By Nancy Virden (c)2020
A 142-year-old fruit cake? Uh… yum?
A woman baked fruit cakes at Christmas for her family. It was such a tradition that when she passed away in 1878, the family decided to keep her last fruit cake as a family heirloom. The cake is still on display in the Michigan home of a descendant.
Delightful candied fruit flavors set these traditional cakes apart, this we know. Truth comes in flavors as well.
Flavors of truth
My truth. A popular concept is that of my truth and your truth. “My truth” can be anything from momentary feelings to serious convictions. It is merely one opinion among billions. Relativism cannot hold up under tests of logic.
Transient truth. Transient truth is all those opinions that easily change with the next wind. Among them are fashion, fads, some scientific theories, and whatever the next rumor says about a person or situation. Transient truth is the first impression a jury comes to hold before cross-examination.
New truth. People may think they have invented a new wave of thought, when in fact, all general discoveries about human nature, spiritual ideas, and philosophies, have been around this globe numerous times in a variety of forms, since the beginning of human creation. A louder-than-most claimant of new truth may receive much attention at first. It’s a fake cycle. There is nothing new under the sun.
Interpretive truth. Each of our perceptions seems like fact to us. Somehow we can all look at the same scene and arrive at different conclusions. Biases play a large part in our interpretations of truth as do assumptions. Implicit bias can be so strong that our senses respond to expectations over reality.
Absolute truth. What is absolutely true is that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. It is absolutely true that temperatures are cold when it snows and warmer when it melts. Another absolute truth is that children are born small.
Absolute truth is based on unchanging, non-fluid facts. We are surrounded by absolute truths. Your truth, my truth, transient truths, new truths, and interpretations of truth do nothing to alter an absolute truth.
Truth and your mental health
Absolute truths carry the rich flavor of trust and rest, in expectations that do not disappoint. Focusing on them instead of mindreading, catastrophizing, assuming, or searching for truth from errant sources, leads to greater mental health. This is a rather basic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) concept; what we think affects how we feel.
I believe the promises from God as explained in the Bible are absolute truths. Not everyone agrees- another absolute truth. For those who do agree, our faith is the evidence we need. Experience teaches us we have no reason to waver in our trust.
The Lord Jesus’ presence throughout the darkest mental health challenge of my life, changed the process and outcome. I knew God had not thrown me away.
Today’s Helpful Word
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.
*** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight 