BEING HUMAN/I AM HUMAN

I will make mistakes
I will say things that shouldn't be said
I will do things that shouldn't be done
And these things will bring tears
To myself and unfortunately others.

But when the time comes
That I have endured enough
To reach out to those that I love
For understanding from my fellow man
Then I will have the strength
To continue
Being Human.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO STAY IN THE FIGHT

Sometimes I just want to numb myself so I don't have to feel the pain. Life is full of pain. Lots of us do anesthetize ourselves-some more frequently-by alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, even 'innocent activities' such as constantly cleaning our homes. I know that when I don't feel, I invite addictions into my life and that keeps me engaging in the ache, however awful it may be. I found this poem that describes the process perfectly. Maybe you will feel encouraged after reading and feeling the emotions involved as I did.

Escape Routes
When I long to deaden the pain
grant me strength to refrain.
Refrain from escape routes,
where I am tempted to choose
(sin) to rid myself of the blues.
When I run after other gods,
reveal their source as frauds.
Draw me into Your arms,
that I might not fall
for deceptions' charms.
Prone to look, prone to seek,
enticed to wander when I am weak
tempted to give in when all is bleak.
There are false pleasures to find,
to escape from my heart and mind
when loneliness and fear intertwine.
But my idols drain and dry,
they never satisfy
what I try to gratify.
Grant me wisdom I will need,
to resist where temptations lead
that Your grace would supersede,
and from idols I might recede.

Have mercy O Lord, hear my prayer,
hold me close when I am in despair
help me to avoid evil's snare.
Marie Scott

Amen, Marie. Thank you for putting hope and courage into beautiful words.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE IDEAS

I admit I have been depressed lately. I'm not sure all the reasons why and I do believe in searching my soul first to find out what some of the real reasons could be. Maybe I must face the fact that living in this fallen world can cause emotional pain and only when I reach heaven will all my fears and tears be over.

Sometimes it can be traced to physical needs. Have I gotten enough sleep lately? How about my eating habits? I did give up sugar after the holidays and it has helped immensely. Have I been consistent with my exercise program? I think I am back on track getting my heart rate up which correlates directly with my energy level.

Maybe I need some good girl-friend time. In my life, friends have provided much encouragement, pointing my thinking to the Truth when I have veered off-course. Just verbalizing what is going on inside of me to a genuine interested ear brings encouragment.

Sometimes we think only professionals can help and of course there are occasions for experts who are trained in these fields. But God has placed within His body the resources to minister to needy people and some of them can be our friends. The goal is to learn to take the ointment of His Word and apply it to hurting people.

I'm dialing her number now.

For more encouragement ideas see howtoencourage.com