*** End Your Silent Suffering!

Why are you reading this article? Why does it resonate with you? Are you in bondage to a loveless marriage, soul-less job/career, in financial debt, anorexic or bulimic? Are you addicted to porn, drugs, video games, social media or alcohol? Did you ever think social media and video games would be an addiction? (Just trying to lighten things up a bit). You are not alone. There are a lot of “silent sufferers” out there. But you are not alone. Most people come through something in life that seems hard to break free from if they live long enough. Resilience is an under used word. But that’s what it takes. 1) Identify the Problem. Like any type of suffering, one must first identify the problem. If you can articulate your situation, crisis or problem then you are already half way there. Stop the blame game. You already feel bad enough. What hurts? Why are you hurting? What do you want? Write it down. We sometimes forget how it started. So do this now. Write it down. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it. Habakkuk 2:2 Many people are hurting and they use “fixers” that distract from the actual problem. They may become numb or satisfied for the moment, but what they really want is a solution. That’s step two. 2) Do you want help? You have to want to get better. You have to believe that you are a child of GOD and deserve to be loved, respected, healed, made whole, and appreciated. Yes, you. Why not? 3) Reach out. So let’s try this again. Why did you stop and read this article? Are you hurting? If so, why? Identify the problem. Write it down. Then start looking for help. You will need to be able to articulate what you need to others so they can send the right person. Sometimes, it’s not who you want but it will be who you need. Don’t stop until the thorn is removed and the scar has healed. Don’t give up. There are others who have experienced something similar. Don’t let shame, embarrassment, or sorrow stop you. Everyone makes mistakes. Some just make bigger mistakes than others. It’s time to heal and move forward. There are non-profit agencies for EVERYTHING these days. Research a reputable local agency online right now. You can also go to your local synagogue or church to tell someone if you don’t know where to start. Perhaps there is a trust worthy friend or family member with whom you can speak. Just make up your mind that today is the day the pain and suffering ends. 4) Get Help! A Non-Profit Agency - Counseling(Specializing in Addictions, Debt Counseling, Abuse etc) Synagogue or Church Trusted Co-Worker, Friend or Familyr Seek GOD in Prayer for Guidancer School Guidance Counselor Get help! Persistence is key. That, my friend, is just another word for resilience. Even if you initially get the wrong person or people, if you don't stop, you will eventually get it right. 5) Volunteer Most people are somewhat aware that “inner suffering” is often your soul telling you it’s on empty. The cure can be as simple as doing some volunteer work or giving to a charitable organization near and dear to your heart. That's right. Take your mind off of your problem. Don't focus on yourself. Stop feeding the "monster" worries. Many of the things people worry about never happen. It may sound counter-intuitive. But, go and help others. Do this often and consistently. Unless there is a physical or chemical imbalance, this “silent suffering” will often dissipate on its own. You'll also have a renewed perspective and greater appreciation of life. But most of all my friend, NEVER GIVE UP on yourself. EVER! “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 ###