Have you ever felt like at every turn you can't get a break? The running theme for therapy this week has been one of frustration and discouragement because people are feeling attacked at all fronts, and try as they may, they can't stop the on slot of negative consequences created by another's poor choices. Sometimes, even when you are doing everything right, things still can go terribly wrong.
I love this song, "Stronger" by Mandisa. I especially love how the lyrics describe the down and out difficulties some of us can feel and experience:
Hey, heard you were up all night,
Thinking about how your world ain't right.
And you wonder if things will ever get better.
And your asking why is it always raining on you,
when all you're asking for is a little good news,
instead of standing there stuck out in the weather.
I literally have met people who are sleeping in the rain, in their cars, going from couch to couch seeking shelter from the elements, and safety from family members. Yes, family members who have intent to do harm to these people who are seeking to change their future from the horrific pasts they've been forced to endure. It kills me when innocent children and adults are asking, "Am I crazy to be angry?" I tell them emphatically, "NO! You have every right to be angry! This is wrong, and your feelings are telling you the truth, even if those who hurt you want you to believe the lie." The turning point for these individuals comes when they truly believe they are the sane ones and they begin to live honest and authentic lives, leaving the past behind, and moving toward a life full of hope and healing. When we can move from lies to truth, we can begin to accept the many blessings God has in store waiting for us.
"For I know the plans I have for YOU,"
declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
When we can have hope in a new future and receive guidance and counsel on how to move toward developing our future with a purpose, life suddenly becomes more than those negative memories of pain and suffering. The future is brighter because what others meant to harm you, God has changed to strengthen you, and out of the ashes comes life. You are truly born again as you discover yesterday does not define your today. You define your today, who you are now, and where you want to go tomorrow. Freedom from your past is found in hope in the present and a plan for your future. Call Encouragers today if you desire to change what was, to what can be!