Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
Aristotle
In the “grips” of alcoholism nine years ago, the real high functioning alcoholic can disguise his/her “stress” to the outer world (perceptually) but to disguise it from him or herself is another matter. Life is an inside job.
Any form of stress is resistance or unwillingness to meet the daily activities/responsibilities (respond with ability) and reverts to reaction (past ways of frustration) by exertng self-will, instead of God’s will. Life is about how we handle energy (God) and the rise of emotion it generates.
Sanity is soundness of mind. Abstinence (sobriety) is not only removing the drug or substance, but also responding to life intelligently, considerately, and open to change (evolving).
As a Christian who has experienced both ends of the spectrum (alcoholism, dual diagnosis) and attempted to live according to “others opinion,’ instead of who God’s real role for me was (obedient, continual learning) knowing HIS power is greater than mine. All things work through HIM.
God has sharpened me through pain, loss, betrayal, and mental illness. Today, I possess keen awareness, deep self-knowledge and wisdom to understand others.
With a sober mind, I can detect the “falsehoods” or masks (persona) people display when hiding their‘real self.’ No, this is not a superpower, or discrimination, it is discernment.
I help people find themselves (real self) by allowing them to be heard. I pray for knowledge of God’s will in how to help. I may make suggestions, alternatives or better ways to behave by (emulating) example (s).
We are much more significant than “I,” when meeting life’s challenges. It is surprising that we are not alone in our struggles, only lack the willingness (courage) to seek help. Forming the relationship in Christ means we are never alone.
The best way to meet people is where they are now, not where they would like to be later, or wish to be. We (they) will get there (God willing), but the focus, is paying attention to the present moment.
In Simpson (2013, p. 27) she quotes, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father” (KJV, King James Version, 1769/2020, Col 3:12-17).
Problems and challenges are inevitable in this life, today and tomorrow (s), the key is understanding (knowing) that accepting our limitations is not weakness but strength. It provides an arena for growth.
What will you do?
References
King James Bible. (2020). King James Online Version. https://kingjamesonline/ (Original work published 1769/2020).
World Health Organization (2014). Social Determinants of Mental Health. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/112828
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