Per Severe

While a common thread in our conversations over the course of this year has been raising the banner of “Resurrecting Positivity”, yet on this edition of “Becoming Today” I have an uneasy feeling.

One I need your help with.

I’m feeling the need to talk about how to per-severe.

I know it is not grammatically correct, however it helps to illustrate the point.

To persevere allows us the ability to get through the tough times, that no matter how severe things may seem, realize we have the ability to overcome and continue our becoming.

For several days I have felt this way. I have not been able to put my finger on it. I’m just ill at ease, anxious and dealing with some physical manifestations of anxiety.

Now I think I understand the source of my nagging concerns and while reviewing some of my symptoms I have certainly found what needs to be done to correct them.

Yes worry, doubt, fear do manifest themselves in us physically.

According to professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Arthur Barsky, “When you are under stress or anxious, this system kicks into action, and physical symptoms can appear — headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, shakiness, or stomach pain”.

Four out of five. That’s what I’ve been experiencing  for about four days now. Severe stomach distress, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and far messier episodes of a distressed digestive system. Plus the headaches, and at times an inability to focus and balance myself properly.

Numerous sources across the medical communities agree that these symptoms are related to the body responding to the mind and they are almost unanimous in their suggested treatments which include things like exercise, learning to relax, and eating healthy foods, but none I found would even consider what I have learned is the best option…

That option is prayer. 

As the Bible reports, quoting Jesus in Matthew 18:10 (N I V):

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven”.

So since we know we can gather exponentially here on the Internet I’m calling for you to assist me. Not only with my healing in the moment, but also in ensuring a peaceful completion of this week. 

More on that second part later, but first let’s discuss the power of prayer

What is it? How does one  correctly use it and what can we expect from it. 

We’ll begin with a definition. 

Prayer is an evolving means of interacting with God, most frequently through a spontaneous, individual, unorganized form of petitioning and/or giving thanks. It is also at times glorifying God through praise.

So, why should we pray? We should pray because we have needs. Great and small. Prayer should be our first strategy when seeking results.

To whom should we pray? God. Simple one word answer for the one undoubtable Source of all goodness, Grace and Mercy. 

How should we pray? We should pray  sincerely, regularly, continually, in humidity, faith, trust, obedience and with gratitude, thanks and praise.

A strong well developed prayer life is truly the foundation for the arrival of nothing less than miracles along our shared paths.

Prayer is the process of “abiding in Him” ( John 15:4-5 ). 

When we participate in open, honest, steadfast prayer it is more than talking. It also involves listening. To pray involves listening with our hearts, for in doing so our Spirit is transformed. That is a time of joyous celebration and revelation that we are truly “Becoming”. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always…”, the simple phrase in Phillipians not only reassures us, but also directs us to not be anxious, worried or overly concerned about anything, because in every situation by prayer with thanksgiving we can make our requests, cast our cares and / or cry out for help from the Lord. 

When we do, the Peace of Christ will be with us, in us and all around us. That strengthens us, secures us, stabilizes our situations and selves, lifting our minds, hearts and spirits. I can’t speak for you, but it not only sounds pretty good to me, it has been amazing in my life. 

A prayerful intercession will be healing, calming, strengthening, building, growing and most of all “Becoming”.

Plus prayer allows you to empower yourself. 

Empowerment means that you are stronger, bolder, more secure. Better able to deal with those distractions, circumstances and moments of stress. Deciding to empower yourself allows for you to make superior decisions, including having the conscious  determination to be “Becoming”. By that action you are committing to continue evolving to the next higher level.

Yes you will still encounter delays, obstacles and troubles. However, accepting the responsibility for your own empowerment, by focusing on who you are and where you want to be, allows for you to live a life that is truly authentic, more rewarding and of significance. 

And if you encounter resistance, hold yourself with Grace. Haters will always hate. Gossips will run their mouths and the fearful will try to scare you. Hold your head high, shoulders back and nurture yourself in your new empowered confidence and in who you are “Becoming Today”.

I have been having issues with dealing with the split in our society. I’m asking you to help me address this by praying that this evil of divisiveness that has gripped our nation and our communities will be overcome. That we can all unite in a spirit of cooperation and growth.

Pray that we can recall as Jesus told us in Matthew 22:37-39,

 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself”.

Thank you in advance. For I know in my asking you to join me in this call for solace, you will. Please share these thoughts with all you can, as we gather together exponentially to overcome and help all we can to be “Becoming Today”.