Are You Taking Care of Yourself? (Part 2)

Back in September I wrote about taking care of yourself but really focused on the physical body – eating right, resting, etc.  I didn’t really write about the whole person and that’s where we’re going today.  Every day we make decisions about what’s important to us and whatever that is gets our time and attention.  But how often, do we really think about making sure we are healthy - mentally, physically and spiritually?  There are many parts of us and each part has to be nurtured and cared for so we can continue to fulfill our purpose and give to others.  Yes, God created us with purpose and it requires work, but the bible calls for us to present ourselves as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God (Rom 12:1-2).  If that’s true, and it is, then we’re required to take care of ourselves.  Do you think God will accept a run down, uncared for sacrifice?  Look at the examples in the old testament – God expected the first and the best as a sacrifice and when he didn’t get it, he rejected the sacrifice (remember Cain and Abel).  

Yesterday, I participated in a self-care event by the women’s ministry at my church.  The purpose was to provide a safe space to share tools and resources to help women better care for their whole being – mind, body and soul.  Three dynamic experts spoke at the event and they imparted information that was pertinent and necessary for us to be whole.  There were a few things I want to share from my notes that I hope will help you on your journey.   

• Our mind processes everything before we feel or do anything.  Our speech and actions reveal our thoughts.  So if our thoughts are negative, it will show up in what we say and do.  Our brain gets wired based on what it is exposed to, i.e., if we continue to expose ourselves to wrong teaching or negative speech or things, our brain will be wired to the feelings and speech and actions associated with them.  Likewise, if we continue to expose ourselves to the Word of God, right teaching and positive speech, our brain will be wired to the feelings and speech and actions associated with them.  
• We need to develop a plan to take care of our mental health and it may include therapy.  Therapy is a good thing.  It doesn’t mean we’re crazy or there is something especially wrong with us, but we have issues or trauma.  We are all imperfect beings and we all need help at times – if only to understand ourselves.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone when things feel overwhelming or if you just need a safe space to evaluate your feelings (Prov 13:10).  We should get the help we need early and often, so we’re not dealing with more difficult circumstances later. 
• Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) – it needs to be a healthy place for Him to live.  We need to eat all our colors – more produce than meat.  Get in as many superfoods as possible to fight off the effects of our environment and the abnormal cells that develop.  We need to get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight (or get to a healthy weight – note to self).  There were other tips, but let’s start here.  
• We need to regularly visit our primary care doctor to make sure all our systems are working and then follow the recommendation of our physician.  If we suffer from let’s say high blood pressure – take the medication.  We can’t get the advice then not follow it and expect good results.  
• Slow down and take inventory of what your body is telling you.  If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it or self-diagnose.  Get some professional insight and be open with the physician about the symptoms and concerns.  We can’t allow embarrassment or fear to keep us from knowing what’s going on with us.  Only then can we deal with it. 
• We have to BE HONEST with ourselves about our need for care.  As stated earlier we are all imperfect and we all need help.  Hello!?!  That’s why we need Jesus.  We cannot do this on our own.  Until we’re honest with ourselves, we can’t address any concerns/issues or any areas of vulnerability.  We also need to be honest with ourselves about who we are in Christ and about what God says about us, even when we don’t see it in our everyday lives.
• As children of God, saved by His son, we need to stay in the Word of God because it is our standard.  If we want to be transformed (Rom 12:2), our minds have to be renewed and that comes by the Word of God.  As we study His Word, we have to pray for insight and understanding as we listen to what He’s telling us (Psalm 119:10-11).  We have to be patient because God speaks in His timing and not ours.  We should have an urgency about getting into His presence so we can learn of Him and hide His Word in our hearts. 

At the end of day, we have to take steps for our own self-care.  It will not just happen haphazardly.  God gave us free will and we get to choose the things that are important to us.  I hope and pray this will help you make your own care a way of life, because you can’t take care of those you love if you’re not healthy yourself.