Every person is part of a Culture. A Culture within our families, our jobs, our churches and our friendships.
Culture can be a wonderful way of providing distinction and history. It also has an effect on our mindsets, behaviors and environments that are not necessarily healthy for us.
As an example, the Culture I grew up in was in the Southern part of the United States. A Culture very rich in hospitality and great tasting food. When I was growing up, because of this Culture, I struggled with childhood obesity, low self-esteem and over time, many health conditions. As I came to discover, the Culture was a contributing factor in the way I viewed food. I came to associate food with all social events. Eating out became my preferred form of entertainment.
I became a Casualty to the Culture of food. Over time, I had to change many of the things I had learned and all my habits and thought processes about food. It is hard to believe but food used to be my friend. I turned to it every time I had any emotional response. If I was sad or depressed, a half-gallon of ice cream and medium pizza was a common comfort combination. If I was happy, some doughnuts, cake, cookies or a bag of chips was how I celebrated. I “needed comfort food.” It was my “drug” of choice.
What is the point? Our society seems to anesthetize any and all emotional pain or discomfort with some form of distraction or coping mechanism.
Why is that? Because we want to be happy. We want to feel good, look good and be good. We don’t want to talk about what is wrong and we certainly do not want to experience what we consider negative emotions.
Our Culture says, “don’t worry, be happy.” “Love life. Laugh often” and other such statements that keep us from facing reality.
YES, you can absolutely be happy! No question.
However, maybe the culture of your family, religious traditions or any number of other things may have caused an emotional event that has you operating like a Casualty of the Culture that has influenced your life.
Do you feel every day like you are fighting a battle? Battling overwhelming emotions, depression, desire for food, sex, drugs or anything else that may help you get through the day in order to mask the pain of the past.
Aren’t you tired of fighting? Healing is a Choice. It begins with a decision to break the vicious cycle and put your life back together again. Even in “recovery” programs, there is a culture. In AA they make you confess, “My name is ______, I am an alcoholic.” Not criticizing AA. They have helped many to recover. My point is, you can recover, with God’s help to the place that you will not be addicted to any substance or need a mechanism to cope.
I am of the belief that we do not have to be defined by what has happened to us. Rather, we can move forward with the help of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be made whole.
One thing I tell people is starting the path to Healing is not easy. It is important to understand that we have been dealing with some emotions for many years. If you have been struggling for a long time, you have already been going through a cycle or pattern, just not one that leads to your healing. It requires steps to move deliberately toward healing and freedom.
Ask yourself this one question. If I keep going like I have been, what will my life be like in a year, two years or five years? There is help and there is hope. You no longer need to be a Casualty of your Culture, whatever that may be. You can choose to take a step toward your freedom.
The Word of God says, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b)
If you feel like you are not living the abundant life and you are ready to Choose Healing, you can schedule an appointment to begin.
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