
Forgiveness
is a positive end product of painful experiences. Upon arriving at a
place of forgiveness, true recognition and personal growth is at its
prime. By forgiving someone for what they have done, you release yourself
from emotional prison. This is the step that allows you to breathe easier
and rid yourself of all negativity. Remember, someone's
actions toward you is not a reflection of you. It is a reflection of
the pain that they are harboring inside. As you move into forgiveness,
remember to pray for them as they too are hurting on levels you may never
understand. Forgive and move forward in faith. In the very end, forgiving other for your pain makes you healthier overall. Here are some questions to reflect on:
1. Is
there someone that is being held hostage related to your pain? Is that
person you?
2. How much are you willing to sacrifice to
wallow in old painful memories?
3.
Are you struggling with forgiveness?
4. Are you ready to
experience life with a renewed view?
If you would
like to discuss finding forgiveness, feel free to contact me for your free 30 minute consultation at 1-855-962-7550.
