Injured and Inspired

Fun fact: I’ve learned to write … with only nine functional fingers!

You see, this morning, I accidently sliced open my finger (sorry for all you squeamish folks) and I was sure that my day was gonna be ruined. I mean, I didn’t need stitches and wasn’t in a lot of pain…

But I was shocked and overwhelmed and could tell that I was going into fight or fight mode. I didn’t want to though.

In my college Psych class, I learned that there are both legitimate and perceived threats to our survival (linking my textbook, for all those who are intrigued). A fire would be a legitimate one, whereas thinking what if my house catches on fire is only perceived.

And yet, our brains have learned to view both of these as legit (why do they do this? No clue. Let’s blame the Fall and our subsequent fallen, sinful, not-trusting-God state). This is why we tend to overreact and panic about things that aren’t even happening, and why renewing our minds with God’s Truth and rational thought are so crucial (Rom 12:2).

Although, today’s events have made me realize that even legitimate threats… are not all equal.

Technically speaking, my injury made my brain sound the alarm bells and send out distress signals. But it wasn’t life threatening; it was a cut, not a car crash or fire. And it’s got me thinking: if we can use our logical, rational thoughts to fight against perceived threats—all the what ifs that trapse through our minds— then can’t we learn how to do the same with real ones?

If you’ve had any first aid or emergency training, you can probably recall that one of the key priorities is to stay calm.

Honestly, I think that’s why I was able to dissuade my oncoming anxiety attack today. Because in the midst of cleaning and dressing my wound—when I was close to tears and could feel my breath quickening—the Holy Spirit popped this insight into my head:

This isn’t life or death. I’m not in danger, so I don’t have to react like I am.

Low and behold, this clarity propelled me to initiate the same coping strategies I use to ward off those pesky what ifs: deep breaths, untensing my muscles, praying and praising, and getting back to my regular (writing) routine.

And guys, I can’t believe it, but I’ve had a great day today. Not because I didn’t have any fear thoughts, but because He reminded me that I don’t have to listen to them (or let an injured hand stop me from writing!).  

We may not get to choose which thoughts randomly pop into our heads… but we do have a say in which ones we focus on and entertain.

So next time you have an injury or illness or some legit-but-not-life-threatening-even-though-your-brain-thinks-it-is ailment, remember that you don’t have to bow to your thoughts. You bow to the King.

The Wonder Working, Miracle Maker of a King.