“i know you,” you say
but how can that be?
for i’ve discovered sometimes i’m a stranger
not who i thought myself to be.
i’m just numb
but don’t worry.
it will pass
i’ll “live” again
i’ll destroy the mask.
CHAPTER 3
Just What The Doctor Ordered
Retreat and isolation tend to be our initial response to pain. Both physical and emotional attacks cause us to withdraw when we have been hurt, rejected or offended. Our emotional energies shut down, and we stagger in a state of inertia. We are hungry for companionship in our pain, yet we shy away from probing questions. We want comfort and reassurance, but to accept them would prove that something is really wrong. During these times we just want a break. Emotional pain can be physically fatiguing and it is natural to want to withdraw, but a healthy “time out” is different from throwing in the towel.
Helping someone else is one of the prescriptions for dealing with pain. By helping others and sharing your experience, you open your heart to new solutions and the answers needed for your own life are often discovered. Your self-esteem soars as you provide emotional comfort for someone else. Your actions serve as a reminder of your own strength and capabilities.
WALKING BY FAITH
It is an expression of faith to invest your wisdom and emotions in others. Though you could forget the world and just focus on “self,” you are subconsciously communicating a message of strength to your spirit. You are reminding yourself that the world is bigger than where you are, and if the world is bigger then you can move to a new and better place in it. In essence, you are recognizing that God has a purpose for your life, and by having faith you are declaring that He is bigger than your challenge. God always responds to faith.
Biblical wisdom inspires us to “fight the good fight of faith.” Unleashing faith is a powerful exercise that makes demands on your expectations and perspective by requiring you to stretch to see the possibilities. You must dig deep within and meet negativity with faith in God’s goodness. Never acting alone, faith will demand that you have hope and love in your heart. Defeat is a part of every success story. If hope is alive, then it’s simply not over. Hope always finds a new way, a new perspective — hope just won’t quit! Hope is more than the belief that things can change and become better — it is the expectancy that it will happen for you!
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
Sharing your experience with others is like winning a battle a thousand times over. When you first defeat it, it’s for you. But as you share the experience with someone else, you encourage them and release hope into their lives. A word of caution however — be wise about who you share your heart with. Make sure you have the strength to face what others may try to do with your weaknesses. I have had the experience of sharing my weakness with individuals who could not handle them and either distanced themselves from me, or used my frailty as a weapon in a time of disagreement.
Once you’ve determined that you are ready — by all means share! Help others avoid the same pitfalls. Let your experience be the foundation for others to make better decisions. Get involved in the community and world around you. We help others because each of us has something others can benefit from. Again, you must use balance. Some people don’t want to change, and you must learn to walk away from anyone who doesn’t seem to want better for themselves. But foolish is the person who walks away thinking that they have not been impacted by someone else’s failure. Everyone is needed and no one can be replaced. We all lose out when those around us fail to develop and reach their full potential. Controlling others is not an option available to you. But by maximizing your gifts and talents, you not only enrich your life — you impact the lives of so many others. You must tell your story!
It’s On!
Equality, freedom and hope,
For the race known as man.
Humans of integrity,
Who fight and take a stand.
Not just for America,
But in each and every land.
Dream On, Martin! Dream On!
Streets where peace and love,
Rule and reign every night.
Where you are really my brother
And concerned about my plight.
Hope for us all,
Be you yellow, red, black or white!
Right On, Malcolm! Right On!
Running through the darkness,
Guided by freedom’s light.
Knowing that you’ll see tomorrow,
If you make it through tonight.
The law says you’re wrong,
But God says you’re right.
Once you taste of liberty —
Break bread, so that I too can bite!
Run On, Harriet! Run On!
I am my brother’s keeper,
In his fight he’s not alone!
And though you call me free,
His chains are not his own.
To rest while he is struggling,
Is not righteous — It’s just wrong.
Preach On, John Brown! Preach On!
Not concerned about the people,
Just looking out for self.
Talking about democracy,
When what you really want is their wealth.
Ranking by priority —
My world first and yours comes third.
But even through all the lies,
The truth can still be heard!
Talk On, Biko! Talk On!
Got your foot on your brother’s neck.
Because his arms are still too weak.
But his heart is strong with courage,
Though you withhold that which he seeks.
And even though you hate him,
The voice of wisdom speaks,
Love On, Gandhi! Love On!
Some of them were free men,
And some of them were slaves.
But they are true heroes
Whose sacrifices made the way.
Though their bodies are absent,
They still speak from the grave.
Saying Fight On, My Brothers! Fight On!
Time to make the demand from “self,”
That we often make of others.
Take