W
elcome to another informative issue of Sound Minds. Over the last few issues, we have looked at a few ‘The Power of…’ series.
Sound Minds
We looked at: 1. The Power of Meditation 2. The Power of Thoughts 3. The Power of Confession This edition we will look at a new series, the Power of Managing Change. Wow, am I excited. Many people shirk at the thought of change, be it their environment, their habits, getting married or a new job. But one thing that is constant is change. And whether planned or not, we are changing each day, each minute and every second. For example, we all grew up from babies to adults. It is a necessary change and one that is sure to happen. Change, understandably can be a time of uncertainty. But when we walk with the Lord, He will hold our hands and guide us every step of the way. The future does not need to be mysterious. God reveals His plans and purposes to us, though these plans may be one step at a time. What we need to do is to align our plans with His, sync our clocks to His, and put our trust in Him. He has also told us never to fear. So the future need not be some dark, mystic, fearful unknown. Over the next couple of issues, we will continue this series of change. When we can deal with change, we can deal with our emotions and all the stresses that come with it. This edition, we also look at an inspiring story of a famous person who in spite of the odds against him with mental illness, left his mark on the annals of the history book. Such people were not limited and nether can we be! And with God, not even the sky is our limit. As usual, we have our usual sound mind proclamations. – remember the power of confessing faith filled words! Don’t forget to go through this vital section. We also have some thoughts to meditate on in a new Quality Thoughts section. This edition is packed as usual, something for caregivers, spouses in particular. Do enjoy it and send in your comments to soundminds@zoeonah.com You can state what you would like to see in future editions. God bless
Zoe
h
na By Zoe A. O
Volume 2 Issue 1
The Power of Managing Change 1
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HANGE. Often a word that aging change is important in order to alleviate any tensions brings out different reacand possible ill health like detions in people. pression, anxiety or other stress The world is changing. Rapidly. related illnesses. People are changing. Technology is moving at a phenomenal How do you see rate. The financial world is as change? erratic as a Mathematical sine Some embrace change as wave (Do you remember positive. Example, moving those?). Whether, we like or home can be seen as an opnot, we are living in rapidly portunity to make new friends, changing times. go into new ventures, start Change can bring about stress afresh, even. and various reactions in people. For others, on the other hand, Nowadays there are lots of moving away from familiar seminars and workshops on how to manage change. Man- surroundings is looked upon with dread, even in situations where they may not have even been happy where they were. Better to stay with the known, than the unknown, is often their thinking! The children of Israel, even though they had been slaves for over 400 years had got used to their predicament (The story of their departure from Egypt is found in Exodus and Numbers). Even though they had to endure hard labour, the garlic and onions, in their concrete minds, far com-
Inside this issue:
They had waited so long after all for their deliverance. Canaan they were told was a land flowing with milk and honey. But had God forgotten or deliberately missed out in telling them the land had giants? Thankfully, they may have been slaves but they had not lost their brains in the process
“The only thing that is constant is CHANGE. When we can deal with change, we can deal with our emotions and the stresses too!” They had sent out spies beforehand to check out their promised new home. Who ever moved to a place with-
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Diary of a Sound Mind Patient
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Those who defied the odds
The Power of Managing Change cont’d
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Support for caregivers / carers (spouses) Cont’d
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Diary of a Sound Mind Patient cont’d
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Sound Mind proclamations for
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Defying the Odds—the Book
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Support for 3 caregivers / carers (spouses)
pensated for the cracks of whips on their backs and hard sweat than the promise of a better life.
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Quality thoughts Change your THOUGHTS and change your LIFE!
The Bible is clear on what we are to think on. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT).
Joyce Meyer says we must think about what we are thinking about. That means taking ownership of our thoughts. Easier said than done, right? A marathon starts with a single step and lots and lots of training. We can take that marathon step with our thoughts. We can begin to train our minds like we do our bodies in the gym. Remember, God is on our side. Not only that the Holy Spirit lives inside us. That means WE CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens YOU! (Philippians
The Power of Managing Change (Cont’d) out first checking it out? Change often takes people out of their comfort zone.
So why do we dislike change? 1. They have settled in a routine and are settled down in their comfort zone. Habits have been formed. Breaking habits means breaking out of a set mould; for some this mould is concrete!
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had grown up in the palace and spared the slave mentality, to take up such a mammoth task of getting people who were enslaved in their minds and bodies out of Egypt. Sometimes we need someone or forced circumstances to give us a kick start. Some people have only ventured into businesses after they were sacked!
5. Fear of risks ahead or being in a worse situation. Worse, being out of control. Human beings like to be in control, 2. Fear of the unknown. Change can particularly of their destiny. But there seem daunting. are two destinies, i.e. two choices every Christian has. They can either 3. Laziness. Sometimes we know we are lead their natural destiny, often deterthe only person with a particular vision mined by circumstances, environor dream or talent. The world is waitments, the family they were born in, ing on us to unleash our potential, yet maybe their talent and so on. Or, they we can’t be bothered so to speak, to can choose the path of their God take up the time, zeal, effort, determigiven destiny that is only revealed to nation, persistence and tenacity that it you when you become a Christian. entails to get it done. God has put in This destiny is ordained by God and is EVERYONE something that only they independent of status, environment, can accomplish. It is often said the circumstances and economic downgraveyard is the richest place. Why? turns even! This destiny makes proper It is full of buried dreams, aspirations use of those God given talents and and potentials that were never abilities and have definite returns and birthed. fulfillment that natural destiny can 4. Responsibility. Change takes responsinever buy in this world! bility. Thankfully, it took Moses who 6. Cultural. Slavery had become the culture of the Israelites. After centuries, the taste of freedom was an un“Change management is known uncertainty. This was not the important to alleviate culture that God had in mind for His children who were meant to rule the stress”
earth! 7. Mentality. The children of Israel had a grasshopper mentality seeing themselves as inferior and low class. It is easy to imagine that this could have easily been imbibed in them being slaves however, God had never left nor forsaken them as His children. If they remembered their heritage, this would not have been the case. 8. Challenges. The children of Israel would have to dislodge the giants in their new home. They were not men of war having been slaves for centuries. This was an unexplored venture for them. 9. More work. Imagine the logistics of moving the entire nation of Israelites from Egypt. That would take planning, not to talk about carrying it out!
10. Timing. Moses knew he was called to deliver the people out of bondage. But at 40 years of age, he was not in sync with God’s timing. Moses needed training for the arduous task that lay ahead of him. Sometimes in spite of our best efforts even in wanting change, the timing is sometimes wrong. Conversely, sometimes we procrastinate, always pushing that much needed change into the future.
Next issue, we’ll take a look at the consequences of resisting change and hopefully how to manage change. Till next time,
keep making progress!
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Quality thoughts (Cont’d) 4:13). Take God at His Word as a child does with his parents. God wants you to believe His Word, not reason it out Here are some lovely thoughts to meditate, remember and confess. (Please refer to our past series on the meditation and confession):
John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” Jeremiah 17: 7 “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him” Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
Remember, if your thoughts are full of worry, it has been said, 85% of what we worry about will NEVER come to pass. And with God on our side, the remaining 15%, He will take care of, of which we can be assured! Till next time, keep training your thoughts and see your life change!
Support for Carers/Caregivers of the mentally ill THE CAREGIVER AS A SPOUSE
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eing a caregiver takes patience. In fact when patience runs out, longsuffering! Dealing with the unpredictability of mental illness can often feel like living on the edge of a chain saw. Being pulled on every side by the needs of your loved one versus your own life can seem unrewarding and demanding. Being the caregiver as a spouse, is no different or easier and can be trying not only for you as an individual but also to your marriage. Many times, probably, thoughts of walking out may try to crowd your mind. You find yourself playing the dual role of husband and wife in the challenging times. I had my moments when I really wondered why life had somehow given me the short straw on this. I threatened to pack my little pink suitcase and leave. But where could I go? I loved my husband and besides I took my commitment of marriage very seriously. My fear of disappointing God was far greater than my own needs of staying on for my sanity. God said He hated
divorce (Malachi 2:16), didn’t He? Jesus has not divorced the Church yet, and is unfathomable. So walking out, let alone divorce was no option for me.
the same, the ship seems to be sailing on bumpy waves. Also, others may not be quick to understand your relentless dedication and this may make you feel isolated.
So what other option did I have? God! And Him alone. If His Word said He had a solution, if His Word said I must trust Him, if His Word said nothing is impossible, then I had no choice. At the darkest and loneliest of moments, God is whom you can depend on. When life seems to throw limited options, God is who you need.
The stigma also attached to mental illness makes it difficult for carers and caregivers to open up to others hence making the isolation many times worse. √
Worried and Anxious Having to deal with thoughts that seem to crowd your immaculate mind can leave you worried or anxious about the future of your marriage, the children, your finances and so on.
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Tired and drained Juggling other life demands such as work, children, finance and so on can leave you feeling like a hamster on a wheel physically, emotionally and even mentally!
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Frustrated Life may not necessarily be moving at the pace you want it to. Your plans and visions as a couple and individually, at best, seem like
As a spouse, you may feel some or all of the following: √
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Resentful You may feel your life is on hold, your marriage does not seem to be going anywhere as a couple, or is being taken over by the dreadfulness of mental illness. Lonely One of the key things in marriage is companionship. Being a carer is in the opposite spectrum of companionship. You certainly don’t feel like companions on the same ship—your spouse seems to be on another ship to yours. Even if
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Sound Minds
Those who defied the odds
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braham Lincoln’s story never ceases to amaze me. A man of remarkable will and determination, Lincoln’s story will always be remembered through the generations as one who would not take no for an answer.
years old. He had four sons but only one made it to adulthood. Lincoln refused to give up in the face of these contrary winds blasting his way. He kept plodding. His political race took many nose
Lincoln was an American president. He is said to have suffered from depression. Some even say that he may have suffered from bipolar disorder. In spite of such a cruel disease, his tenacity is one to be admired. Having suffered many tragedies in his life, yet with determination and persistent persistence, he became America's 16th president. The cruel blow of death took his wife when he was only twenty-six
Wow, Lincoln was a man who defied the odds. He kept his focus and when he fell, he simply dusted himself and got back up. Jesus kept his focus on the cross even though the cup before Him was heavy. Jesus went all the way and won. Let us be inspired by Lincoln who in spite of everything gave life his best shot. Winners never quit. Next issue, we will take another look at another ‘defying the odds’ general who refused to give in! Till then, keep defying the odds!
dives and unsuccessful runs but Lincoln kept his hand to the plough. He finally became president in his fifties realising a political dream of his twenties.
“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right” Abraham Lincoln
Support for Caregivers/Carers—those who care for the mentally ill (Cont’d) a fairy tale dream that may never come true. And if it came true, how much of a ‘happily ever after’ tag will it have..? And much more.
Here are some tips: Make the Holy Spirit your Best Friend As a result of mental illness and the challenging periods especially during episodes of the disease, you miss things such as companionship of your spouse as a friend, the love FROM your spouse, perhaps even challenges of intimacy or lack of it. God has promised He will never leave you nor forsake you. You need to hold on to that Word tenaciously. Remember God is the third cord in a marriage. A rope made with two strands can
snag under a given weight. A three corded rope however can endure more tension and not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Remember, your marriage can only come out stronger even in the worst of the challenges you are facing right now. Don’t walk out; one day you will look back at these days with appreciation and deeper love for each other. When the Holy Spirit is your best friend you can talk to Him at any time, anywhere. He never gets tired of you either. He is your Comforter, Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby (John 14:26 Amplified). When you need to be comforted, He wraps His Hands around you. When you need
help, He is that help and so on. Develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Find out who He is. I promise you, when you have a revelation of Him, it will change your life. It did with me. Buy books on the Holy Spirit. He is the One who lives inside you. He is the one who nudges you. Some call Him a sixth sense, not knowing/recognising what is that nudging. Well see Him beyond that and you will find yourself living with expectancy and fresh hope of brighter days with your spouse. See the Holy Spirit as the superglue that keeps you and your spouse together. Wow, I have run out of time...and space...so much more tips to cover, etc... but we will continue in the next edition. Till then, keep winning!
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Sound Minds Proclamations for Sound Minders I am strengthened by the Word of God which says I was healed (1 Peter 2:24). I choose life and speak words of life. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
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have a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). I am full of life and vitality.
I am made in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). That means I look like God and act like God. If God is not sick, then I will not allow sickness in this body. It is an illegal alien in this body which is THE temple where the Holy Spirit lives (1 Corinthians 6:19) I live above stigma. I live about discrimination. What God says
about me is more important than what others say. All I have to do is walk in love. I know who I am. I am a master over sickness and disease. I cannot be defeated in anything in life. I refuse the up and down life. My life is upwards and forwards only. I am the best of God. I win always. I am a champion in Christ. I am a victor. My victory is forever assured. Praise be to God! More proclamations can be found in ‘Defying the Odds’ book
Defying the Odds—the book
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he world can seem harsh and unsympathetic when it comes to mental illness. But the good news is that God is not! Medical science does its best. However, that best is not good enough for one wishing to live totally free of mental sickness and its cruel stigmas.
“Your time of progress is NOW.
is available all over the world: on Amazon and also bookstores. Also available on e-format on Amazon Kindle.
You will discover:
how not to give up on God even when stubborn circumstances prevail
how to deal with stigmas
Few Christian messages directly address the subject, books on healing being no exception.
how to stand firm when things get worse
the importance of testimonies
Whether your challenge is mental, physical, financial, or marriage, illness; this powerful book has a message for you.
hope for those who care for the mentally ill
man s impossibility is God's possibility
confessions or prayers at the end of every chapter - ...and much more.
With God, NOTHING is impossible!”
Defying the Odds—the book
Zoe A. Onah Author of Defying the Odds
In her story, the author candidly unveils the twists and turns in her valleys, mountains, journey of faith, drawing on personal, firsthand experiences with her husband Eze, who was diagnosed with mental illness for eighteen years.
God can re-write your story as he did with Eze. He won the battle and enjoys life in its fullness, free from mental illness and medication and with a clean bill of health.