Some
people seem to laugh easily; others laugh sparingly, almost grudgingly. Some
cry at commercials; others hardly shed a tear if hit by the worst of personal
disasters.
Emotions
are often frightening. They are so intense that they cause us to feel insecure
and unsure of our self. We feel out of control and unstable. This causes many
people to shut off their emotions.
They
function from their mind and refuse to feel. They do not want to experience the
pain which accompanies many emotions. They do not like feeling vulnerable and
defenseless.
Men
are taught that emotions are a sign of weakness. They will not allow themselves
to cry or to admit being hurt. Their macho identity is in peril. They often
despise emotions and disdain anyone who expresses them.
They
think people will reject them if they knew how they really feel. This hinders
them and their significant others from the free exchange of expression from
their souls.
They
separate from this vital part of their existence. They only connect to others
through their mind, body and choices. They stop considering how their behavior
affects another person's life.
Some
people are very independent. They are self-sufficient, having their own agenda
and they prefer not to interact too intimately in relationships unless they are
in the mood for companionship.
Others
are quite the opposite. They are dependent on others in order to survive. They
feel no value in their abilities and are incapable of living alone. They lack
confidence and self-esteem.
Some
are codependent. They live for others and are only happy when they can rescue
or enable someone else. They deny their own needs as a martyr.
Then
they feel resentful and grow angry and bitter about all the sacrifices they
make and responsibilities that they carry, which are not reciprocated.
Ideally,
we all grow from these tainted and lopsided philosophies into interdependent
people. We learn to accomplish things with our God-given talents and to form
equally mutual relationships. We enjoy alone time, but also intimacy as well.
These
healthy people recognize that positive emotions improve our life. They
understand that negative emotions flag some issue, which need our attention.
They easily commit to others as the Lord leads, and they readily forgive others.
Prayer:
Father
God, teach us to have the mind of Christ and allow us to feel Your healing love. Help
us to love what You care about and to hate what You despise. Lead us on the
pathway to wholeness. We are Your children and
You spend every second of Your time showering us with Your abundant love.
Sometimes, we get so
busy that we are not even aware of You communicating the unfathomable depth of
Your love to each of us personally. You know us intimately and You want us to
love You intimately as well.
As we allow Your Spirit to bring us gradually
closer to Your perfection as well as harmony with one another, we come together
as Your Body, knit together with You as our Head and as the lover of our soul
(Ephesians 4:16; Isaiah 38:17; Psalm 143:8).
Thought for the Day:
God only asks that we
repent and ask for forgiveness when we fail; then He wants us to open up to the
Holy Spirit’s direction so we can walk in obedience to His will for our
individual lives. - Acts 3:19
