I admittedly am a doer and to some degree a fixer. It’s my nature, in my blood. I come from a lineage of women who were the same.
Living less than 20 miles from the seat of our nation’s government and seeing it become the seat of racism and not having the ability to do anything to stop it pains me greatly. I know, I know, I am not Superwoman. However, feeling helpless and some days losing hope leaves me (as millennials would say) “feeling some type of way.”
One thing that I have realized about Teraleen during this past few months is that I am not doing well when it comes to getting rest. I get a decent amount of sleep, still not adequate according to medical guidelines, but I do sleep. However, I have realized the need to rest my mind better in order to get wholistic and more complete rest.
The pandemic and current state of our nation has surely left my spirit restless on many nights and mornings. I know that I’m not alone in this, hence me being so transparent in this blog. Recently I had a conversation with the Lord about much of what has been in my heart. God said that the fact that I identified this was not a coincidence. He reveals to heal. He is growing me in this area. He wants me to rest. I pass that on to you as well. God wants you to rest – wholistic, mind, body, spirit rest.
Recently, I had just finished praying for a friend. After hanging up, the Lord said the turmoil I am dealing with is also a tactic used by Satan to wear me out and render me ineffective. He further said that REST is to be my weapon in this season. There are times when our bodies lay down, but our mind and soul remain tired. I grabbed hold of that admonishment. It shook me, but I know that I’m not alone.
I encourage you to take steps to rest your mind. Move or sit in silence for a while. Try mindful relaxation. There are great apps called Calm and Headspace.
Recent weeks have been mentally and emotionally exhausting. The exhaustion reached a high level for me last weekend. Therefore, I am starting to listen. I am taking steps to get more holistic rest. Since I am not alone, I chose to share what the spirit has spoken to me. May it prompt you to join me in increasing your level of Rest.
REST
Recognize – that you are not in the best holistic health space. Your body may be well, but you heart and soul may be pained.
Evaluate – how did I get here? How do I get out of this rut?
Stop – put yourself on cease & desist, say NO to things that do not serve you well in this season, step away for a period of time
Take back – take steps to reclaim holistic health and wellness. Pray, meditate, read a book, journal, take a walk, go for a drive, turn off the TV, listen to upbeat music, do one of your favorite things. As Auntie Maxine says, “reclaim your time.”
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
