The Real Transformation Tuesday

I was in my own world driving this morning.  School has started again and so has the associated traffic, so my iTunes have become the soothing beat against a backdrop of brake lights and honking horns.  I was almost to work and the faint sound of a siren lifted me from my music haze.  I couldn’t see the emergency vehicle anywhere, which always makes me nervous there’s a cop pulling me over yet I haven’t realized it, then I will end up on Cops, spread eagle against the side of a cop car, looking all kinds of crazy on TV.  Luckily, that wasn’t the case. 

I kept looking for the vehicle so that I could move out of the way and suddenly the ambulance appeared with bright lights flashing.  The ambulance was merging onto the freeway so I slowed down and let him in front of me.  For a few moments, the sound of the siren and the rhythm of the lights took me back to a very awful memory of following the ambulance that carried my infant son.  I remember that moment all too clearly – the color of the chevron pattern stripes on the back of the ambulance, the lights and the all too painstaking sound of the siren.  If I let myself, that memory can put me in a trance, then the flood of all the emotions return – I’ve learned to not let it get to that point.  I’ve learned to disassociate one isolated trauma from the normal of everyday life. 

I pray that you’ve never experience anything like that, but the reality is everyone has an “ambulance moment” in their lives.  Be it an old flame, a place, a smell – there’s something in your life that, if you let it, can take you to the depths of emotion.  Friend, I want to tell you today that you are the one who has the power to unlock the hurt from your pain; to bring yourself out of the depths.  Just as a prisoner locked in a cell, you are the one with the key.  God slid it under the door to you and told you how to turn the lock.  You can be set free from your pain, but it is a choice – one that only you can make.  When you have moments of frustration, disappointment, anxiety – here’s what you do 1. Pray 2. Give it away 3. Breathe Deep.  Then, when you pray – really make the commitment that you are giving your hurt or anxiety to God.  Don’t be an adulterer with your worry – once you give it away, walk away – commit your worries to God and be done.  Let freedom be a banner in your life over the pits of emotion because emotion will always exist. 

People often ask us how we do it – to move forward after such pain.  Honestly it’s a choice every single day.  You’ve got to wake up expecting to have a good day, number & embrace your blessings, and find solace in the fact that everyone has troubles and yet, there’s still peace to be found.  Don’t expect to stay locked in a cell of depression or fear – pick up the key and unlock the path to freedom to find happiness again!  And when you step through the gate – take the hand of the One that will lead you through a life of refreshment and victory!

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10