Crisis!
1. A crucial or decisive point or situation; a turning point. An emotionally stressful or traumatic change in a person's life. A crisis constitutes any circumstance or situation which cannot be resolved by customary problem-solving abilities. It require a new way of thinking, being and doing. It changes the world as you knew it but have not yet arrived at the new. A crisis is different from a problem or an emergency. While a Problem creates stress and can be life-changing, it can usually be resolved given enough time, thought or assistance. An Emergency, on the other hand, is a serious problem without the luxury of time. It is comes on suddenly, without warning, and needs immediate attention, such as when life is threatened because of an accident, a sudden illness, or violence. It is more stressful because it takes us by surprise and we find ourselves unprepared. Time is of the essence and a decision must be made quickly. An emergency may lead to a crisis, such as a death, but not always. Some emergency will eventually return to the status quo. A Crisis, on the other hand, is a challenge to our identity, our world view or our concept of life's most essential meaning. Time will not bring a simple return to 'normal' because normal has been obliterated. We are without a rudder in the midst of a raging sea and cannot find land. So if you find yourself in the midst of a crisis, what should you do? (1) DON'T PANIC When a crisis hits so does the adrenaline and adrenaline blocks our ability to think clearly and we respond to our impulses. We feel we must do 'something' to elevate the pain and anxiety even if the 'something' will be disastrous later on. We call this having a panic attack. Perhaps the worst thing you can do in a crisis is react emotionally, impulsively or irrationally. Follow these simple steps (a) Breath and regain composure, (b) Pray - find God in the chaos, and then (c) withdraw and regain your composure. Fight the urge to panic. "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31 (2) SEEK SHELTER You're not being punished, persecuted or singled out. God knows where you are and has put the resources you near (not necessarily what you want) at hand to help. Look for them. The foolish are those who try to go it alone. We face these moment because we trust our systems, technology and financial security too much. So what can you do? Surround yourself with people who (a) you trust, (2) will provide honest feedback and (c) who have weathers similar storms. They know what you're going through and know you'll survive too. "We sent Timothy, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them." 1 Thess 3:2-3 (3) GIVE THANKS! You heard me. Give thanks for what you have. The storm tells you your nothing and will not survive. Not True! Life is not a measure of what you've accomplished, acquired or the applause you received, but the mountains climbed, adversity faced, and the storms survived with confidence. The Bible calls this spiritual maturity. Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (my emphasis)Email Subscription:
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful blog!