Even If
When we walk out the “even if” scenario rather than focusing on the “what if” possibilities, we are actively pursuing a faith-filled life, opposing a fear-driven life.
There’s a common approach we anxious-like people walk through life as: living in the “what ifs”.
-What if they don’t like me?
-What if I fail?
-What if I miscarry this baby?
-What if my baby dies of SIDS?
-What if I suck at this parenting thing and my child hates me forever?
-What if my spouse has an affair and walks away completely from this marriage?
-What if I die young?...
It sounds exhausting, right? It is.
If you haven’t experienced anxiety to this level before, I can almost be sure 2020 introduced this overwhelming side of life to you. At one point or another, we all have been in the face of the “What Ifs” with the pandemic.
-What if a family member/loved one dies?
-What if I lose my job?
-What if this “new normal” never truly goes away, and we are stuck living life now as we know it?
-What if my children get caught up in a world that is beyond devastation and repair?
-What if…
Ya’ll, it’s no surprise that anxiety and depression have sky-rocketed since March of 2020.
If I talked up your anxiety, let me help ease you down with some hope. I promise, there is hope.
In the midst of our brokenness, when we are so paralyzed with fear, Jesus walks it out with us. He made the way for us to come to Him through the Cross. How? Prayer, seeking Him out in devotion through Scripture, and living in the “Even If” mindset, counteracting the “What If”.
It isn’t plausible to just do away with stressful situations completely, but we can get to a point where we can say, “Lord, even if this situation is not ideal, I trust Your hand is at work in it. I trust Your guidance and walk in Your grace. I trust there is an end to this devastating season, and joy will come in the morning.”
So, even if they don’t like me, I can find my people that welcome me to the table, because He has given me something to offer.
Even if I fail, there is still something to be learned here, and I will graciously pick myself back up.
Even if I miscarry… lose a child…lose a parent… my marriage…
Even if… Lord, You are still good, and I know You walk with me, always. I am never truly alone, or forgotten.
Friend, there was a point in my life where I feared uttering the “Even If” scenarios and putting my feet to the fire of my faith in Jesus. However, as I started to actively pursue Him in my healing journey of my mental health, the weight from that fear started to lift.
It’s not an easy road to walk, but it really is one of freedom of faith in Him.
If you’re like me, maybe you’re tired of living in fear and anxiety. Start today by being more present and accepting of the now, no matter what situation arises. By doing so, you are practicing something called mindfulness.
Mindfulness is being aware of yourself and your surroundings. It focuses on the sensory observations (what you hear, smell, feel, see, taste) instead of the why and how.
Becoming aware of yourself in the present time can help you overcome and cope with the unhealthy thoughts that produce anxiety, such as imagining worst-case scenarios for future situations. Mindfulness reduces stress and helps you focus, giving the task at hand your full attention.
-I made a free printout for you considering the Mindfulness Wheel in this practice.
"Transform your mind for the sake of His peace in your life."
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2
Friend, I pray you actively pursue Him and His presence to help you graciously step out of the what ifs, and walk in the even ifs of your life. We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised an eternity in His presence when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
He wipes away every tear. He comforts the broken-hearted. He eases our anxieties.
I know, because I am actively navigating my own anxiety with you.
Build your faith in Him to be unshakeable, conqueror.
Your ally in the fight,