H onor God
O utreach to the seeker
M inister to those in need
E quip the believer
January 11, 2012
Knee-mail to St. Pauls family,
“We don’t see things as they are; we see things as we are.” (Old Jewish Proverb) As seen in last week’s article, optimisms is essential to well- being, achieving, relationships and as we’ll see today, physical health. Psychiatrist, best-selling author Martin Seligman uses lots of research to establish this; the title of his book, Learned Optimism, reflects the good news that we aren’t “victims” (by genes or upbringing) of pessimism but can learn to be optimistic.
The incredible power of a positive outlook is seen in many studies. 817 coronary artery bypass surgery patients were assessed for optimism/pessimism the day prior to their procedure; patients with moderate to severe depression then and 6 months after it were at two times higher risk of dying earlier than non-depressed ones. Now here’s the kicker: those depressed before surgery but able to get rid of it in the next six months were at no greater risk than the never depressed! So the key becomes, I can move beyond depression, How? I’m a BIG believer in counseling and medicine for depression; the latter involves nothing short of miracle drugs. They do though often take time to be effective, so be patient.
Before that step, here’s an interim, less expensive (money and time) one. “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness”. (Charles Spurgeon) As noted a few months ago, daily journaling that for which we are grateful has an impact that can be measured in terms of brain activity. So, for the next few weeks, let’s take 2 steps daily; (1) list something for which you are thankful; (2) Express thanks by email, twitter, face-book, phone or mail to someone for a positive impact they’ve had on your life or for a positive trait you appreciate about them. (If you’re already doing last week’s exercise, start this in a few weeks when you’ve finished that one.) Research promises your level of joy, happiness and optimism will increase.
Uplink: Light of the world, shine into my life, dispel any darkness and make me a reflection of your light into the lives of those I love. Amen
P.S. Bring your idea of “soul food” to enjoy after the services this weekend, January 14/15 (and during the 9:00 a.m. service). We’ll be celebrating Martin Luther King weekend and our youth ministries. Jeremy King will be co-preaching with Pastor Bryan. We’re going young!! Don’t miss it! Bring someone you love!
