Gentle Springs of Hope

PREPARE YOURSELF: Don't deny the reality of your pain, but do look for
God's presence and blessings in it and through it. Recognize and acknowledge
when good things happen. Develop an attitude of thankfulness for what you do
have.

TALK TO SOMEONE: There's healing power in sharing burdens with someone.
It makes the burden seem lighter when someone you love or trust can
understand and have compassion for what you're going through. It would help
if this person is someone you can pray with ... someone who can become your
prayer partner, and who will keep you lifted up in prayer as well.

WATCH WHAT YOU ARE WATCHING: In Psalm 101: 2 - 4, David says "I will set
no worthless thing before my eyes." Stop watching TV shows, movies or
reading books that include false examples of what you're "supposed to" feel
like when you're grieving. Many plots contain themes of violence, revenge
and/or sadness. Plots like these can plant negative seeds in our minds, the
damage of which cannot be overestimated. Stick to watching and reading
things with uplifting messages and things that will make you laugh.

KEEP A JOURNAL: Make a list or keep a journal of your thoughts, feelings,
prayers and answers to prayer. Be specific. Also write down specific steps you
can and will take to overcome grief. Write in your journal every day. After some
time, you will be able to look back at the journal to see how far you've come.

PRIORITIES: During the time of crisis, there may be priorities that need to
be set ~ things which must be done during, or right after, the initial crisis.
Care for hurting loved ones, shelter after a storm, food and clothing, funeral
arrangements. Set priorities. Take care of the urgent necessities. Then see
what comes next ... one day at a time.

PROPER REST AND SLEEP: God created our bodies, and He knows they
need to be rested. The energies that our bodies expended in keeping us up
and moving during our waking hours, are re-directed towards the healing
process as we sleep. We feel better when we get proper rest. And when we
feel better physically, we are better able to overcome emotional struggles.

EXERCISE AND SUNLIGHT: Along with proper rest, our bodies need
exercise and sunlight. Exercise and sunlight are both described as good,
healthy, natural "anti-depressants." Even a moderate amount of exercise
can increase blood flow, reduce stress and begin to help you feel better.

ATTENTION TO DIET: There are foods that will increase our energy levels,
and those that will, in the long run, actually decrease our physical potential.
Stick to the good stuff!

ACCOMPLISH ANY TASK, NO MATTER HOW SMALL: Any accomplishment
at all will lift self-esteem.

We are so glad you're here! You have reached the
point where hope reaches reality!

This page will give you some practical suggestions that you can use to help
you progress even further. Try one, or try them all. Not every suggestion
will work for everybody, but take from this list what works for you. In
addition, this list is by no means inclusive. It is meant to start you off on
your pathway to overcoming grief and/or depression, and to perhaps spark
an idea of your own.

Remember ... even the slightest step in this process is a major
accomplishment. You may take two steps forward, and then take one step
backward ... but if you keep on going, you'll soon be able to take a look back
and see how far you've come.

REACH OUT TO OTHERS: Helping others in need takes your mind off of your
own problems, and it can accomplish an untold amount of good. God tells us in
Romans 12: 21 that we should: "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with
good." Find that one who needs your love and assistance. Somehow in
blessing others, you will be blessed so much more.

READ SCRIPTURES ABOUT GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU: Begin by faith to believe
in His love for you. Begin to realize that your identity comes from God ... not
from one you created for yourself, and ESPECIALLY not one someone else
created for you. Realizing this truth helps bring you to the knowledge of your
great value and worth.

ABOVE ALL ~ BELIEVE!!: Believe that healing is possible, and believe in the
power of hope. God has already planned for your future ... and His plans for you
are GOOD! (Jeremiah 29: 11 - 14) Begin to thank Him for the future He has
planned for you, even though you do not yet know what is in store. Praise lifts
the spirit, as well as increases faith.

These studies have all been taken from the
pages of "One Foot On A Banana Peel..." "One
Foot..." of course goes into more detail, as well
as providing additional practical suggestions
that you can apply to help you overcome grief.
Click here to order your copy.

If you are in need of prayer, counseling, or just
somebody to talk to who understands, OR if you have
a testimony you would like to share, click on the e-mail
box and drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you!

This marks the end of the
Overcoming Grief & Depression
studies. It is our prayer that
you will use these studies for a lifetime
of learning and growth in the Lord.

By JANE E. HARBER, LBT