Health dangers of unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and resentment.

Unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, and resentment are not just negative emotions that affect our relationships and well-being; they can also have serious health consequences. Numerous scientific studies have shown that harboring negative emotions can increase the risk of various health problems, from heart disease to depression.

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, "holding a grudge or harboring negative emotions can lead to stress, which increases cortisol levels and inflammation, which in turn can lead to chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes."

Moreover, unforgiveness can have a detrimental effect on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems. Research shows that "forgiveness has been linked to lower levels of depression, anxiety, and anger" and that "people who are more forgiving are less likely to experience negative health effects from stress."

The Bible also warns about the dangers of unforgiveness, anger, and bitterness. Ephesians 4:31-32 states, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

In Proverbs 14:30, it says, "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones." This verse highlights the connection between our emotional well-being and physical health.

The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:13, "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness, not just for our own health and well-being but also as an act of obedience to God.

In summary, unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, and resentment are not only harmful to our relationships but also to our physical and mental health. As science and the Bible attest, letting go of negative emotions and practicing forgiveness can lead to a healthier and happier life. As the famous quote by Alexander Pope goes, "To err is human, to forgive divine."

Bouncing Back

 

Experiencing a setback at work can be a devastating blow, especially when it involves being attacked and humiliated in public. However, it's important to remember that setbacks are a natural part of life, and they provide an opportunity for growth and resilience.

Firstly, take time to process what happened and how it made you feel. It's essential to acknowledge your emotions and work through them so that you can begin to move forward. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if necessary.

Next, try to reframe the setback as an opportunity for growth. Perhaps this experience has taught you to set better boundaries, communicate more assertively, or develop new skills. Use the setback as a learning experience and an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.

It's also crucial to recognize that setbacks do not define you. You are not defined by one negative experience, and your worth as a person and a professional is not diminished by it. Take ownership of your strengths and accomplishments and remember that you have the power to control your response to the situation.

Finally, use this setback as motivation to bounce back and achieve even greater success. Focus on your goals and continue to work hard towards them. Channel any negative energy into positive action, and use the setback as a reminder of your strength and resilience.

In summary, setbacks are inevitable in life, but it's how we respond to them that determines our success. Take time to process your emotions, reframe the setback as an opportunity for growth, remember your worth, and use the setback as motivation to achieve even greater success. With perseverance and determination, you can bounce back stronger than ever.

Keep Going

 Sometimes you are tempted to stop in your forward movement and look back. 

You want to look back at the errors you have made in the past.

You want to look back at the old people in your life and what they think.

But keep moving 

Keep moving forward. 

Our two feet point forward- that means they are designed to keep moving forward. 

Keep moving forward

Keep going. 

God always has you in mind.
Stay prayerful
Stay Holy
Stay in love
Stay in the mission field
At all cost, Christ must be preached!
Stay close
Stay in the WORD!

LIFE JOURNEY

Many people have many definitions for life. I will not try to bring up other people's definitions here to make a comparison but I will give my simple definition that guides my daily decisions and actions.

My definition: *Life is a journey.*

Yesterday we were in a certain place in time.

Today we are here, in a particular location and within a particular circumstance.

Tomorrow may change the trajectory.

Wherever, we are today is as a result of the  different decisions we made yesterday.

The actions we took yesterday.

The friends and colleagues we had.

Those we allowed to advise and impact our lives.

The churches we attended.

The schools and the classmates.

The courses we took. Some we passed. Some we failed.

The preachers we listened to.

The books we read.

So, today we are here because all these have impacted our lives.

Tomorrow is only promissory but it will be largely dependent on our decisions and actions and the factors that influence them.

All these are part of life's journey.

Take time to evaluate the decisions you make.

Be bold to accept the outcome of those decisions.

Don't blame anyone for the outcome of your life because you are the architect of your own life.

You will meet people who will help you and you will also meet people whom you will help.

Those who help you, cannot embark on your life journey.

The impact of their help is based solely on your decisions and actions.

Where you end in life is solely based on the decisions and actions you take.

*Your life destination is dependent on your life decisions and life actions.*

J. B. Eshun (c) 2020

MIRACLE IN THE MUD

It was a cold late Thursday afternoon - A day that would best be described as a wet Christmas Eve of 2020. An unusual weather condition marking the Christmas season. I drove to a town called Adawso, where I picked up ten packs of food items for donation to the aged in my town, Akwapem Akropong. On my return, I made a stopover at a shop and purchased some bags of 5kg rice to add. 

From there, I decided to pass by my maize farm in a village called Sokode, in the Akuapem North District. The intention was to see how things were on the farm and also pay a visit to the land lord.  

The first route to the village was  inaccessible because a bridge which was being constructed had stalled just before the elections. And your guess is as good as mine. It was a campaign promise. Elections are over, the candidate who promised and actually started the construction won. 

I had to return and use a different route through a town called Yensiso. The ground was soft and slippery after the downpour. 

After some time of driving, I got stuck in mud. The tyres could not move. After several trials and failures, I got out of the car. I was alone. I became worried and scared. There was no one available who could help. I made a call to Sokode village with hope of getting help. The man on the phone said I should try for a while and if I didn't get help, I should call back. 

I walked round the car and the more I  looked at the mud all around the tyres, the more I felt worse and sad. 

There was still no one in sight. I then decided to pray and asked the Holy Spirit for help. 

I prayed, *"Holy Spirit, I am here alone. Send your angels to get me out of this mud"*

I went back to sit in the car and started turning the steering wheel. To my surprise, I was out of the mud. I received a quick answer to prayer. It quickly dawned on me why we need to call on God at all times when we need help. 

*Our human efforts are limited, but God's help is limitless*..

On my return, I decided to use a different route. I asked about the state of the road and was given assurance that it was good. 

I was disappointed after about two minutes into the journey. I encountered another slippery road. But I was able to go through. I hit the end of the road into Mampong township and the only bridge on the road into the town was caving in so the assembly man, in the company of a police and some bystanders had blocked the road.

I had to go back to my nightmarish road. 

My driving was tested. 

My faith was also tested. 

A new lesson was learnt; *TRUST GOD TO COME THROUGH FOR YOU AT ALL TIMES.*

I made it to the farm and back in one piece and peace. 

J. B. Eshun (c) 2020

                        CALL ON GOD

 

When you are down

Woke up sad

And it seems

The day is going to be bad

Call upon God

 

When you go to work

And your boss is making work for you unbearable

Your colleagues at work

Are being unapproachable and unfriendly

Call upon God

 

When that marriage

Is taking your life away

Your spouse has become something

Someone you never imagined

When your children are going wayward

And you have sleepless nights

With wet pillows

Before you talk to that friend in the office

That counselor down the road

Before you take the phone

And call your parents

Lock yourself up in your closet

And cry unto God

Call upon God

Until He answers

Don’t come out of your closet

Call upon God

 

When that fiancé or fiancée

Who has promised to marry you!

Keeps cheating on you

And treating you with disdain

Come out of that emotional

Love blind blanket

Watch and pray

Call upon God

 

When life has become so difficult

You cannot make two ends meet

Everything your hand finds doing crumbles

You seem not to succeed at anything you do

Move out of that crowd

Move away from the grumblers and complainers

Make a plea to your maker

Call upon God

Never give up

Keep praying, keep working

The light will surely shine again

After the heavy rains

And the thick darkness

Keep praying

Keep trusting God

And keep believing!

Call upon God