Andy always had some good advice. It's the fear that knocks us down. It's the fight that keeps us going foward. Very appropriate for this day and age. Giving up isn't an option. Thanks for reminding us of that, Sean. ❤
I have found that when it comes to the "fight or flight" response, there is also another choice... to simply neither fight NOR flight, but to just turn it over to God and let Him do the fighting for you. I once faced a life-threatening condition some decades ago, and thought I was going to fight it. But it was way too big for me to fight, even as a pretty tough guy, former Marine, and so full of self will that it's possible my picture is in the dictionary next to the entry "Self Will." I taught myself how to speak passable Spanish, have taught myself several stringed instruments, and with the help of good doctors fought off cancer. But this particular fight was unwinnable with my self will alone.
So I learned that I did not have to fight it alone, that no one had won that battle alone. I resigned from the fighting academy and in a moment of mental clarity, turned it over to God and did the ordinary daily things I had to do, letting God handle the "fight" part. And it worked. I have a daily reprieve from it based on my spiritual condition and contact with God, as I understand Him.
Bill, yours is a spot on technique/strategy. I'm inferring from the wording of your response that you might be a "Friend of Bill." Me too. I have 13 years of daily reprieves thanks to turning it over to God every chance I get.
The last paragraph sounds familiar. We try to do it all, then when we give it to Jesus things start to happen. It is like a reprieve and we start to live again. HE is there for us.
Several years ago, Exodus 14:14 popped into my head regarding a situation then going on, and I've never forgotten it. "The Lord your God will fight for you. All you need do is be still". 🙏💜🙏💜🙏
From "Dune," Frank Herbert. "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings obliteration. And I'll face my fear and I'll permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye and see its path. And where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
We grew up staunchly independent, my parents were children in the Great Depression. We were poor too but resourceful in our abilities.
We were taught never to impose on others. If we were playing at a neighbors and they were about to have a meal, it was our cue to come straight home. Even if invited to join. Food must have been in short supply during my parents childhood. Large families, both sides. The ‘impression of the depression’ never seemed to leave my parents.
The greatest generation learned many a good lesson from those lean years. The one negative thing that still persists is we are remiss in asking for help. There’s an underlying shame that says we unable to take care of ourselves; fear of what others will think.
With the serenity prayer we ask for grace (acceptance), courage (to act) and wisdom (knowing the difference between doing nothing or doing something). It’s like that when life paints you in a corner. Wisdom also says I can’t do this on my own.
Ask for help from Above and your fellow man. My prayer is you discover Help and helpers…and peace.
If your reader can see this, another way to change your perspective on the situation could be to focus on your mother in need instead of your situation. If you take care of her, perhaps you could use her car until you get the disability check.
because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6
You still have a purpose here on earth… live it to the fullest!
Your writer needs to know he is wanted. God loves him and others do too, even those who do not know him yet. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Things will get better and one day he or she will laugh at their foolish thought. Count the blessings you now have. The world is a beautiful place. Lastly, as a first responder, you know that there are others willing to help you. Reach out.
A person, you in this case, cannot take their ball and go home without messing up the hearts and minds of everyone who has ever cared about them, past, present, and future. So you get your fighting stance set and don't ever consider giving up.
A quotation attributed to Captain David Farragut, referring to an order given at the Battle of Mobile Bay (Wikipedia)
Facing problems head on when the chips are down, fight! Fight and fight intelligently! Set a plan for success. Call on your God to give you strength. Call on your friends to give you support. And call yourself to be tough and deal with all your problems head on to victory! In other words, do what you do so well….. RESPOND!
PJ
Thanks Sean. He called on a friend (You) and Mr First Responder just got a lot more support and many more friends. We are all in this together. God bless you Mr First Responder!
If we were expelled from school for fighting in the 50's there would not be any students in school. Boys and girls were separated in the yard for recess. Some times the teacher took her time stopping the fight, when a bully was getting a lesson. We never let anyone pick on someone, who wasn't his own size. After a fight, we would shake hands and be best friends.
I was in elementary school. A teacher told three of us to beat up the class bully. I don’t remember seeing him back at school after that. It only took two to beat him up. I was too afraid.
We all have our moments when fear grips when we have to face other humans. Todays story will stay with this human when the next moment arrives. Actually it did yesterday but I got through it with positive results, this will help in the future . God bless you Sean, you always say the right thing l
Dear Sean: You had me right to the "end"... Great lesson for this 82 year "cancer fighter". "One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus".
Andy always had some good advice. It's the fear that knocks us down. It's the fight that keeps us going foward. Very appropriate for this day and age. Giving up isn't an option. Thanks for reminding us of that, Sean. ❤
I have found that when it comes to the "fight or flight" response, there is also another choice... to simply neither fight NOR flight, but to just turn it over to God and let Him do the fighting for you. I once faced a life-threatening condition some decades ago, and thought I was going to fight it. But it was way too big for me to fight, even as a pretty tough guy, former Marine, and so full of self will that it's possible my picture is in the dictionary next to the entry "Self Will." I taught myself how to speak passable Spanish, have taught myself several stringed instruments, and with the help of good doctors fought off cancer. But this particular fight was unwinnable with my self will alone.
So I learned that I did not have to fight it alone, that no one had won that battle alone. I resigned from the fighting academy and in a moment of mental clarity, turned it over to God and did the ordinary daily things I had to do, letting God handle the "fight" part. And it worked. I have a daily reprieve from it based on my spiritual condition and contact with God, as I understand Him.
Bill, yours is a spot on technique/strategy. I'm inferring from the wording of your response that you might be a "Friend of Bill." Me too. I have 13 years of daily reprieves thanks to turning it over to God every chance I get.
You got that right. Coming up on 37 years in August. Man, what a cool ride!
Huge congratulations Bill! 40 years last March for me. One day at a time.
Congratulations. As I often tell people when they tell me that ("congratulations"), "I didn't do it alone."
The last paragraph sounds familiar. We try to do it all, then when we give it to Jesus things start to happen. It is like a reprieve and we start to live again. HE is there for us.
Several years ago, Exodus 14:14 popped into my head regarding a situation then going on, and I've never forgotten it. "The Lord your God will fight for you. All you need do is be still". 🙏💜🙏💜🙏
From a former Marine---you're a better former Marine than me.
Hope to see you on 8/3.
From "Dune," Frank Herbert. "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings obliteration. And I'll face my fear and I'll permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye and see its path. And where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
Awesome, Te Burt!
Dear First Responder, You are now at the top of hundreds of prayer lists..You will receive the help you need. Count on it!
Beautiful 💙
We grew up staunchly independent, my parents were children in the Great Depression. We were poor too but resourceful in our abilities.
We were taught never to impose on others. If we were playing at a neighbors and they were about to have a meal, it was our cue to come straight home. Even if invited to join. Food must have been in short supply during my parents childhood. Large families, both sides. The ‘impression of the depression’ never seemed to leave my parents.
The greatest generation learned many a good lesson from those lean years. The one negative thing that still persists is we are remiss in asking for help. There’s an underlying shame that says we unable to take care of ourselves; fear of what others will think.
With the serenity prayer we ask for grace (acceptance), courage (to act) and wisdom (knowing the difference between doing nothing or doing something). It’s like that when life paints you in a corner. Wisdom also says I can’t do this on my own.
Ask for help from Above and your fellow man. My prayer is you discover Help and helpers…and peace.
Yes, laughing is the best medicine.
If your reader can see this, another way to change your perspective on the situation could be to focus on your mother in need instead of your situation. If you take care of her, perhaps you could use her car until you get the disability check.
Dear First Responder; I think if you asked God that same question, He would answer something like this:
“I understand your fear… I am with you…but, please stick around …. I’m not finished with you yet..trust me.”
because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6
You still have a purpose here on earth… live it to the fullest!
I am going through medical things since January. At first I was down, scared, and sad.
Finally I said I can live my life like this or go have a life and enjoy the time God gives me.
This is so much better.
Your writer needs to know he is wanted. God loves him and others do too, even those who do not know him yet. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Things will get better and one day he or she will laugh at their foolish thought. Count the blessings you now have. The world is a beautiful place. Lastly, as a first responder, you know that there are others willing to help you. Reach out.
Dear First Responder,
A person, you in this case, cannot take their ball and go home without messing up the hearts and minds of everyone who has ever cared about them, past, present, and future. So you get your fighting stance set and don't ever consider giving up.
Go for a walk instead.
There will always be options.
Regards,
Cheryl
AMEN!!!
“Damn the torpedos! Full speed ahead!”
A quotation attributed to Captain David Farragut, referring to an order given at the Battle of Mobile Bay (Wikipedia)
Facing problems head on when the chips are down, fight! Fight and fight intelligently! Set a plan for success. Call on your God to give you strength. Call on your friends to give you support. And call yourself to be tough and deal with all your problems head on to victory! In other words, do what you do so well….. RESPOND!
PJ
Thanks Sean. He called on a friend (You) and Mr First Responder just got a lot more support and many more friends. We are all in this together. God bless you Mr First Responder!
You reminded me of the title of one of my favorite Tom Petty albums!
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers!!! I'll listen soon!
I don’t know, but I expect bullies haven’t experienced what Opie Taylor did with his Pa. We could all use a little more of that… ❤️
I don’t know, but I expect your letter writer hasn’t either.
If we were expelled from school for fighting in the 50's there would not be any students in school. Boys and girls were separated in the yard for recess. Some times the teacher took her time stopping the fight, when a bully was getting a lesson. We never let anyone pick on someone, who wasn't his own size. After a fight, we would shake hands and be best friends.
I was in elementary school. A teacher told three of us to beat up the class bully. I don’t remember seeing him back at school after that. It only took two to beat him up. I was too afraid.
What beautiful advice and wonderful words thank you my dear friend 🙏
Andy always has the best advice. My favorite show, always. The Carol Burnett show is a close second, because laughter is still such good medicine. 😊
We all have our moments when fear grips when we have to face other humans. Todays story will stay with this human when the next moment arrives. Actually it did yesterday but I got through it with positive results, this will help in the future . God bless you Sean, you always say the right thing l