LEGACY OF LOVE

". . . With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Matthew 19:26

In her recent bestseller, fiction novelist, Adriana Trigiani, wrote: "I have not had the true love I had hoped for in my life, and now, I wonder if it is even possible."

It is no surprise the majority of stress-survivors have entertained similar words--or thoughts. Sad to say, rocky relationships is as close as many of us have come to sharing true love.

Our legacy of love--or lack thereof--can contribute to the greatest degree of stress in the history of stresses.

Thinking our love life would fall in line with our most intimate and deepest dreams, but instead, struggling to keep dying "infatuations" alive, stress-survivors encounter major disappointments and pain.

There are some who insist the legacy of love is overrated, and deduce their lives to the irony that "Love is a Luxury few of us can afford."

Although few stress-survivors can claim never having stressed over love, we cling to the belief that love--true love--is a gift from God.

Because stress-survivors believe that Love's Legacy originates with God, we remain confident that, of ourselves, true love may seem impossible, but with God a legacy of love is indeed possible.

Peace I leave with you . . .

GREAT CHAMPIONS

* After our last Let's De-Stress Newsletter, a fellow stress-survivor shared this concern: "You always speak to my heart, however, what happens when every move I make FORWARD, looking back keeps hitting me in the FACE?" . . . ~Puzzled M.

This Newsletter is a follow-up to that concern.

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?

So run, that ye may obtain." ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24

TO BE SURE, moving forward--in spite of past obstacles--requires tremendous strength and courage.

For the sake of familiarity, let's consider the game of football--particularly unforgettable champions. In the world of football, champions are esteemed for their ability to persevere to the goal line--to make that grand touchdown.

Strangely enough, football champions and stress-survivors have a lot in common--both must be fearless and forthright.

With every offense they face, great champions continue to maneuver their way. When tackled by hard-hitting and body-slamming blows, champions strategically weave in . . . out . . . and all around to find a victorious path.

However clever the offense becomes, great champions are determined to beat the obstacles. If they err, they keep on running; If they fall down, they get back up--and keep on running. Whatever action that puts them closer to that goal, they do it.

But here's the thing: Great champions prepare to be the best at their game. They think positively. . . Strategize profoundly. . . . proceed professionally . . . And practice, practice, practice. Even when unsure of how a particular play will result, all-around winners charge ahead anyhow. They continuously play to win.

As stress-survivors, we are not always certain of each solution as we move forward in the game of life, but with die-hard determination, we continue running toward our goal.

Like that of great football champions, stress-survivors strength, confidence, and sheer determination insures success upon success, and inspires us to win the war against stress. Touchdown!

Peace I leave with you . . .

P.S. Please feel free to keep those comments/questions coming.

LOOKING BACK

"But his (Lot's) wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."
~Genesis 19:26 ~ (Italics mine)

Question . . .
What would we do differently if we had the chance to do it over again?

Could--or would--we orchestrate our affairs less stressful the second time around?

Maybe. Maybe not. Point is, looking back at misfortunes and mistakes has proven to be quite stressful. What we left behind--voluntarily or involuntarily--can affect us in all sorts of negative ways.

Stress-survivors have faced many adversities back there. We know what it's like to be mistreated; to be misunderstood; to spend sleepless nights on pillows wet with tears. Oh, yes, we've partaken of the past.

But despite our heartaches, worries, and regrets, what's done is done. And all the looking back in the world won't erase that.

If we insist on looking back and brooding over what has or has not happened, we, like Lot's wife, can be faced with dire consequences--definite stresses.

Which is why stress-survivors contend that the time woefully devoted to looking back could be wisely dedicated to looking forward; finding ways to reinvent, restore, and reduce a whole lot of stress.

Peace I leave with you . . .

WHICH WAY IS UP?

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths." ~ Psalm 25:4

Remember Richard Pryor in the movie, Which Way Is Up?

On his "way up," Pryor's lifestyle clearly revealed how conniving, cheating, and disregard for others, created confusion and stress. ... Not only for himself--but for all involved.

Seeking our way up can be exhausting and stressful . . . especially if we're not seeking the right way. When we seek in wrong places or with wrong people or wrong principles, we open ourselves to numerous stresses.

At one time or another, stress-survivors have questioned "Which way is up?" Regardless of which side of the fence we've roamed--victim or villain--we've witnessed the outcome of erroneous actions.

Countless experiences have convinced us that the way up does not call for taintedness, but instead requires honesty, decency, and respect.

As evident with actor Pryor, unscrupulous behavior may boost egos and may even satisfy for a spell, but it ultimately fails to render a successful way up.

In our quest to be better individuals and to acquire better health, wealth and happiness--believing that God's way is the number one "way up"--stress-survivors seek directions from Him.

Peace I leave with you . . .

BOUNCING BACK

"Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;"

2 Corinthians 4:9

Ever noticed how perils and persecution complicate things?

Amazing, huh?

The interruption of things we've known and grown accustomed to doing--or having--or being--can obviously create stress.

Sure, stress-survivors have to contend with this, too. But we're determined to not be disillusioned or destroyed by the likes of stress. We are resolved to "bouncing back" . . . again and again.

Although the concept of Bouncing Back is not a new one, it's nonetheless challenging. . .and, in many instances, quite stressful. Truth is, it requires a great deal of faith, as well as fearlessness.

As most survivors have discovered, We never know what we can do, until we try.

When cast down and bounced all around, we don't have to quiver and quit. Stress-survivors choose to persevere by embracing our God-given ability for BOUNCING BACK.


Peace I leave with you . . .

REMAIN SILENT

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
. . . a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;"
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b

You have the right to remain silent; anything you say can be used against you . . .

So says the law.

Just as these words are serious warnings to criminals concerning unlawful behavior, they equally apply to stress and stressful behavior.

Whether currently in a stressful situation or not, surely we've all witnessed how battling back and forth--in whatever form or fashion--can lead to mega stresses.

Though it's not always easy, stress survivors see the difference that remaining silent can make. When we anticipate chaos and confusion with family, friends, or foes, it is our inalienable right to remain silent.

Often, peace prevails in the midst of silence. As stress-survivors, we understand why more and more of us seek our own peaceful sanctuay. And because we're so diligent in pursuing peace, we'd do well to exercise our rights.

Not only do we have the right to remain silent, but even more impressive we have the right to avoid stress by whatever means necessary.

Peace I leave with you . . .

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

A Single Red Rose

Adorned with black and gray,

Dedicated to all Fathers

Wishing them HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.