"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)

“How to Beat Holiday Stress, According to Experts”

 

HOLIDAY STRESS-BUSTING TIPS: The shopping and crowds. The back-to-back diet-busting parties. The interminable chats with the in-laws. We understand how easy it is to feel not so wonderful at this most wonderful time of the year. That's why we've rounded up these 25 expert-endorsed ways to help you dodge the seasonal blues and stay happy, healthy, and energized. From quick stress-survival strategies to mood-brightening foods, here's your cheat sheet to holiday cheer.

GET SOME SUNLIGHT:

 

·       It stimulates the production of feel-good serotonin and also helps relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which impacts millions of Americans every year, Judith Orloff, MD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, tells Health.

·       To ease SAD symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on sunny days, or ask your doctor about phototherapy (a treatment using a box that emits full-spectrum light).

SNIFF CITRUS ESSENTIAL OIL: Researchers studying depression have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood. For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket.

TAKE A WALK: "The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it decreases anxiety and improves sleep," Ann Kulze, MD, a nutrition-and-wellness expert, tells Health. Aim for a brisk, half-hour walk every day.

SLEEP BETTER WITH 5-HTP: This plant extract (available in capsules at most drugstores) is thought to increase serotonin, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Dr. Orloff recommends 150 milligrams daily. If you take antidepressant medications, talk to your doctor before trying it.

SQUEEZE AN ACUPRESSURE SPOT: The fleshy place between your index finger and thumb is called the hegu spot in traditional Chinese medicine. Applying firm pressure there for just 30 seconds can reduce stress and tension in your upper body. So, if you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breath.

DO LESS, ENJOY MORE: "We go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event," George Pratt, PhD, a psychologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in California, tells Health. "Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once—and maybe more."

STICK WITH YOUR DAILY ROUTINE: Prioritize your workouts, book club, etc., and don't try to squeeze in more holiday than you can handle, Katherine Muller, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, tells Health.

LAUGH: Laughing like crazy reduces stress hormones. That, in turn, helps immune cells function better, psychologist Steve Wilson, founder of the World Laughter Tour, an organization that offers therapeutic-laughter training, tells Health.

FORGET PERFECTION: Stop obsessing over doing it all. The world is not going to end if the house is a little cluttered or dinner is on the table a few minutes late. "Focus your energy on enjoying the people in your life," Donna Schempp, the program director for the Family Caregiver Alliance, tells Health. Don't sweat the small stuff and your holiday will be much more enjoyable!

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE: If your family members often pick on one another at the holiday table, taking the fun out of meals, consider eating family brunches or dinners in restaurants. "Being in public discourages loud voices and bad behavior," says Muller.

FORGET OLD CUSTOMS: Abandoning old customs can be a good strategy if you're lonely or grieving, Cathy Frank, MD, medical director of the Henry Ford Behavioral Health Outpatient Center, tells Health. Experiment with a different culture's customs or invite isolated colleagues over and start some new traditions.

BE A PICKY VOLUNTEER: "Scale back and what you plan to do and be responsible for," Gail Saltz, MD, psychologist and host of the Personology podcast, tells Health. "Ask for help for what needs to be done, realign expectations to something more reasonable."

BE SMART WITH YOUR REQUESTS: Ask individually instead of emailing groups of colleagues, relatives, or friends, Noah Goldstein, PhD, an assistant professor of human resources and organizational behavior at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, tells Health. In mass requests, recipients assume they don’t need to volunteer to help because someone else will do it.

LIMIT TECH USE: Constant cell phone buzzes and email alerts keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode due to bursts of adrenaline. Not only is this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting stress levels, especially in women. What better time to turn your gadgets off than during a holiday get-together? Enjoy spending time with your family and friends without worry.

SAVOR A SPICY MEAL: Hot foods trigger the release of endorphins—the natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being, Dr. Kulze says.

TRY HONEY: You'll get an instant kick and energy for the long haul. According to a review in Pharmacognosy Research, honey's antioxidant and antibacterial properties may improve your immunity. Here's a tip: The darker the honey, the more powerful the antioxidant punch.

EAT BREAKFAST WITH YOUR COFFEE: Caffeine on an empty stomach can cause blood sugar levels to spike, which can cause attention problems and irritability, Joe Cilona, PsyD, a New York City–based clinical psychologist, tells Health.

GIVE YOUR PARTNER A MASSAGE: In one study, participants who gave massages had fewer medical woes and less stress than those who received rubdowns. Best scenario: You and your partner gift each other.

SAY YES, YES, YES – TO SEX: In addition to boosting immunity, a satisfying romp can slay stress and raise self-esteem, experts say. Orgasms increase endorphins (natural painkillers) and raise oxytocin levels, which promotes sound sleep.

TURN UP THE TUNES: Anxious? Listen to your favorite music, whether it's Jingle Bell Rock or the latest from Jay-Z. Research from the University of Maryland shows that hearing music you love can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. That not only calms you down but is good for your heart, too.

ADD MANGO TO YOUR MEAL: Craving something sweet? Ditch the holiday cheesecake and try a delicious mango pie instead. The sweet, tangy scent of mangoes—whether they're fresh or jarred—may alter your blood chemistry and send a wave of calm over your body, research in Pharmacognosy Review shows.

FIT IN EXERCISE: It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you're stressed out but going for a run or hitting the gym can actually make you feel better. A study of 1.2 million people in Lancet has found that workouts can boost your mood for up to 12 hours.

DON’T OVERSCHEDULE: If you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed by your holiday agenda, don't over schedule your time and take on more than you can manage. Remember: It's OK to slow down a bit.

PLAN A VACATION: Taking at least four or five days off work dramatically lowers your stress levels. If you have kids and opt for a staycation during the holidays, take turns with your partner doing kid-duty—or send them off to their own vacation at grandma's.

THINK POSITIVE: The holidays may drive you to your breaking point, but don't focus on the bad. Negative thinking can trigger your body's stress response, just as a real threat does. Remember, it's time to celebrate with your family and friends (even if they do stress you out!). An optimistic outlook will help you cope with challenges that come your way.

BY: Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen, 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 Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Health Magazine 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 Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Health Magazine 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 Health Magazine, Health Magazine employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of Health Magazine, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk. 

“The Christmas Guest That Will NEVER Leave!”

Matthew 1:23, “Listen! The virgin shall conceive a child! She shall give birth to a Son, and He shall be called “Emmanuel” (meaning “God Is With Us.”) (TLB)

During the holidays you have to admit there’s quite a bit that can make you cry! Seeing family, exchanging gifts, watching kid’s faces light up, reading heart-felt cards and the like. However, there’s an even bigger Kleenex moment that transpired one Christmas season to top all of that for sure. You see, pretty much like the ‘first Christmas’, there was a newborn baby involved…but no manger this time. Just a Jumbotron screen at an Anaheim Ducks hockey game, of all places!

Here’s what happened: Sergeant First Class Robert Vandenberg had been gone for ten months. He’d never seen his newborn son. He was far away in Afghanistan when little Travis was born. So all eyes were on the big screen when he appeared suddenly to – at least in this small way – be “home” for Christmas. It was Skype from Romania. That’s how his wife, and his one-year-old son, little Travis would make a connection this Christmas season. But with thousands watching this touching reunion by screen, the Technology Grinch suddenly showed up! There was barely time for “hellos” before the sergeant started disappearing in a spasm of static! Sadly, his wife handed the microphone back to a team rep.

But, it was at that very moment, Sergeant Vandenberg walked down the steps of the arena and right into the arms of his wife! Then he picked up his new son and held him up in front of him – looking in his eyes for the very first time!

Now, truth is, I don’t know if they sell Kleenex at the stadium concession stands, but if they do, you can bet your last dollar they sold out that night! I can’t even imagine the many people who were watching this transpire in their own homes on their own televisions! Oh how the tears must have flowed freely, snot and all!

I must say in discovering this story I was greatly touched by their moving reunion because I was reminded of my personal experience with the ‘first Christmas’ for myself.

Christmas – when a God we thought was so very far away came down to where we are, to hold us close. John 6:38 says, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” (AMP); John 3:13 says, “No one has gone up into heaven, but there is One who came down from heaven, the Son of Man [Himself – whose home is heaven].” (AMP)  

Can you imagine Jesus loving us so much to leave His home in heaven to come to earth to see about us?

In fact, the ancient prophecy of the coming Messiah predicted it. And Matthew 1:23 also declares it, “‘A virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, ‘God with us’“. Not just God projected on the screen of some church monitor or religious act either. But God right here! God up close and personal! God with us, God in us!

But for many of us, and far too often, however, He has seemed far away? Such as in those distressing moments when you receive the diagnosis; when there was an unexpected lay-off, family death, or loss of housing. Those times when you didn’t see the divorce coming, or your finances drastically leaving. Those times when you cry for anything, everything and nothing, and there’s not a sole around to wipe your tears, give you a shoulder to lean on or an encouraging word or hug. Truth is, holiday or not, life can be extremely hard sometimes. And it’s in those moments when it seems like God is on that big Jumbotron screen, and you see Him for a brief moment, than life happens, and there’s a glitch in the connection and just like that, you don’t see Him, you don’t feel Him, you don’t hear Him. Ever felt like that? I know I have.

You see, those are the kinds of stories I’ve been listening to in varying counseling sessions over the last few weeks leading up to this Christmas holiday season. Believe it or not, but not everyone is smiling, happy, filled with joy, buying presents and holding their breath waiting for Christmas morning to arrive. No, there are some who lost loved ones during this time last year, and so this is their first year without them, and to say the experience is hard, is the understatement of the year! I know this for certain just by what my own family is personally experiencing this Christmas with loss. You see, in January 2015 we buried my mom’s older sister, right after the Christmas holidays no less. And then in 2016 on December 14^th, my mom’s baby sister passed away unexpectedly. And to make matters worse, we buried her just 3 days after Christmas. My mom was heartbroken because she couldn’t travel to the funeral services because of her own health challenges. And to add salt to an already painful wound, my cousins whose mom we buried right after Christmas, just loss their dad, my uncle, barely 6 months prior to losing their mom. And still the greatest loss for me in all of this is losing my mom in 2017 on April 1^st, after a very lengthy journey of health struggles. November 24^th of that same year she would have turned 70 years young, and the day before that was her favorite holiday of them all, Thanksgiving, which we had to celebrate for the first time without her presence and her favored culinary abilities! And then we had to prepare to face the challenge of our first Christmas without mom or dad! 

I share this with you because sometimes we’re so immersed in the holidays that we assume everyone is just as joyful. But pain and loss have a way of sucking even the carols out of Christmas…Even if only for a little while…

There are times in life when you can’t put on your ‘I’m alright’ face. You can’t dance, clap, shout, spin, run and speak in tongue over this one. You can’t dress it up in fancy holiday attire, robes or crosses. You don’t have the eloquent prayers to reach heaven with, not for this one. And out of all the Scriptures you know, pain and loss have a way of making you forget even the simplest of Psalm 23. Sometimes you can’t ‘fake it till you make it.’ Sometimes you can’t attend the parties, grin and smile, and wear your red, and celebrate! Even if only for a little while…

Now, that’s just my ordeal, but like I said, it’s been that kind of counseling for the last few weeks for many. Some are having their first Christmas after the divorce; others after their child died; others after the doctor dropped the Cancer bomb on them. Then there are others who medicate themselves with alcohol, drugs or sex. And then there are those who are on prescription meds and still it’s hard. Others are suicidal, depressed, lonely, and hurting.

BUT before you think that’s how this devotional ends, let me correct you…

Thinking back to the dad in the beginning of the story who stepped away from the screen, and stepping on the stage instead, God has a way of doing just that for us as well! In fact, that’s what encouraged me! Listen: Matthew 1:23 reads, “‘A virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, ‘God with us’” Despite what we may have to face here on earth, the one guarantee we have is “God With Us.” Even in the midst of trials, struggles, pain, hurt, disappointment and the like, God is still with us! Hebrews 13:5 says, “for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” (AMP) I tell you, there is no greater comfort than God!

Yes, I know it’s painful, and still it can’t deprive you of the promise God has made to you to ‘NEVER LEAVE YOU UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES’!  

Truthfully, we can’t count very many people who could make such a promise and keep it, but Jesus is a Promise Keeper! Even when it feels, seems, sounds and looks as though He is so very far away, be encouraged, God is Still With YOU! In fact, what I love most about this Scripture is the detail He goes into: “I will never leave you, never desert you, you’ll never be without My support, I’ll never leave you helpless, I’ll never relax my hold on you”. Does that sound like He’s far away? Out of touch? Can’t reach us? Not at all!

And that’s what made me smile today! The reminder that no matter how much I hurt, HE will always be with me! And furthermore, our hurt won’t last always! Yes, we’ll cry, we’ll wonder, we’ll question, we’ll hurt…but we’ll get strong again, and recover. 

Listen: One of the greatest gifts, besides salvation, is knowing that Jesus didn’t come just to leave! He loves us so much that He’s going to return for us, and while He’s in heaven, He’s loved us once again so much, that He couldn’t leave us without comfort! John 14:26, “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor – Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” (AMP)  

We are never without comfort, support, love and strength, Jesus made sure of it!

So, even if you aren’t at your happiest or your strongest this holiday season, know that you are never alone, and God is not far away, but with you and in you! And by all means please know that it is okay for you to be honest about your hurt and where you really are mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. You have nothing to prove to anyone. And addressing your weakness does not take away His strength. Jesus wept, and so can you!  

Which is why I shared some of my personal holiday hurts this year. Because so many get caught up in our titles, initials, degrees, and positions, that they don’t know that we hurt no different than anyone else! Our talent doesn’t exempt us; our anointing doesn’t exempt us; our gifts don’t exempt us! Bishops, Pastors, Elders, Evangelists, Ministers, Deacons, Missionary’s, Ushers, Trustees, Choir Members, Musicians, Greeters, and the like…ALL go through uphill battles of hurt and it doesn’t take away a drop of your anointing because you shed drops of tears! Let no one attempt to make you feel bad because ‘the people don’t need to see you like this’. Oh yes they do! If for no other reason than for them to relate as you become identifiable! Even Jesus didn’t hide the scars in His hands from the hurt He received at the hands of others!

So, family, know for certain that it is okay not to be ‘over-flowing’ with the holiday spirit. But also know that you have no need to wallow in dread. Your Immanuel Has Not Left You Nor Will He Ever! And He Loves You So Much That Even the Father Intervened to Send a Comforter in His Name to Represent Him. Your God is Never far away! And there are no painful glitches in life that can remove His presence from you. Read His Word, Pray, Praise, Worship…and also Cry in your Prayer Closet releasing all of your agony to Him. He understands, and He’s not going anywhere!  

Hebrews 4:15 informs us, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.” (AMP)  

We serve a Savior who knows exactly how it feels to be human! That’s why we can tell Him our deepest hurts, weaknesses and fears, He understands, He cares, He’s present there with you and always will be!

Now, there are indeed some holiday guests that I want gone before they get in the house good…lol…but that is never the case with Jesus! I’m grateful He came and even more grateful that He never goes! 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, be encouraged, He’s there. Don’t let the noise of the world crowd out His still small voice. His hand is still there to hold you. His ears are always open to your voice. And His eyes stay razor-sharp focused on you. Your Expected Guest Immanuel is With You, even when Your Uninvited Guest of Life’s Struggles shows up to crash the holiday party!

So, Prepare yourself to enjoy this Christmas Holiday knowing that your Best Present is His Never-Ending Presence! It’s already getting better, so start smiling in advance! For this is ONE Christmas Guest that has come to STAY!

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