By Nancy Virden (c)2020
Acceptance is sometimes the only option.
The daughter of friends of mine and her husband need to renew their visa but the bureaucracy says they have to leave the country and apply from there. I do not get it, however, the bigger issue is where are they to go?
With the world fighting the coronavirus outbreak, this couple in Thailand will have difficulty finding a way out, and perhaps especially, a way back in.
Serenity = calm, peace
Theirs is one of millions or billions of challenges people are facing. Change is stressful- even if it is for the better- and possibly everyone today is struggling with adjustments. As a result, the temptation is to worry and fuel our anxiety with negative what-ifs.
The Serenity Prayer, a longer poem trimmed back famously to three lines, begins with a request for peace of mind. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…”
During this season of uncertainty, there is much we cannot control. (1) Other people’s behaviors (2) Who gets ill (3) What is in stock at the store (4) hoarders (5) Shutdowns (6) School and office closures (7) New protocols (8) job losses (9) The world’s leaders’ responses to the coronavirus, and more. Maybe some of us cannot change our work schedules, current health, or ability to travel.
So, why worry about these things?
Acceptance
Acceptance interrupts aggravation, putting an end to that ugly stress churning in our stomachs and giving us headaches. Acceptance recognizes disappointment, confusion, sadness, and uncertainty as realities and then moves on with what is needed.
Acceptance is, “I care about the situation and have strong feelings about it, but will not spend effort focusing on what I cannot change.”
Acceptance as a choice relaxes our muscles, quiets our fears, allows for joy, and celebrates hope. The battle in our minds is where we win or lose serenity.
Faith
The untwisted, unedited gospel of Jesus is our foundation for peace. For example, I can feel unnerved sometimes by all the headlines and chatter about the virus. Still, I am unafraid because nothing that happens to me can change who I am in Christ.
I am a daughter of the Almighty God who made everything out of nothing. He carries my best interests close to His heart. Whatever happens, I am in His good hands. There is no reason to fear death.
This is true for anyone who trusts in Jesus as their Savior.
Don’t forget! Tonight 6-7 PM EST and Tuesday 6:30-7:45 PM EST conference Prayer Groups to pray for the coronavirus and our nation and world. Call 605-313-5981 and use access code 286081 or login to https://join.freeconferencecall.com/nancyvirdenhope
Today’s Helpful Word
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled. -Jesus
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 a 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 