EPISODE 88: BE FREE TO FEEL
A MESSAGE FROM AMBER:
When Ella was born (7 months ago!) I was on top of the world. Is there anything more fulfilling than finally being able to hold your baby after 9 months of carrying her around in your uterus?
My parents came up to help out, and they went with us to the doctor for her two-day check-in appointment. The appointment went great until it was time to check her heartbeat. The doctor put the stethoscope on her chest and Ella began to scream. Wouldn’t you? That thing was cold!
She was crying so hard and there was nothing I could do. My heart was jumping out of my skin, and I wanted to do anything in my power to make it better. Of course, I wasn’t going to stop the doctor from checking her heart (my mind knew this was good for her) so instead I did what every (postpartum) mom has does.
I cried.
I mean, I started sobbing uncontrollably. The doctor looked at me and said, “Wow, and we haven’t even done shots yet.”
Here’s the deal. As women, we have emotional depth on a whole different level. We feel things deeply. And not only do we feel deeply, we feel multiple things at a time! We are complicated and multidimensional and our feelings reflect that!
Our feelings are an important part of our faith journey and it is so important that you and I learn how to give them the thoughtfulness they deserve without allowing them to control us.
Remember, our emotions are like spiritual smoke detectors. They don’t tell us where the fire is or what’s burning. Only that there is smoke that should be looked in to.
BE IN THE WORD (this week’s verses):
“Now to Him Who, by the power that is at work within us, is able do superabundantly, far over and above all that we ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].“ (Ephesians 3:20, AMP)
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1John 4:18)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” ((Proverbs 23:7, GNB) “What he thinks is what he really is.” (AMP)
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance. ” (Rom 2:4, ESV)
“For we have not An High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.” (Romans 4:15, KJV)
BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS (practical application):
- Acknowledge your feelings. When we ignore our feelings it’s like ignoring a spiritual smoke detector. They don’t tell us where the fire is or what’s burning. Only that there is smoke that should be looked into.
- Seek wise counsel. Talk to a spiritual mentor or counselor to help you sort through your feelings.
- Do not condemn yourself. You are not bad for feeling what you’re feeling. God does not condemn you. He loves you. So don’t condemn yourself.
BE EDUCATED (additional resources):
The Holy Spirit and Our Emotions by David Eckman.
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