6 minute read
The Bridge - Faith for healing spirit, soul and body
BY TINA BOYLE WHYTE
Global Music Link Editorial Team
Our world is in need of healing. Collectively we have tried to navigate through what we have experienced during the last 18 months, but quite honestly, for me, it has been totally traumatising yet a blessing. Unfortunately, for many it has not been a blessing. In fact, there have been many who have struggled immensely to navigate these times, while many have navigated successfully without any concerns at all.
As I write about navigating how to journey over this bridge, I find myself wondering today, HOW ARE YOU? How are your relationships? How is your family? When was the last time you were able to have an enjoyable day with the people you love? Yes, take an inventory to assess how you are doing. How are you spiritually? Have you found yourself in a good place or a hard place? How is your mind? Are you worried or at peace? Finally, how is your body? Have you found yourself more stressed? Are you eating comfort food to manage? Have you taken on a healthier eating lifestyle?
In this masked world, we have gotten away from checking in on each other. It has been a long time since I have seen a simple smile. I would say, this time has been really good for people who don’t like smiling, or even talking to people. For anyone who wanted to hide behind a mask - this was perfect.
I want to remind myself that we, as the BODY OF CHRIST, have to remember to be the light. As we transition out of the masks into a more open world, we will need to be the light. Matthew 5:16 encourages us of the light we should be. I want to look at it from two versions. The King James Version (KJV) is straightforward, in that we have to show our works through being a light, and God will be glorified.
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Then the Message version of this:
Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 encourages us to remember, even in these times, to not hide behind our masks but to stand out and be the difference for the world, who needs to see it. More importantly, we have to do it so our Father in heaven will receive the glory.
So again, I ask, how are you? How have you remained resilient? It is about being resilient in times like these. I have experienced unconscious stress throughout this season. As more people are openly acknowledging they are having mental health issues, I want you to know that it is OK to acknowledge if you are feeling different. Seek help! Share with someone. Please remember, there is no shame in acknowledging you are feeling different.
So, given those previous concerns, I want to share a few practices I do that helped me navigate through this time. It takes faith for healing the spirit, soul and body.
James 2:14-17 reminds us how faith in action works.
James 2:14-17 (Living Bible)
‘Dear brothers, what’s the use of saying that you have faith and are Christians if you aren’t proving it by helping others? Will that kind of faith save anyone? If you have a friend who is in need of food and clothing, and you say to him, “Well, goodbye and God bless
you; stay warm and eat hearty,” and then don’t give him clothes or food, what good does that do? So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good works is no faith at all - it is dead and useless.’
This Scripture is a constant reminder that I need to have faith in everything I do. In addition to having faith, I need to put it to action. I put my faith to work for healing. I couldn’t only say I was going to be healed, I needed to take action to see healing.
I had faith for healing. I found it very useful to become balanced in my spirit, soul and body; it is amazing how they all work together. I want to share a few thoughts on my faith-for-healing journey. I have personally incorporated the following, and use them to make sure I continue to maintain my personal wellness in all three areas.
1. Return to your community of worship. I have my community of worship. I serve as the Assistant Pastor in my local ministry, and I have deepened relationships with significant people I trust. 2. Socialise and continue to connect with people. I find myself connecting with people who I genuinely connect with, and with people who really understand me. 3. Read your word for wisdom. I read my word for inspiration. 4. Praise. Sing songs of praise. I have found great worship videos on YouTube to help navigate through times of struggle. 5. Be led by the Holy Spirit. I ask and allow the Spirit of God to lead and guide me in everything I do in my life.
1. Serenity Prayer - accept what you can’t change. 2. Avoid toxic people and toxic situations.
Minimise the toxicity in your life. 3. Relax and rest. 4. Build new knowledge. 5. Generosity - give your time, talents and abilities.
1. Exercise - walk, swim or light jog. 2. Eat well - increase your fruits and vegetables. 3. Get fresh air - breathe in fresh air and the sun. 4. Breathe - just breathe. 5. Relax and rest.
Those are just a few thoughts about how I have remained well. Once we know you are well, how do you plan to check in with others? I really suggest taking some time to check in with others. See how someone else is navigating through this season.
As the world opens up again, we will begin to see the residual impact of these times. Be ready to shine your light. The world needs what you have. I encourage you to stay in a place of FAITH & REST. Then our Father would be truly glorified.
Please reach me at tinaboylewhyte@ gmail.com. I look forward to the opportunity to help you to get from where you are to where you want and need to be. God bless!
SPIRIT: SOUL:
BODY:
