OUR PREROGATIVE

FOR CENTURIES, WE HAVE HARPED ON OUR PREROGATIVE . . . having things our way.

Even now, nine times out of ten, we get highly stressed when we aren't allowed "Our prerogative."

We say, we are free to make our own choices. And we honestly believe we possess the unique privilege of picking and choosing whatsoever we please in every area of life.

What's so amazing is, not only do we elevate stress wrestling our own prerogative, but we upset ourselves resisting other people's prerogative as well.

Somewhere in the midst of making our choices, we failed to realize that other people have prerogatives too. Just because things are not always outlined in black and white, as we've come to expect, doesn't mean we must surrender to stress.

Either we don't understand or accept the fact that others aren't required to fit into the scheme of our lives. And if and when they don't, it's their prerogative.

If all are created equal, why shouldn't we have equal choices? Why would we cause stress with one another simply because we aren't carbon copies?

If the girls have abandoned pantyhose and we can't stand the sight, let's look in another direction. If the guys have vowed to wash and shine their vehicles seven days a week, let's stay out of the way. Stop stressing because we all don't move in the same circles.

Being closed-minded and critical of other's choices can keep us stressed. Learning to respect (if not accept) other people's choices can ease our minds and afford genuine peace.


Peace I leave with you . . .

BETRAYAL

"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known." ~Luke 12:2~





Be it a little or a lot, we all have experienced the stressful sting of betrayal. OUCH!!!

Each set of betraying circumstances -- no matter how, when, or where -- carries a certain degree of stressfulness. So any way we look at it, betrayal presents us countless stresses.

Try as we may, it's a huge challenge to move beyond betrayals when lied on, talked about, cheated or mistreated. Back-stabbing can upset even the best of us.

Recently, overnight singing sensation Susan Boyle said when initially faced with heartless sneers and giggles from an audience on TV show "Britain's Got Talent," she had to be courageous and continue on. That's the key to moving past betrayal . . . WE MUST KEEP-ON-KEEPING-ON.

Any time we're faced with thoughtless, cantankerous, and uncalled-for actions, we need to be armed with tried-and-true methods to keep moving forward.

Yes, betrayal can cause severe stress mentally, physically, and spiritually. But if we remain steadfast in our self-confidence and our self-love, we will survive.

Always keep in mind that we have a say-so in the matter too. Betrayal cannot stress us unless we allow it to. We do not have to roll over and wallow in dire stress, if we don't want to.

Learning to move past hurt and humiliation is never easy. But armed with de-stressing options can surely help us stress less.


Peace I leave with you . . .

EASTER "CHARADE"

IN MOST CASES, our Easter "Charade" magnifies our stress long before Easter arrives. What? Easter Charade?

Quite often, we associate the term "Charade" with the old guessing game. One somebody acts out a thing or a scene, while others try and guess what the word or phrase is. To some, it's a little stressful.

But that's not the type of charade we're involved with at Easter. Our Easter Charade is much like the classic one defined by Webster or Random House: Actions which have no meaning--which are simply for show or pretense.

HOW SO?

Well, now, there's the extended shopping for the extra-special Easter frocks. And those long visits to beauty and barber shops for our hair cuts and curls . . . and to the manicurist to have our nails done. Plus, the dreaded cleaning and cooking and sprucing-up things around the house.

By the time we've finished ripping and running and working to "prepare" for Easter, most of us are too exhausted to partake of the real reason for the Easter season. We miss the very thing we're stressing for.

We miss seeing the beauty of new life fresh from the Lord. We miss feeling the breath of His love upon us. We miss touching the blessings intended to enrich our lives. No wonder we're overcome with stress . . . we're missing the essence of what Easter is all about.

In the beginning, Easter was the time of resurrection and newness of life. And until we slow our roles and witness the blessings of the Lord's resurrection, stresses from our Easter Charade will continue.

HAPPY EASTER!

IMPERFECT PEOPLE

NORTH OR SOUTH -- East or West -- young, old, rich or poor, people are not perfect. Despite all the "cute" little lies, none of us are absolute angels. As so often stated, "Nobody is perfect."


Regardless of who says what . . . we all have flaws. Without a doubt, mine, yours, and ours are bound to surface from time to time -- in one way or another.

Even though we honestly agree with this, there's still considerable stress as to how to deal with people when their imperfections cross the line and become offensive.

Because we believe "people aren't perfect," does that acceptance, alone, spare us from the terrible stresses that some individuals cause? How many times can we literally turn the other cheek, especially when hit for no reason?

When face to face with inconsiderate or unpleasant people, what do we do? How do we remain calm and refrain from falling into the abyss of stress?

First and foremost, WE STAY FOCUSED. Remember that focus is key. And when we refuse to be intimidated or humiliated by imperfect actions or reactions, we shield ourselves from unnecessary stress.

And, by all means, WE KEEP A GOOD SPIRIT. "A Good Spirit?" Absolutely! We foster a positive attitude and strive to block negativity from our mind. We steer clear of silly and self-centered drama. Situations and circumstances flow far better when we keep a pleasant disposition.

Whether big flaws, little flaws, or those in-between, all of them can cause countless stresses. So when forced to deal with imperfections, instead of giving people a "piece" of our mind, we who are wise will be careful to maintain our "Peace" of mind.



Peace I leave with you . . .

SOMETHING WE LOVE

What are you doing, O devastated one? ~ Jeremiah 4:30, NIV ~

WHEN ASKED what are our hobbies, three-fourth of us will answer "none." A few might say something like cooking, sewing, watching TV, and talking on the phone.

However, serious stress-survivors proclaim a deep-and-abiding love for such things as fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, dancing, reading, writing, shopping, traveling, and many other fun adventures.

Statistics reveal that more money is spent annually on hobbies in the United States than in any other country on earth. To some, it is wasteful because hobbies are considered non-essential . . . That is, until a person tries one and personally discovers how hobbies help to reduce stress.

Let's Look at it like this: For all the stressful things that life demand we do--whether we want to or not--to have a special something that we love to turn to is indeed a welcomed relief to our stressed souls.

A friend of a friend once shared that he spent every day, doing something he loved. He swore that that was the key to his peace of mind. He encourages people to take out time every single day to do something they love.

So, what are we doing? Do the things we love out-weigh those we loathe? Or is it the opposite? Surely, what we do has to be of importance for in the Bible, during Jeremiah's days, this same question came from the Lord.

Think about it. How many of us can say that we're doing something we love EVERY DAY?

Peace I leave with you . . .

HELLO SUNSHINE!

YEAAAH...SPRING HAS ARRIVED... Along with it, the fascination of outdoor activities and the magnificent sunshine and fresh air.

Remember how, back in the day, our elders would insist that we go outside and play? They knew--in part if not totally--how important sunshine, fresh air, and exercise were to our well-being.

Cooped-up inside all the time with windows closed tight and covered with blinds and curtains, is a sure path to stress. We seem to have forsaken natural sunlight and fresh outdoor air. Please be warned, sunshine and fresh air are among the most essential elements needed to de-stress.

Researchers are quickly proving the tremendous benefits of the sun and how important it is to get outside and be active under it. Research also shows that sunshine is an effective treatment for stress and depression.

Amazingly, fresh air soothes the nerves, stimulates appetite, helps digestion, and induces sound, restful sleep--all of which are vital to reduce stress. But greater still, fresh air has a dynamic influence on the mind, imparting peace and serenity.

It's important that we remember how good it feels to be out in the sunshine and fresh air. And how relaxed we feel after spending time there. And one of the best ways to receive such benefits is to go out into the open air and exercise--walking, running, gardening, playing sports, or whatever suits us.

All considered, sunshine, fresh air, and exercise are a winning combination for stress. Let's start today and spend time outdoors. Let's get plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and let's allow "Mother Nature" to naturally soothe our souls.



Peace I leave with you . . .

LET'S DO LUNCH!

And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed

which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree

whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food."
~ Genesis 1:29 ~

Ever noticed that sluggish or sleepy feeling after eating lunch? After overindulging in non-nutritional foods?

When it comes to eating, we have gone our own way and given ourselves permission to glut on whatever we please. How can we expect to not be stressed?

One of the most shocking things is we're ready to pout every time our eating habits are addressed, but then, we're rallying prayer whenever health issues arise.

Sad to say, there's hardly a single one of us who isn't stressing behind some kind of disorder or disease. High blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis and obesity cause severe stress in nine out of ten lives.

In all honesty, we have to admit our addictions to typically BAD eating. Our Black American Diet largely consists of fried foods - especially meats - lots of pork, cooked-to-death vegetables, and plenty of processed foods and sweets.

Realizing that God has made provisions for us through the natural foods of this earth, we must feed our bodies food that's designed to de-stress them.

To be strong stress-survivors, we must focus on eating to live, rather than, living to eat. And instead of making poor choices and eating what tastes good to us, we must be mindful of what's good for us.


Peace I leave with you . . .