We are standing on the edge of a brand-New Year 2023! For many of us, our lives have been at a standstill for years. How do we pull ourselves up from where we are to live out our best life instead of just getting through the next year? It takes the ultimate sacrifice; something that is uncomfortable but necessary. What are you willing to sacrifice this year so that you can live a happier and healthier life in 2023? Each year we make resolutions that we are not resolute to keep and are often abandoned before it starts. What sacrifice did you make for yourself in 2022? Mine was seven weeks off from work and school. I was under a lot of stress and completely exhausted and health issues didn’t make it easier. I needed to be present for me. I followed one of my passions and reconnected with myself, my friends, and my family, and also spent more time with God. During this time amazing things happened, my mind was calmer and relaxed and I felt a peace that I have not experienced in years. It felt like a spiritual rebirth and I want my life to be like this every day of my life. There were no calendars, or deadlines my life came to a complete halt and I spent each day in a meaningful way just doing the things I wanted to do for me. It was a bold move and I couldn’t afford it but then I couldn’t afford to.
God made us for His pleasure (Revelations 4:11), and He doesn’t want us to stress out ourselves with this world’s expectations of us instead of following our heart, using the talent and gifts He bequeathed to us, and doing what we think is best for us. Whatever you are struggling with or think you must have it is not worth sacrificing your health and well-being for any material gain. What shall it profit a man if he gains the world…( Mark 8:36-38). Start honoring yourself by doing more of those things that improve your health and well-being, reverse those lifestyle diseases or genetic diseases handed down to you from your parents and fore-parents. Strive to become a better human being; mentally, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Let us make ourselves proud in 2023 by spreading deep joy, light, peace, and exuberance wherever we go and to whomever, we meet. Let’s determine to have a solid sacrificial year for ourselves.
When we honor ourselves by taking care of our bodies which are the temple of the Holy Spirit, God honors us. It was amazing how God took great care of me and I had no lack. It was a joyous time for me. I experienced healing on a physical, mental and spiritual level. God wants to give us His best, however, He wants us to do an inventory of our lives and see how we have been using the time He gave us and see what we have reaped from the many bad investments we have made; financial, emotional, and physical. Start by making simple changes that will enable you to have a calmer life, by being kind to yourself and keeping well! Have an exhilarating New Year!
We abandon ourselves when we cannot do the little things daily that nurture and nourish our mental, physical, spiritual, and overall well-being. Our primary responsibility is to take care of ourselves and then try to help others do the same. When we fail at self-care, we leave ourselves vulnerable to physical, mental, and spiritual weakness. It isn’t God’s idea for us to work ourselves to the point of our dangling nerves. Instead, we were meant to live lives that are rich, rewarding, and engaging. He gave us a 24-hour respite each week, and this doesn’t mean that we must not carve out time every single day for rest (Exodus 20:8-11). When we cannot take the time to care for ourselves, we will find our overworked, undernourished, and fatigued bodies succumbing to many maladies. A powerful mind lives in a strong body.
We say we love ourselves, yet everything we do contradicts this. We spend countless hours trying to entertain and please people, cooking, cleaning, and running errands to the detriment of our health. What about us? Are we not important enough to step aside and spend some time with ourselves to nurture and nourish our body mind and spirit? Yesterday, the world awakened to the shocking news of the death of another celebrity, DJ Twitch, who from his outward appearance had it all going for him. Yet no one saw the longing of his soul because it cannot be seen with human eyes. People are crying out for more and it is not for more money, and followers on social media but for more quality time with “ME”. This is one of the most selfless things you can do for yourself. Some are afraid to withdraw from public life for a while because it is not the thing they do, fearing public backlash or losing followers. Let them leave. Many more will follow. A good friend loveth at all times (Proverbs 17:17) and when people care about you, they allow you the space you need to take care of yourself and be authentic. Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made, yet they are not machines, and they break from time to time. The problem is that they often warn us by sending creaking, pesty sounds we do not want to hear. When we ignore them, it is to our detriment because a simple oil change can become a complete overhaul of the engine, which is the heart of the vehicle, and takes much longer to fix.
How to you spend time with yourself
Being kind to yourself is the first step in self-care. Instead of jumping out of bed in the morning, do it slowly. Look at yourself in the mirror and affirm yourself. Do the simple little things such as brushing your teeth, taking a shower, combing your hair, having a good meal, and being present while you are doing it. Put “you” at the top and bottom of your daily schedule every day because you are more important than anything you could ever do. Take mini-vacations, and long vacations, hug longer, and spend time alone or with people who are “self-carers” not “self-drainers.”
Live your life on your terms
Stop allowing people to manipulate you into doing what they think you should be doing. Find yourself and do those things that are meaningful to you and nurture your mind and body. Don’t be afraid to start all over. Sometimes this is what many of us need to do instead of remaining stuck in the corner we have placed ourselves in. Give yourself permission to move out and explore the world around you and your innate gifts. We all have many gifts, but we harp on just one which is just as draining. Try something new daily. You might find that you have more talents than you think. Listen to your heart and do what it is telling you to do without fear. Life is risky and one cannot live without taking risks: take a hike, go bungee jumping, zip-lining. Do something fun and amazing!
Spend quality time with God
Put God first in your life. Set aside time to be with Him daily because He is the power source of all wisdom. Talk with Him about your life, concerns, family, the future because He yearns to hear them. Read the Bible daily and praise Him as well. He wants to comfort you when you are broken by giving you that safe space to heal. He wants to guide and give you the life He has planned for you.
Spend quality time with family
God created us to be a community. We are never meant to be alone. Spending quality time with family creates bonds and trust, provides support, and improves our overall health. Those who don’t have a family can spend time with friends or church members because this is good for you and increases longevity.
Although it is good to do good, let your first good be taking care of you today!
There was a war in Sodom and Gomorrah. The king fell into the slime pit and they captured Lot along with his goods. Abraham learned of his fate through his confederates. Right away, he knew he needed trusted allies to rely on that would help him gain an advantage over the enemy. He knew he was in a strange land and would have enemies. Today, our confederates should be our prayer partners who will intercede with God for us until they make the pitfalls known.
Arming for Battle
This requires trusted men who are prepared for war. Abraham was always prepared for war, hence he had a mini army of 318 highly trained and skilled men in his house. As the body of Christ, we must fight together, not against each other. When God’s people are anointed with the Holy Spirit’s fire, there is nothing we cannot conquer. Abraham, though old, did not remain at home because he was the commandeering chief, and he knew the importance of his presence. Hence, he gathered his army, discussed their strategies, and off they went in pursuit of the enemy, who was stronger in the army than them. They had just defeated five kings and taken away great spoils. However, this did not deter the man of God who knew that the battle is the Lord’s. Therefore, he was assured that the victory was his.
Testing keeps us humble and faithful
You might ask why God allowed Lot to be captured and put this golden ager at high risk. God wanted Abraham to remember that he is still useful in His service and that He must keep exercising his faith and trust in Him. Today, God might give us tests to keep us alert because the enemy, Satan, is always on the prowl. Hence, we must never become complacent but always prepare because the attacks usually come without warning and we will destroy us if we are not ready to fight back. Failure to prepare gives the enemy an advantage over us and although we might overcome, our lives might not be the same because we got wounded or suffered a great loss. Let us always prepare like a soldier.
The big win
Abraham and his team smote them and brought back Lot, his goods, and all his helpers, women, and men. They recovered everything that was stolen. What a powerful example of preparation and readiness for life’s unforeseen challenges! Abraham returned home to a hero’s welcome because through God, he accomplished the impossible. God is the same and today He wants to accomplish something impossible in your life. However, you must show your readiness by studying His words, praying, and listening to the Holy Spirit, then stepping out in faith. We also need godly people in our lives as confederates who will pray for us and warn us when we are in imminent danger and continue with warfare on our behalf.
Now when Job’s friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and comfort him.
Go, Sit, and Support
How do you relate to those who are suffering from personal loss, chronic illnesses, or tragedy? Most people will pick up the phone and call, send a card, and sometimes money. These well-intentioned mean nothing to the person who is saddled with grief and pain. The greatest gift you could give to anyone who is suffering from illness, grief, or personal loss is to show up and be present. When people are at the most vulnerable points in their lives, they need family and friends to surround them with love, empathy, understanding, and positivity. Since the pain is incomprehensible, these little acts of love will go a long way toward the healing process.
When the devil slapped boils all over Job’s body, he lost his health and, as a result, bore excruciating pain every day and night. His three friends, when they heard of his sufferings, made an appointment to visit him. While they were afar, they noticed the shadow of the man he once was and were overcome with deep emotions. They wept bitterly, rented their mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their head, which is a symbol of fasting. These men loved their friends and all the love, support and encouragement, compassion poured out of them through tears. I am reminded of when Jesus wept shortly before raising Lazarus from death(John 11:35-45). When was the last time you cried with someone who was going through pain and suffering?
They sat on the ground with him for 7 days and 7 nights, and they all did it in silence because through empathy they understood the extent of his suffering. I would love to have friends like these, and I am sure you would too. When our loved ones and friends are hurting, we must make the time to visit with them and comfort them even for one meaningful hour. They will appreciate it. And while you are there, just remain quiet because they don’t need your opinion and your not-so-funny jokes. Wrong timing! Only your presence is appreciated.
Another interesting thing that these conscientious friends did was remain silent for the first 7 days. When people are in deep anguish, the last thing they want to do is to talk. They respected Job so much that they gave him the space which allowed him to speak only when he was ready. It took him 7 days to utter his first words. He needed that time to think and reflect on what had happened to him and his friends empowered him with their support to do so. Many have criticized Job’s friends for judging him however, they failed to acknowledge the positive aspects of their character. They were genuine friends, not superficial, and even the best of us will mess up. Many of us can learn how to become authentic Christian friends through these three men. I challenge you to read prayerfully Job 2 and let it change your life today.
God’s people were under bondage by the Egyptian regime. Their cries of desperation and frustration went up to Him, and He heard them and elected Moses, a faithful warrior, to go to Egypt with a central message to Pharoah, “let my people go”. Pharoah’s prideful response was “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2. God, the supreme authority, sent a command to Pharoah His subject that was ignored. Of course, he didn’t know God because he was an idol worshipper. As we know, through a series of divine events, he had to let them go.
Today, many of God’s children are being severely oppressed by principalities, powers, spiritual wickedness in high places, and wicked and evil people. The burdens are so heavy it is infuriating. However, they continued to pray, believe, praise, worship, and trust God for their deliverance. God heard your prayers and has issued a mandate to Satan to let you go. Like Pharoah, the devil will not let you go easily because your soul is of great value to him too. We must continue to press on in prayer, believe, and trust God to fulfill His promises in our lives. He is getting ready to show signs and wonders in your life, and the devil must flee. He will cover you with the blood of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and march you out of the land of the enemy. You will not go out empty-handed because He will take back what the enemy has stolen from you; health, wealth, relationships, and countless missed opportunities. Then He will guide you every step of the way with a pillar of cloud by day and a fiery pillar at night. He will bring you to the Red Sea to test your faith and then He will part it so that you can walk to victory on dry land. Those who troubled you will not anymore.
God can do anything. He is limitless and boundless because He is the Almighty God. Let us speak of His goodness and praise Him always because we have all been benefactors of His richness. Today, if you are being oppressed by the devil or evil people, they have been warned. God is getting ready to take all the stumbling blocks out of your way. Let’s praise the Lord for His bountiful goodness to us all!
Do you often find yourself stuck between belief and unbelief while waiting on God? Although you pray and believe, and claim every Bible promises applicable to your situation at the time yet you experience no breakthrough. In your disappointment, fear and unbelief creep in and you question yourself and even God’s word. Also, we judge and condemn ourselves just as harshly as others do. They tell us that there must be some sin in our lives that are hindering our prayers. He is not an impartial God. He is our Father and even though we might not be perfect or fully committed, He will provide for our needs. He allows His rain on the good and the bad (Matthew 5:45). Like a good Father, His ears are open to the eyes of His children and when they call, He hears and answers (Matthew 7:11). It doesn’t matter how big or small our faith is, He will come to our rescue and answer our prayers. However, sometimes a good Father will discipline us because He wants us to grow in Him (Hebrews 12:6-11). He will choose to give us what is best for us because He loves us so much. There were many times when I became discouraged because I didn’t receive the answers I expected. In retrospect, I am reminded of God’s goodness and have experienced growth in my Christian walk. I still struggle with unbelief and complaint, however, I always go back to His word. Satan wants us to take our focus off God so that he can have our minds, and spread lies, doubt, hate, and fear.
As I read the words of the Psalmist today, I am reminded that God is the same and unchanging. We have heard the reports from His trusted servants in the Bible, which were passed down for our admonition and learning. God wasn’t just Israel’s God, but the God of the entire human race. God can do anything to give you the desires of your heart. He discomfited and uprooted nations and planted His children there because everything in the universe is His and if we are not good stewards; He will allow others to possess what we once had. Many people have lost all their possessions because they lived recklessly. We remember that our strategies, weapons, and strength will not win our battles, but by the right hand of God, the light of His countenance, because His favor is upon us. Let us call upon God and stand still and wait on Him to amaze us with incredible answers!
Our world has become a diverse place because of people traveling from every corner of the earth to different countries around the world. Often they bring with them not only their customs and traditions but the different species of bacteria that are unique to their country. Parasites are everywhere. They are in our food, water systems, and the air we breathe.
Carl Zimmer in his book “Parasites Inside the Bizarre World of Nature’s Most Dangerous Creatures”, prefaces the horrific story of a young boy named Justin from a remote town called Tambura in Southern Sudan. He was only twelve years old. His frail body was laid on a thin frame of a bed. His shoulders were thin and his belly curved inward like a bowl. His neck was so swollen that it was hard to tell where the back of his head began. His eyes bulged in a froglike way, and his nostrils were clogged shut. His neck and back were so stiff that when lifted by a nurse, he rose like a plank. For weeks his body had been overrun with a single-celled parasite, and the medicine he was getting was not effective.
Causes of Parasitic Invasion
Parasites are dangerous organisms that disrupt the friendly bacteria balance in the body. As the name suggests, they live off other organisms with the sole purpose of thriving while destroying everything in their path that they foresee as a hindrance. Parasitic infection many times lies at the root of many illnesses. Our bodies are the host to a vibrant ecosystem. This vast array of species of bacteria that populate this system is known as the microbiome forms a coordinated defense system against harmful pathogens. However, there are times when this perfect balance is disrupted because of chronic stress, poor diet and lack of exercise which can lead to long-term illnesses. Also, the quality of the food that is eaten these days is devoid of their nutrients due to over-processing and soil erosion. This is where the topsoil is displaced due to wind, rain, snow, humans and other environmental factors. Also, the soil loses its richness over time because of the planting of crops back-to-back hence the land does not get any chance to rest and re-mineralize. According to (Exodus 23:10-11) For six years, you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.
Signs of Parasitic Infestation
Coupled with this are other factors that affect our environment, such as toxic waste from pesticides and chemicals that impact our water systems. In third-world countries, parasites are prevalent because of the scarcity of proper drinking water and sanitary conditions. When a breach takes place, it leaves the door wide open for the predators to seize the opportunity to destroy the good bacteria by creating dysbiosis in our digestive tract. For many, this is the start of their digestive woes; bloating, cramps, nausea, belching, GERD, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, cravings, an insatiable appetite even after having eaten for a short period, weight gain or loss, flushing of the skin, mental health problems such as depression, apathy, and moodiness, unexplained weakness, tachycardia attacks, headaches, restlessness, chronic fatigue, ringing in the ears, difficulty breathing, unexplained breathing issues, bad breath, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, blurred vision, floaters in the eyes, itchiness especially in the back and around the anus, grinding of the teeth and bed-wetting, especially in children, outbursts of anger, anemia, and an overall diminished vitality that significantly impacts one’s quality of life. Do you sometimes feel like you’ve been bitten on the inside? That was a parasite. They make a meal of you and they know how to hide so that you can never find them or when you do, it may be too late. When these insidious enemies take over the control of our delicate ecosystem, they create a toxic overload that causes chaos in the body and results in a compromised immune system that allows them to remain undetected. With compromised immunity, we are prone to develop a host of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, food intolerance, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other immunosuppressive diseases.
Cleanliness
Parasites are everywhere, and we can prevent them if we practice cleanliness. For example, washing our hands after using the bathroom, playing with pets, before eating, and practicing hand washing for good hygiene throughout the day. There are millions of people all over the world who are affected by parasites and are not aware of this because some of them are good at living in the body for years, causing no symptoms. Some of the most common forms of parasites found in humans are tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. You can read more about them at this link: https://www.newscientist.com/gallery/mg20327161300-enemy-within-human-parasites/
In Deuteronomy 23:10-14, God gave instructions to the children of Israel about the cleaning of their environment. If there be among you any man, that is not clean because of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp: But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again. Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad: And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee: For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
My Experience with Parasites
Some years ago, I suddenly began feeling unwell. It was just a general feeling of malaise. Since I was very concerned about this, I called a friend in New York to discuss it. She said parasites caused it. It made little sense to me however; I went along with her suggestion to buy an herbal compound recommended. I ordered it online, and it arrived within days. It was a 14-day detox, and I started taking it immediately. One of the first things I noticed was that there were black spots on certain parts of my body. Although I was scared, I continued with the product because in my previous research I had learned that the skin is the biggest elimination organ for moving toxins quickly out of the body. I was purged and within a short time, not only did I feel better, but the spots went away, leaving me with radiant skin. Sadly, I did not follow the instructions and repeated the treatment for the next two months.
Managing Parasitic infection
Parasitic infection is very complex, hence it is very difficult to get rid of it, and sometimes, medical intervention is required. However, there is hope as there are so many simple things that you can do to make your gut an unfriendly host to them. Eat more fiber-rich vegetables, especially those that are bitter, roasted pumpkin seed with cayenne pepper, pineapple, papaya, garlic, onions, and sesame seeds, and eat generously from the cruciferous family; cabbage, broccoli, kale, radishes, and arugula. Certain herbs are effective against parasites however, these should be prescribed by a trained herbalist. Avoid all sugars, even those that are healthy because parasites thrive on sugars. Also, consider doing intermittent fasting a couple of days per week, drinking herbal teas and detoxing every three months. Lastly, seek divine guidance because the God who made you has the power to heal your body.
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, nor am I promoting any products. The views in this post are mine and are not intended to treat or cure parasitic infections.
The prophet Jeremiah declared that there is nothing too hard for God. (Jeremiah 32:17) Are you experiencing difficulties that are unique to you? Rare diseases, cancers, heart diseases, psychological illness, financial loss, and stagnation? God has a cure for all your diseases and finances. He is your God who spoke the world into being (Genesis 1:1), created Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:26-28), and spoke the future to His servants, the prophets. He spoke and healing took place and today He is speaking. He wants to speak to whatever you are facing because He wants to deliver you. What you are needing God to do for you is difficult in your eyes, but not for God. However, it requires your devotion to prayer, Bible study and earnestly presenting your case to God. Schedule prayer and fasting in your life as you would anything else because certain things can only come about through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). Stay close to the only one who can heal every disease in your body (Psalm 103:3). Who can restore your finances and break the generational cycle of poverty? God! (Deuteronomy 8:18). Be sincere in your worship and be generous with your praises because God inhabits the praise of His children (Psalm 22:3). He invites you to cast all your cares upon Him because He cares so much for you (1 Peter 5:7). As we approach the end of 2022, let us believe for more, pray more, give more, and open our hearts to receive more of His goodness.
I live in an area that is conducive to outdoor activities. There is not much traffic, the skies are blue, and the outside is very scenic. Beautiful plants, neatly cut grass, trimmed trees, birds singing and many areas for walking are the things that appeal to me most in any neighborhood. I love to walk and sometimes joy hence I can take care of their health. I love the scenic routes, and there are several that I traverse when I go for my morning walks. One of my favorite routes is the burial ground, the resting place of the once wealthy in this world’s goods and those who revered God and maintained a spiritual connection with Him, which is the pearl of great price. I like to read the tombstones because they tell stories about the life that they lived. I found one that encapsulates the mission that I am passionate about and I was awe-struck by the deep faith and commitment of this very humble servant, though rich.
One morning, my adventurous spirit took over, and I felt the desire to take a new route. However, I couldn’t decide where to go. I had passed a path that led off the main road many times during my walk and to me; it was just a track to someone’s house for months; I ignored it. That morning I stood right there facing the same track. However, I hesitated for a while and then I saw a young woman approaching me. She was coming from the direction of the track. I greeted her warmly and politely asked her about the track. She described it as being breathtakingly beautiful, with a stream running through it. Oh, I love to look at the beautiful trees and flowering plants during my walk, and the sound of water was an added blessing. Being near water is so calming and energizing for me. This excited me, and I thanked her and ventured onto this path, which was a paved pathway with seatings and a beautiful stream running by. As I stared in awe at God’s marvellous creation, I cast my eyes to the right, beholding this beautiful creek that flowed right through the entire path. This spot was almost directly behind my house and although it had been there for years, I didn’t notice it because of my fear of the unknown. What a missed opportunity! I was enjoying nature’s beauty when I heard footsteps behind me, showing I had company. I turned to see who they were. They were walkers and joggers chatting, laughing and enjoying the cool, calm and peaceful atmosphere of the track. Later, I realized that this path also led to the main thoroughfare. It was a very pleasant walk and so different from the routes I had taken on my frequent walks. It was a fun walk, and I learned several important lessons that day that apply to any area of your life.
As we go through life, we must remain curious while having an open mind.
Don’t be afraid to try something new alone.
Seize the opportunity right there
Go slowly along a new path; listen, look, and learn
Create fun moments every day
Give the brain a workout by getting lost sometimes
What new things have you done lately? I would love to hear about them and look forward to your response.
There is the popular adage “we are products of our environment”. Although this has an element of truth, our personalities keep evolving and we get to decide how we want to present ourselves to the world. However, we all have a dominant personality, and that does not change.
Have you ever considered what makes you unique to others? It is called personality, those special characteristics that define us. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia defines personality as behavior patterns, thoughts, and emotions that are distinctive to a person and how they interrelate to assist or inhibit our change to other individuals and circumstances. Various theorists have different ideas about what makes up personality and how our personalities develop. According to Freud, the characteristics of our personalities can be attributed to the environment we were born into. Our dominant environment shapes our personality for life. Feist, Feist, & Roberts (2018).
According to Hindle and Vaciago (1999), personality development starts in the womb. It continues throughout infancy and into adulthood where the emphasis is on the mental task that accompanies each stage of the development and the interaction of inner operations and outside conditions. It can be a difficult question trying to figure out how we became who we are. As Winnicott (1949/1958) said, every person is attempting a rebirth wherein their lifespan continues with a greater quantity of reaction rather than what is experienced without the loss of the sense of the progression of individual existence Hindle & Vaciago (1999).
Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was a very prolific writer. As a result, he had become a highly important contributor to 20th-century thought. Freud postulates the Id is the centre of personality which is fully subconscious of the psychic region. Although the Id is far from reality, it attempts to lower stress by fulfilling primary needs. A newborn baby personifies the Id as free from the limitations of ego and superego. The baby seeks the satisfaction of needs with no notion of the possibility. Instead, it sucks whether the nipple is present or absent, failing to recognize that the sucking of its thumb cannot maintain life. Feist, et al. (2018).
Freud also said the ego is viewed differently when an infant knows how to determine himself from the external world. Although the id stays the same, the ego persists by developing strategies for dealing with the id’s impractical and relentless desire to be pleased. Sometimes the ego will control the id however, at other times it loses control. The ego must balance and restrain the id’s impulses however, it appears to be at the mercy of the powerful and disorganized id. The ego borrows its strength from the id and sometimes comes close to taking full control, for instance, during the prime of life of a psychologically mature person. Feist, et al. (2018).
Freud said most of the personality is subconscious and that we conceal many unlikeable facts about ourselves that are unpleasant by being defensive. Wishes, fears, disputes, beliefs, and unconscious memories also control us. The entire human nature is malevolent. Our inherent tendencies are erotic and hostile.
Like Freud, Jung’s theory of personality had its basis on the assumption that the mind has both conscious and subconscious levels. He differed from Feud in that he fully declared that the most noteworthy part of the subconscious came from the history of human existence instead of the individual’s personal experience. He called this concept the collective unconscious. Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, (2019). Although he believed the unconscious is highly important, he disagreed with Freud in many respects: Human nature is both good and bad. There are important instincts besides sexuality and aggressiveness (including individuation, the forerunner of the humanistic concept of self-actualization). Feist, et al. (2018)
There is a collective unconscious that contains archetypes, or inherited susceptibility to view the world in certain ways. Introversion/extraversion is a major aspect of personality. Psychopathology occurs when personality becomes unbalanced, as when we cannot develop important aspects of personality or overemphasize aspects that are contrary to our true nature. Ewen, (2009).
Jung’s concepts of introversion and extraversion came about after studying Freud’s and Adler’s theories. He agreed with them in some respect but had differing views in some areas. He referred to these two personalities as No. 1 being extraverted and No. 2 being introverted. He spoke about a period in his young life when he considered his personality introverted. However, when he contemplated the planning of his future profession and meeting other responsibilities, he became more extraverted. He remained extraverted until he experienced a personal crisis that caused him to revert to being an introvert. He mentioned too that the part of our personality that is not developed leaves way for the other to dominate Feist, et al. (2018).
Could it be possible that personality is interchangeable and can be switched on and off? This resonates with me because I have struggled in my life with periods of introversion and extraversion and at the different points when I interchanged them, I either experienced more happiness or was the least happy. I am more introverted when I am handling crises and feel the need to shut out the world to take care of me. I am sure that there are others who have similar issues. I often wondered why some people were so kind and easygoing, yet would flip personalities when faced with challenges. Jung’s rationale explains this. This has led me to the belief that personality is fickle, and it is possible for people to change their personalities like the weather changes. However, there is still one personality that predominates, the one who you mostly are at your deepest core.
Personality is a very complex one, despite the differing thoughts of many theorists. Although our personalities are shaped by the environment that we were born into and encompass all our behaviors it evolves, and we can nurture the personality that best defines us.
Many of us can identify with the Apostle Peter and his impetuousness. Although he was flawed, that didn’t prevent Jesus from calling him because God knew his heart. Peter became one of the most powerful apostles when he became converted (Luke 22:31–32). Sometimes we are quick to write off people because they are not living up to our standards of righteousness. This is judging and none of us may do so because we don’t know what is in a person’s heart, only God. Stop focusing on the outward and see the beautiful spirit, kindness, and tears behind a harsh demeanor. People are struggling and many have experienced brokenness and abandonment in their formative years, which is the most critical stage in a child’s development. Instead of judging, condemning and isolating, please reach out a hand and open your heart to the least of these because of the grace you have experienced. Attempt to see others through the eyes of Christ and it will draw more people to Him because of the Christlikeness they see in you.
God loves all rebels because there is greater work to be done in and through them. A rebel is like a black fish that is difficult to catch hence, it requires the angler to be skilled and experienced. Therefore, it takes a longer time for the rebel to accept Christ and become converted. When a rebel accepts Christ, they will serve the Lord faithfully and with great power and zeal. They will become a walking testimony that will stir hearts and souls while drawing them to the kingdom of God. They will truly serve God in spirit and truth and love their fellowmen because they have experienced grace and will extend grace freely. A converted rebel possesses the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5: 22-23).
If you are a rebel, watch out! God is chasing you and at some point, He will catch you. When He catches you, He will chasten you and after the chastening comes the awakening, repentance, baptism, conversion, and the call to ministry and a life of service. The completely transformed rebel is open and willing to be used by the Almighty. They will love their enemies, love their neighbor as themselves, will sacrifice for others and desire to minister to the suffering of humanity. They devote their heart to trusting God and doing what is right, pleasing and bringing glory to His name.
Because God changed their hearts instead of doubt and fears, there will be trust and boldness. When they are led by the Holy Spirit, they are compassionate, kind, obedient, love the word of God and live with godly fear. They are sensitive to the needs of others and their heart embraces the hungry, weak, and rejected, leading them to Jesus. They are fervent in prayer and persistent in their daily walk, hence they pick up the plough and will not look back.
Are you beset with problems in your life which are like mountains? Do they make you afraid because they seem like giants standing in your way with no way around them? Like Israel, God has called you to go to the promised land. However, the path is not smooth. It is filled with dangerous animals, valleys, mountains, drought, famine, bitter disputes with brethren, countless sleepless nights and bitter tears. Your faith wanes and your trust dissipates as the weight of everything breaks you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Enemies beset you from within and without. Daily, your cry to God asking how much more of this do you expect me to endure?
Look at the life of a soldier. They endure rigorous training to befit them for the service they are called to. They develop mental toughness and acuity, physical strength, and bravado. They live each day as if they are at war because they know the purpose of their calling. Therefore, they are prepared with the intelligence of the enemy’s whereabouts. They often do this preparation under treacherous circumstances. Often, they endure deprivation of food and water, endure harsh climates and injuries by land and sea. They also suffer from isolation from families and friends. However, they were chosen for service, and they are determined to fulfil their human obligation. Despite all they go through, narrow escapes from enemies, witnessing the death of comrades, torture from the enemy, and being defeated, they continue to persevere and remain steadfast, focusing on their goal, which is to defeat the enemy. (2 Timothy 2:3-5) A special shout-out to all military personnel. Thank you for being selfless! We love you and are praying for you!
Christians, where is your focus? Is it on your problems or what the word of God says about your problems? Pick up the word of God and ask the Holy Spirit to give you a scripture that speaks to your mountain. God has a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth for you to thresh your mountain and make it small. He wants to turn your hills to chaff. He wants you to blow air through the chaff so that the wind can blow them away and the whirlwind will scatter them so that you can rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. Isa 41: 14-16.
Stop doubting, crying, procrastinating, and complaining. Just look up at Jesus and take hold of your threshing sledge and get to work and start attacking your mountain and level it to the ground. Watch the whirlwind blow all the debris away in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
