"HOW TO HEAL A BROKEN CHRISTMAS?"

 

With having had two teenage boys who loved football, there was one Christmas gift that was a sure hit – a new leather football! And seeing how it was a rare 60-degree Christmas morning, do you think the guys were going to just sit around the Christmas tree and admire that ball? Absolutely not! They went right outside and did what you’re supposed to do with a football! Play Football!

Here they were, Pastor Ron and his boys – the three men of the house – running quickly out of the house, out into the middle of the street, passing that football back and forth. 

Then it happened…Pastor Ron went back for a long one; the pass was heading straight to him! And he caught it! However, he caught it right on the end of his little finger! The emergency room? Yeah, that’s not exactly where you want to spend a huge chunk of your Christmas time, but that’s exactly where Pastor Ron was, and with a special souvenir of that Christmas – a broken finger! I believe Pastor Ron will agree; it’s no fun having something Broken, especially  during Christmas!

And it’s far worse, if what’s broken is a relationship you really care about, or your family is broken, or your heart is broken, your joy is broken, your peace is broken, your trust has been broken, your loyalty has been broken. In fact, all the “joy to the world” around you just seems to make the hurt even worse! And often the Christmas Season has a tendency to bring painful reminders of the things and people that have hurt us the most, and broken us to pieces! A mother who walked away and never came back; a father who passed away; a marriage that ended; a child that left home; a doctor’s sad report; the loss of a job after 20 years; the senseless loss of a friends life; a relationship that’s beyond repair…and the list could go on forever. 

Well, you need to know that the One whose ‘birthday’ we’re celebrating knows about what’s broken and He knows how much it’s hurting you. He cares about that pain, He cares about your loneliness, and more importantly, He truly understands!


Remember, this Jesus who we celebrate this Christmas was, in the words of the Bible, a “man of sorrows and familiar with suffering” (Isaiah 53:3). The Amplified Bible says it like this: “He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him.” (AMP) The Contemporary English Bible says it like this: “He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, “He is a nobody!” (CEB)

JESUS was misunderstood, despised, rejected, forsaken, hated, filled with sorrows, pain, grief, sickness and terrible suffering, abandoned, betrayed, falsely accused, and even mocked, spat upon, pierced and put to death! So, in case you feel as if no one knows how you feel; no one can identify with your brokenness, rest assured, JESUS KNOWS, JESUS CARES AND JESUS UNDERSTANDS!

While everyone around you may be celebrating and totally unaware of how you’re hurting, please know that Jesus is moving close to you today, and He wants to do something very powerful for you this Christmas…And That’s to Heal What’s Broken!

I know this may sound like a depressing devotional, however, believe it or not, far too many are dreading this Christmas! Truth is, someone, somewhere will cry this Christmas, will be alone this Christmas, will feel left, rejected and abandoned this Christmas. Someone will commit suicide this Christmas. Someone will throw in the towel on life for good this Christmas. Someone, somewhere is wondering “what do I have to celebrate this Christmas?…he left me…she doesn’t love me…he died…she’s sick…what could I possibly have to celebrate?”

That’s why I think He’s led me to remind someone today: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). 

For further encouragement, let’s look at that same Scripture in various translations:


“The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.” (GNT); 

“The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.” (CEV); 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed.” (NCV). 


However, my favorite is: “If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” (MSG) 

In your brokenness is where you’ll find God right there! Now that’s encouragement! Because most people don’t want to be around someone who’s broken. Why? Because they know it will only be a time of tears, complaining, sob stories, self-pity parties, retelling of the same hurtful scripts over and over again. They know it will be a time spent in sorrow, pain, regret, hurt, rejection, and ‘why me’? chants. Who wants to hang around that, especially during the holidays? But Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother! He could care less about any of that, He’s not leaving your side, nor is He turning a deaf ear to you, nor will He leave you there broken. After all, He is the mender of broken hearts! So, wherever you find yourself broken today, know that Jesus is Right There, even if no one else is! You my friend are on the verge of being mended!

The second part of that says this: “…if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” Truth is, life can hit you so hard it makes you double over in pain, with the breath knocked right out of you! But isn’t it awesome how God is ever present to give you your second wind?! That term ‘second wind’, has a few definitions but the one I’ll use here is, “a new strength or energy to continue something that is an effort.’ When God gives you a second wind it’s ‘new strength and energy to continue something that is an effort.’ And let’s be honest, trying to recover from brokenness takes effort! Pain and hurt has a way of weakening you to such a state that if God doesn’t supply the strength, you’ll never bounce back! Which is why sharing our weakness with God and waiting on His strength is so vital! 2 Corinthians 12:9, “but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.” (AMP) See, your weakness can’t destroy His strength, in fact, it’s what supplies it to you and for you! So be encouraged today, God is Right There and He’s Supplying You With Strength and a Second Wind, You Shall Recover, You Shall Bounce Back, You Shall Heal!


JESUS LOVES YOU; HE CARES THAT YOU’RE HURTING; HE’S THERE AND WANTS TO HELP HEAL YOUR BROKENNESS…ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS…LET HIM!

“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, ACCEPT THE HELP” (Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG). The word ‘accept’ is defined as, ‘to agree to receive or undertake something offered or proposed; to regard favorably or with approval.’ Its Latin origin ‘acceptare’, from ‘capere’, literally means ‘to take.’ People of God, it’s not that God hasn’t offered His help, the problem is we haven’t accepted it! Which makes absolutely no sense, since the word itself means ‘to take’! Therefore, today, Take the help God is offering to heal you and help you mend every broken area of your life. Don’t Focus so much on your Hurt that you lose Sight of His Help!

In Isaiah 61:1, the Son of God says, “The Lord has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted.” The Amplified Bible says it like this: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound”

HE REALLY IS THE FIXER OF BROKEN HEARTS, AND BROKEN LIVES, AND BROKEN PEOPLE! How do I know? THE WORD OF GOD SAID SO, AND THE WORD OF GOD CAN’T LIE!

So if this Christmas Your Battling With Brokenness, Simply Lean On the One Who Has Been Charged to Bind Up the Brokenhearted…His Names Is JESUS!
Let Him Mend You and Make You Whole Again! After all, isn’t that a part of the Reason we celebrate Him this Season? The Son of God Coming to Seek and Save; Heal and Deliver? Surely this season has to mean more than trees, tinsel, lights, Santa, candy canes, egg nog, and gifts? After all, this season is the celebration of the ONLY ONE who Sacrificed His life so He could grant us Eternal Life. Surely LIFE that grants an ETERNAL GIFT means more than standing in LINES that grant only a TEMPORARY ONE?! Christmas is more than pretty wrapped boxes with bows, it’s a time to remember the Christ Who was Broken to Mend the Broken. No matter what sale/discount you receive at the store; nothing will ever be able to equal that value/worth! 

Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” (AMP) I know what happened may have broken your heart, but don’t let it stop it from beating! God is there ready and willing to heal the brokenhearted and to bind up their wounds; to heal their pain and comfort their sorrow, so why suffer in silence, when His arms are open wide; His eyes are focused on you; His ears are open to your voice; His heart is filled with unconditional love for you; and He simply cannot wait to heal every ounce of your brokenness!

Remember: No Matter What Is Broken, Where It Broke, How Long and How Bad It’s Been Broken, Why It Broke, When It Broke or Who Broke It…He Can…and He Will Bind the Broken…Just Trust Him and Accept His Help to Heal! And this Broken Christmas May Just Prove to be Your Very Best Christmas Yet!

Remember the REASON not the RECEIPTS of This Christmas! He Came to Save, and that Includes Saving You from Suffering the Pain of Remaining Broken! Be Healed Today, Be Well Today, Be Happy Today, Be Made Whole Today!

“Christianity is the only hope for this broken world because there’s no other way for the broken to get the nails they need to rebuild.” (Author Unknown)

“Jesus came to heal everything in your life that’s broken and to restore everything the enemy has taken.” (Joyce Meyer)

“Broken things and broken people are the result of sin. Yet God sent His Son to be broken that we might be healed.” (Author Unknown)

“Lord, enlighten what’s dark in me; strengthen what’s weak in me; mend what’s broken in me; bind what’s bruised in me; heal what’s sick in me and lastly revive whatever peace and love has died in me.” (Author Unknown)

“God can heal a broken heart. But you need to give Him all the pieces.” (Author Unknown)

“God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.” (Vance Havner)

“Its so much easier to let God heal your broken heart than trying to do it in your own ability and strength. It’s not your job. Jesus is the healer of broken hearts.” (Author Unknown)

“God’s Healing Hand: If you have a mountain of pain before you or you’re lost in a cold valley of shadowy doubt, know that God’s healing hand is there to mend your broken heart and an angel’s smile is always looking over your shoulder to guide you with heavenly hope” (Robert Clancy)

“God knows the burdens you carry and the tears you shed. He is the healer of broken hearts, broken dreams, and broken lives. Trust Him. He never fails.” (Pastor John Hagee)

“Not to Self: Healing is NOT an overnight process. It takes time. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re finally over something and happy again, and then unexpectedly the wound will reopen. But don’t give up and don’t get discouraged. Take each day one step at a time. Just try to be in a better place mentally and emotionally than you were yesterday.” (Author Unknown)

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged #BeInspired #BeHealed

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

“Healing Foods”

 

EAT, DRINK, AND BE HEALTHY: Healthy food is the medicine we give our bodies every day. It can’t cure what ails you, but certain foods have the power to soothe symptoms and give your body a boost when you have specific illnesses or injuries. Help yourself to these healing foods. 

CHICKEN PHO: This Vietnamese soup packs more healing power than old-fashioned chicken and noodles when it comes to colds. Chicken pho (pronounced “fuh”) also packs the anti-viral power of star anise and the anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom and cinnamon. It has antioxidants in the form of goji berries and coriander seeds. Jalapenos bring calcium and vitamins A and C -- along with some nose-clearing spice. 

SARDINES: Sardines may not be the sexiest fish at the supermarket, but their little bones may help your broken bones heal faster. Usually packed into small tins with water, olive oil, or tomato juice, these tiny fish are full of calcium and vitamin D. They also have more bone-strengthening omega-3 fatty acids than most other fish. Bonus: Sardines are caught wild and young, which means their mercury levels are low. 

UNRIPE BANANAS: Green bananas have a secret superpower: They’re great for diarrhea. They contain resistant starch, which means it doesn’t let your small intestine absorb it quickly. Instead, it feeds good bacteria in your digestive tract and tells the bad bacteria to get out. Bananas are also full of electrolytes like potassium, which can help you replace what you’ve lost. 

HONEY: Skip the honey-flavored lozenges and treat your cough with the real thing. Honey lessens inflammation, soothes pain, and kills bacteria. It’s also full of antibodies that fight viral infections. It’s packed with vitamins like niacin and vitamin C, and minerals like calcium and iron, for a healthy boost of energy. Add 2 tablespoons to warm water or tea for a natural cough suppressant with big benefits. 

KIMCHI: This traditional Korean dish may end your gas and bloating. It’s a spicy mix of vegetables like napa cabbage and radishes that are fermented or preserved with natural good bacteria. When you eat it, it loads your gut with good bacteria, also called probiotics, and moves out bad bacteria that can cause belly distress. Some kinds of sauerkraut and pickles have the same effect: Look for the words “naturally fermented” on the label. 

HORSERADISH: This cousin of mustard, onion, and garlic is anything but subtle. When you grate horseradish, it crushes the cells of the root. This releases the oils that bring out its signature heat. Even a small dab can make your eyes water and nose run. That’s great news if you have sinus or nasal issues: Horseradish moves out mucus that attracts bacteria if it stays in your system too long. Same for the green mound of wasabi that comes with sushi. 

COFFEE: When you have a headache, the blood vessels that feed your brain get tight, then enlarge and press against your nerves. That’s what causes the throb in your head. The caffeine in coffee, black tea, and chocolate causes your blood vessels to go back down in size. Don’t take this as permission to guzzle down cup after cup: You can also get a withdrawal headache after you have too much caffeine. 

KALE: Small scrape? Knife cut? Start healing yourself with kale or other dark, leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, and collard and turnip greens. They have high amounts of the essential nutrient vitamin K, which helps your blood cells group up and clot. Not only does this stop you from losing more blood; it also protects your wound. K also helps your body build healthy bone tissue. 

GINGER: Whether you love or hate the spicy bite of ginger, it’s great for your stomach. The root of the ginger plant has compounds called gingerols. They block the receptors in your digestive tract that cause nausea. Use it to treat morning sickness, motion sickness, and post-surgery or chemotherapy-related stomach issues. Ginger comes in many forms, including candied, dried, fresh, pickled, powdered, and ground. 

HERBAL TEA: Soothe your sore throat with a warm cup of herbal tea. If your throat hurts, peppermint tea has natural numbing qualities. Clove and green tea fight bacteria. Raspberry-flavored tea reduces inflammation. Chamomile will lubricate your throat: Drink it if you’re hoarse. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s decaf so you’re able to rest and sleep. 

APPLES: You know what they say about apples -- and with good reason. Apples have high amounts of pectin, a soluble fiber in the walls of its cells. If you’re constipated, it gets your bowels moving. And if you have diarrhea, it reduces inflammation and helps firm up your bowel movements. To get the most fiber, leave the skin on. Other naturally high-fiber foods include raspberries, cooked artichokes, and Brussels sprouts.  

Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD on March 18, 2020, WebMD

SOURCES:

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics: “Warfarin, your diet, and vitamin K foods.”

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: “Vitamin K.”

Johns Hopkins Medicine: “How Wounds Heal.”

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Vitamin K,” “Bananas.” 

UCCE Master Food Preservers of Amador/Calaveras County: “Fermentation Kimchi, Kombucha, Kefir.”

Michigan State University, MSU Extension: “Interested in making your own home-fermented foods?” “Benefits of honey.”

Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School: “Fermented foods can add depth to your diet,” “Hot stuff has the right stuff,” “Natural ways to relieve constipation.”

Mayo Clinic: “Belching, gas and bloating: Tips for reducing them.”

UCLA History & Special Collections, Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library: “Horseradish.”

Penn State Extension: “Growing Horseradish.”

Sutter Health: “The Health Benefits of Goji Berries.”

University Health News: “7 Surprising Coriander Health Benefits: From Fighting Cholesterol to Treating Diabetes and More.”

University of Maryland Graduate School: “Health Benefits of Cinnamon.”

U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health: “The effect of cardamom supplementation on serum lipids, glycemic indices and blood pressure in overweight and obese pre-diabetic women: a randomized controlled trial,” “The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy and Chemotherapy,” “Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research.”

Wiley Online Library: “Star anise (Illicium verum): Chemical compounds, antiviral properties, and clinical relevance.”

Penn Medicine: “6 At-Home Remedies to Ease Your Sore Throat.”

Columbia University Department of Neurology: “Pulling Ahead of Headaches.”

National Headache Foundation: “Does Caffeine Trigger or Treat Headaches?”

University of Rochester Medical Center: “Ginger.”

Bastyr University: “Ginger: Boundless Culinary and Medicinal Applications,” “4 Reasons Sardines are Great -- and 2 Recipes to Convince You.” 

Cleveland Clinic: “3 of the Healthiest (and Worst) Fish, According to Our Dieticians.”

Molecules: “Pectin and Pectin-Based Composite Materials: Beyond Food Texture.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“14 Tips to Beat Holiday Depression, According to Psychologists”

 

There are ways to make the most wonderful time of year a little better.

The holiday season isn't wonderful for everyone. For some, holiday depression makes this time of year debilitating, and difficult to experience. In this episode of Deep Dives, we speak with Gail Saltz, M.D. regarding holiday depression and seasonal depression, and her take on how to manage stress during this time of year. Here are six tips to help avoid potential triggers and keep holiday depression at bay.

 

WHAT IS DEPRESSION, AND DOES IT REALLY GET WORSE DURING THE HOLIDAYS? While holiday depression is not an official clinical diagnosis, the holiday season is full of potential depression triggers. "Depression that occurs around the holidays sometimes gets called holiday depression," Gail Saltz, MD, a psychologist and host of the Personology podcast, tells Health. "It is important to delineate whether this occurs every year in the winter, because if so, this may actually be seasonal affective disorder. But if not, it may be depression exacerbated by stressors related to the holidays."

 

MAKE PLANS AHEAD OF TIME: Spend some time figuring out how to take care of yourself during this time, John Sharp, MD, a psychiatrist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, tells Health. Come up with restorative routines, such as reading a book or napping, and write them on a calendar. In between shopping and baking, make sure these routines don't fall by the wayside. "Figure out what basics are going to help you get through the holidays and make them a priority," Dr. Sharp says.

 

AVOID FAMILY CONFLICT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE: There are a couple ways to save your sanity at family gatherings, Jeffrey Greeson, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C., tells Health. If you know there are going to be conflicts, prepare a neutral response, such as, "Let's talk about that another time," or, "I can see how you would feel that way." Then escape to the restroom, offer to help in the kitchen, or go hang out with the kids. And it always helps to call a good friend if you need a sympathetic ear.

 

FOCUS ON THE GOOD: Specifically, focus on the good people in your life. The holidays can be immensely stressful if you don't see eye-to-eye with your family members and yet end up spending large amounts of time with them (especially if you're all staying under one roof). If this scenario is stressful for you, it's extra important to think about the people and things that don't stress you out during this time. "That's where we should put our energy," Scott Bea, PsyD, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, tells Health. "Let things be less than ideal. Let them feel a little broken," Dr. Bea says. However, make it a point to intentionally focus on people in your life who "lift you up.”

 

DROP PERFECTIONISM: Debbie Thurman, a 57-year-old from Monroe, Va., suffered from depression for years, and the holidays made it worse. From decorating to finding the perfect gifts, she felt overwhelmed. At a support group's suggestion, she listed the simple things that really made her family happy, and she began traditions that helped the less fortunate. "When you take your eyes off of yourself and focus on those who have far less than you do, you can't be depressed," she says. "I learned to be grateful for the blessings I had, and I had a lot.”

 

LEARN HOW TO GRIEVE: If you are mourning a loved one, it's a good time to talk about your feelings or reach out to support groups. "There's no one right way to feel," Deborah Jonsson, public relations manager at Avow Hospice, in Collier County, Florida, tells Health. It's not uncommon to feel angry at the person for leaving you alone or feeling guilty if you do enjoy yourself during the holidays. "All feelings are a sign that you're human and reflect where you are in your healing process," Jonsson says.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP: Holiday activities easily can interfere with your sleep schedule. But studies have shown there is a link between sleep loss and depression, so you need to be extra careful about cutting back on sleep to get everything done. Try to get to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day; avoid large meals and physical activity such as dancing within a few hours of bedtime; and make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary, free from TV or other distractions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

LIMIT MEDIA CONSUMPTION: Let's be real—the holidays can make you feel lonely. Advertising campaigns showing happy couples and family units can really do a number on you if you're depressed. "If you're depressed, [what you're feeling] is in contrast to what appears to be going on everywhere else," explains Dr. Bea. Social media (and other types of media), can often emphasize feelings of loneliness, which is why you need to be mindful of how much of said media you're consuming. If you get sad when you log onto Facebook, pay attention to that feeling, and consider changing your media consumption habits. "You have to have a plan. Rather than merely being victimized, have a plan on how you're going to approach this. Limit the degree to which social media" has power over your feelings, says Dr. Bea.

 

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP: When Thurman's children were young, she and her husband lived far away from their extended family. When she needed support during "black bouts of depression," she leaned on close friends. She and her husband had two couples in particular that helped them through difficult times. "These friends were godsends," she says. "I credit them with quite possibly helping to save my life," she says. "I also drew encouragement from a small support group of women who were dealing with depression.”

 

MAKE EXERCISE A PRIORITY: Exercise—one of the first activities to get lost in the holiday shuffle—should be placed high on your to-do list. "The more stress we are under, the less time we feel like we have, and the more irritated our mood, the more we need to continue exercising," Greeson says. "Get out and do something; it helps use those calories from rich, fatty, sugary holiday foods." Exercise has been shown to improve mood. Taking a brisk walk for 35 minutes five days a week (or 60 minutes three times a week) can do the trick.

 

CONSIDER YOUR LIGHT EXPOSURE: If you are consistently tired, irritable, and down at this time of year, it may not be due to the holidays as much as to the lack of exposure to the sun, Dr. Sharp says. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, can be treated by long walks during daylight hours or exposure to a light box for about 30 minutes a day. If you think you may be suffering from SAD, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

 

MAKE NON-HOLIDAY PLANS: It can be good to intentionally turn your attention away from the holidays, says Dr. Bea. This can be especially useful for people who struggle with depression that's related to the holidays. "It's hard to avoid the awareness of the holidays," Dr. Bea admits. However, that doesn't mean you can't escape them for a little while by busying yourself with unrelated activities. If being social keeps you comfortable, consider making plans with friends that have nothing to do with the holidays. Dr. Bea recommends exploring any activity that pulls you outside yourself, which will disconnect you from your depression.

 

FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS: The holidays shouldn't be all about the presents, but financial woes can make it easy to lose sight of that. Rein in the stress (and cost) by organizing a gift exchange with friends or family. You can also bake your gifts or create traditions such as having a large potluck meal followed by a walk outside or board games by the fire. "I think saying no is more of a relief instead of stretching and spending more than you have and still not doing enough," Dr. Sharp says.

DON’T BINGE ON FOOD OR ALCOHOL: For some, overindulgence is as much of a holiday tradition as opening gifts. Carmen Harra, PhD, an author and psychologist in Hollywood, Florida, recommends more restraint. "Have one piece of pie, not three," Dr. Harra tells Health. "Apart from being unhealthy for your body, you will feel guilty afterward." Harra recommends preparing for holiday dinners by eating healthy meals the week prior. And don't use alcohol to deal with holiday depression. Alcohol can intensify your emotions and leave you feeling worse when it wears off.

 

CUT BACK ON COMMITMENTS: If you feel like you just can't get through one more holiday gathering, it's OK to sit them out. "One of the things about holiday stress we forget is that Thanksgiving and Christmas are both 24 hours and that's it," Pauline Wallin, PhD, an author and clinical psychologist in Camp Hill, Penn, tells Health. Wallin recommends figuring out what you need to get through those 24 hours, such as volunteering, going on vacation, or visiting a shelter or someone who is alone. Focusing on others can help alleviate depression.

 

BY Tammy Worth, Health Magazine, Updated November 10, 2020

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“The Gift of ForGIVEness”

“Forgive—ONLY THEN will your heavenly Father…wipe your slate clean.” Mark 11:25 (MSG).

 
How heavy is a glass of water? That Depends On How Long You Carry It! A minute is no problem, and after an hour your arm might ache. But after 24 hours you’ll probably be in pretty bad shape! In each instance the glass Weighs Exactly the Same, but the Longer You Carry It, the Heavier It Feels! And it’s the Same With Un-Forgiveness; it can get So Heavy that it Causes You Physical Pain!

 
Truth is, people will hurt you; that’s the reality of sharing this planet with others. Sometimes it’s intentional, other times they have no idea they even upset you, far less broke your heart. Does that mean you should go around pretending nothing’s wrong? No, the first step is to confront your feelings. And be honest, especially when the hurt is deep, because that’s when it’s even harder to forgive.
 

That’s why you have to remember Jesus said, “Pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28 NIV) When you do that, something unexpected happens; Your Heart Softens and You Start Seeing Them Through God’s Eyes Instead of Your Raw Emotions!
   

Warning: When You Sow Un-Forgiveness You Reap Un-Forgiveness—Even From God! “If you have anything against someone, forgive—ONLY THEN will your heavenly Father…wipe your slate clean.”

Now Isaac Is a Prime Example of Practicing Forgiveness!

 
During a drought he dug wells that his enemies moved in and claimed. But Instead of Retaliating, He Moved On and Dug New Ones! As a result God Filled Isaac’s Empty Wells and Promised to Bless Him, and His Children Too! (Genesis. 26:22-23). Likewise, when you determine Not to Retaliate, He’ll determine to Restore! He’ll Fill the Emptiness in Your Life, When You Forgive Those Who Have Hurt You and like Isaac, Keep Moving Forward!

 
Listen: I don’t speak this to you out of textbook theology, but out of Life Experience. At the age of 12 years old, I was molested. He died when I was 25, I forgave him when I was 33. I’m now 47. Let’s do the math: Something that happened 35 years ago, Took Me 21 Years To Forgive! And of those 21 years, 8 Of Them He Was Already Dead And Gone! By no means do I seek to minimize anyone’s hurt or pain. But I Know First Hand What it’s Like to Carry a Dead Man and His Deeds Year In and Year Out! Like a glass of water, it didn’t seem all that heavy to begin with…But as the Years Went On, and I Never Unloaded My Burden, it Became Heavier and Heavier. “…heartache crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:13 NIV). “…gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.” (Proverbs 17:22 MSG). It was when I began ministering about the freedom of forgiveness regarding sexual abuses, that my shackles began to loosen and fall off and revival flooded my soul. I eventually went to his grave and made peace, not for him, But For Me! 

 
I share this testimony with you because far too many, Christians, are sitting in the Sanctuary Suffering In Silence over things that happened when they were Six or Sixteen and now at Sixty, They Still Have Not Let It Go! People of God, We Cannot Preach a Liberating Gospel While Bound By Un-Forgiveness Ourselves! Understand: Somebody, Somewhere Needs a “WHOLE” YOU to Minister to Their “Broken Fragments.”  

 
The next time un-forgiveness rears its ugly head, remember these few Scriptures: 

 
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You Can’t Get Forgiveness From God, for instance, Without Also Forgiving Others. If You Refuse to Do Your Part, You Cut Yourself Off From God’s Part.” (Matthew 6:14 MSG).

 
 “Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, Forgive Him. Even if it’s personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,’ Forgive Him.” (Luke 17:3 MSG).

 
“Now, regarding the one who started all this—the person in question who caused all this pain—…What the majority of you agreed to as punishment is punishment enough. Now Is the Time to Forgive This Man and Help Him Back On His Feet. If All You Do Is Pour On the Guilt, You Could Very Well Drown Him In It. My Counsel Now Is to Pour On the Love.” (2 Corinthians 2:5 MSG).

 
“…If someone falls into sin, Forgivingly Restore Him, Saving Your Critical Comments For Yourself. You Might Be Needing Forgiveness Before the Day’s Out. Stoop Down and Reach Out to Those Who Are Oppressed. Share Their Burdens, and So Complete Christ’s Law. If You Think You Are Too Good For That, You Are Badly Deceived.” (Galatians 6:1-3 MSG).

 
“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive One Another as Quickly and Thoroughly as God In Christ Forgave You.” (Ephesians 4:31 MSG). 

 
If You Don’t Sow Forgiveness, You Don’t Reap Forgiveness! Let It Go Today, For Real and For Good! 

 
“People insulted Christ, but he did not insult them in return. Christ suffered, but he did not threaten. He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of him.” 1 Peter 2:23 (NCV).

 
Listen to this: A little boy who’d been rude to his Mom started sneaking off upstairs. “Where you going, young man?” she asked. “To my room to talk to God,” he replied. “Isn’t there something you want to tell me first?” she said. “Nope,” he said, “You’ll just get mad. God will forgive me and forget about it.”
As comical as that sounds, the truth of the matter is, Long After You Think You’ve Forgiven Somebody You Can Still Be Harboring Hard Feelings!  

 

Therefore, here are some clues that you’ve still got work to do: You get angry thinking about what happened; you give the offender the cold shoulder; you rehearse the incident mentally and in conversation; you seize every opportunity to remind the offender of what they did. Any of that sound familiar? If so, You Need to Understand that Refusing to Forgive and Forget is Just Another Way of Justifying an Unforgiving Attitude. 

 
The Bible says there are two things God won’t share: One, His Glory—Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and My Glory Will I Not Give to Another…”; and two, His Right to Settle Old Scores. He said, “…Vengeance is mine; I Will Repay, Saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). In Other Words: Don’t Usurp His Authority by Trying to Get Even; Take Your Hands Off the Situation and Let Him Work It Out!  

 

When “People insulted Christ…He did not insult them in return…He let God…who judges rightly, take care of him.” 

 

 
Furthermore, a “Grudge” shackles you to the offender, and YOU Become the Hostage! You see, the word ‘grudge’ is defined as: ‘a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a Past insult or injury.’ Its origin comes from the word ‘grutch’ which means to ‘murmur, complain or grumble’. And it’s closely related to the word ‘grouch.’ For one, the definition says it’s the result of ‘a PAST insult or injury.’ In that case you need to: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over OLD history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-NEW. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 MSG).
 

 

No Matter How Bad It Was Conceiving This Bad Seed, It’s High Time You Abort It! 

 

Listen: After trying for years to get pregnant, I finally did, unfortunately, it was what they call a ‘tubal pregnancy.’ Although I was pregnant, the baby was not growing in a Healthy Environment for either of us. Eventually, the tube would burst, and a Life or Death situation would’ve been on our hands. As much as I wanted to hold on to it, Doing So Would’ve Been Deadly! Likewise, there are some situations you just have to let go. Why? Because You’re Causing Yourself Mental, Emotional and even Spiritual and Physical Injury! This Is Not a Healthy Environment For You or Those Involved! Let It Go! 

 
Secondly, its origin means to ‘murmur, complain or grumble’. Let’s look at how God feels about such people: “How long is this going to go on, all this grumbling against me by this evil-infested community? I’ve had my fill of complaints from these grumbling Israelites…here’s what I’m going to do: Your corpses are going to litter the wilderness…this whole generation of grumblers…Not one of you will enter the land and make your home there…the… promised land…” (Numbers 14:27-30 MSG). Now do you really want to go on grumbling?! Jesus said, “…Murmur not among yourselves.” (John 6:43) And even the Apostle Paul said, “Do all things without murmurings…” (Philippians 2:14). 

 
Understand that dwelling on something your parents did, an associate that took credit for your work, or what someone said about you, Makes You, Not Them, Miserable! You walk around in turmoil and they don’t even know/care you’re upset! Why Give Someone That Kind of Control Over Your Life? What’s important is what happens IN you, not TO you! So Forgive, Forget, And Move Forward!

 
Telling of his experience as a POW, Ernest Gordon related how after work one evening a guard noticed a shovel missing. Insisting one of the prisoners stole it, he screamed for the guilty party to come forward. Then he prepared to kill them one by one till someone confessed. Suddenly a Scottish soldier broke rank, stood to attention and said, “I did it.” The guard beat him to death on the spot. When he’d exhausted his fury, the other POW’s picked up their friend’s body along with their tools and returned to camp. At that point the shovels were re-counted. The guard was wrong. None Was Missing! With that thought, I ask you: What kind of person would take the blame for something he didn’t do? Answer: JESUS! 

 
“We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for…how someone…noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son…while we were of no use whatever to him” (Romans 5:7-8 MSG). 

 
If God Could Do That For Someone So Un-Deserving As Us, Certainly We Can Forgive Others, Deserving Or Not! 

 

Therefore, TODAY, FORGIVE! 

 

Don’t Allow Your PAST To Kill Your FUTURE! 

 

Remember, Receiving Forgiveness ONLY Takes Place AFTER It’s Been Given!

“ForGIVEness” Has the Word “GIVE” In It For a Reason! The Word “Give” is defined as “To freely transfer the possession of something as a gift.” And “Gift” is defined as “a thing given willingly to someone without payment”  

Today, determine to stop attempting to make people Pay for what they did to you. Instead, take the higher road, the one Your Jesus traveled and Give Them the Free Gift of ForGIVEness! “Jesus prayed, Father, Forgive Them; They Don’t Know What They’re Doing…” (Luke 23:34 MSG)  

FORGIVE THOSE WHO HURT YOU!

Two kids were playing when one accidentally hit the other with a stick. That night the injured boy’s Mom said, “Son, you must forgive Harry before you go to sleep.” Grudgingly he replied, “Okay, but unless I die before I wake up, he’d better watch out tomorrow morning!” Sounds comical, but when people hurt us it’s hard to believe it could’ve been unintentional or done in ignorance. Yet amazingly, after being flogged, humiliated and nailed to the cross, Jesus said, “Father, Forgive Them; They Don’t Know What They’re Doing”.  

Forgiving means Refusing to Remain a Victim! 

By not holding grudges or retaliating you free yourself from the control of those who offend you. Remember: Jesus said, “…love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you” (CEV). Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was persecuted by the Nazis, said, “God doesn’t promise that when we bless our enemies they’ll not despitefully use us. They Will. But that can’t hurt or overcome us, so long as we pray for them. By praying for them, we are doing for them what they can’t do for themselves.”  

Professor Tony Campolo routinely asks his secular college students what they know about the teachings of Jesus. The response is always the same: “Love your enemies”. More than anything else this command stands out as the thing that Differentiates Christians from non-Christians. Jesus said, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. GIVE as FREELY as you have received!” (Matthew 10:8 NLT). Practicing forgiveness stems from a deep gratitude to God for wiping out a debt so great, we could Never have repaid it! Therefore, when forgiving TODAY, remember: “…Give As Freely As You Have Received!“

“Forgiveness is not something we do for other people. It’s something we do for ourselves, to move on.” (Author Unknown)

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

“You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.” (Lewis B. Smedes)

“Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were.” (Cherie Carter-Scott)

“Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a decision to be free of ill will. The feeling is relief.” (K. Bradford Brown)

“Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.” (Jonathan Lockwood Huie)

“Forgiveness isn’t approving what happened. It’s choosing to rise above it.” (Robin Sharma)

“Let us forgive each other – only then will we live in peace.” (Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy)

“Forgiveness is the best form of love. It takes a strong person to say sorry and an even stronger person to forgive.” (Author Unknown)

“There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.” (Author Unknown)

“You forgive yourself for every failure because you are trying to do the right thing. God knows that and you know it. Nobody else may know it.” (Dr. Maya Angelou)

“Forgiveness is Freedom.” (Author Unknown)

“Forgive others as quickly as you expect God to forgive you.” (Author Unknown)

“I never knew how strong I was until I had to forgive someone who wasn’t sorry, and accept an apology I never received.” (Author Unknown)

“Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.” (Author Unknown)

“When a deep injury is done to us, we never heal until we forgive.” (Nelson Mandela)

“Someday, we’ll forget the hurt, the reason we cried and who caused us pain. We will finally realize that the secret of being free is not revenge, but letting things unfold in their own way and own time. After all, what matters is not the first, but the last chapter of our life which shows how well we ran the race. So, smile, laugh, forgive, believe, and love all over again.” (Author Unknown)

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.” (Dr. Steve Maraboli)

“Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer and forgiveness.” (H. Jackson Brown, Jr.)

“Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a commitment. It is a choice to show mercy, not to hold the offense up against the offender. Forgiveness is an expression of love.” (Gary Chapman)

“Forgiveness is a process. A choice you have to make over and over, every day, until you’re free of hurt.” (Author Unknown)

“To forgive doesn’t change the past, but it does change the future.” (Author Unknown)

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” (Mark Twain)

“Forgiveness doesn’t excuse their behavior. Forgiveness prevents their behavior from destroying your heart.” (Author Unknown)

“Forgiveness is a promise, not a feeling. When you forgive other people, you are making a promise not to use their past sin against them.” (Author Unknown)

“It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.” (Dr. Maya Angelou)

“Everyone makes mistakes. If you can’t forgive others, don’t expect others to forgive you.” (Author Unknown)

“Always forgive your enemies, nothing annoys them so much.” (Oscar Wilde)

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” (C.S. Lewis)

“Anyone can hold a grudge, but it takes a person with character to forgive. When you forgive, you release yourself from a painful burden. Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened was okay, and it doesn’t mean that person should still be welcome in your life. It just means you have made peace with the pain, and are ready to let it go.” (Author Unknown)

“Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong, it makes you bitter. Forgiving doesn’t make you weak, it sets you free.” (Dave Willis)

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged #ShareTheWord #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live Well