HopeForYourFamily

Following is my second attempt to post this article.  God, in His great sense of humor, allowed something in cyberspace to swallow my first article.  Given the nature of today’s writing, it was a pretty good test.  I’d like to say I passed with flying colors, and kept my mind focused on blessings.  However, the reality is I was fuming when I realized my work was ruined.  Where would I be without grace?!  As I write these words again, I realize how important they are for me to practice, and practice, and practice.

I’d like to share with you the words of a favorite song and a favorite scripture.  The song has impacted me my entire life, from my early childhood worshiping with the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Little Rock until today.  The scripture has become particularly meaningful to me since I began professionally helping people with their problems.  If you will allow them, these words have the power to radically change your life - that is, if you are interested in a life full of peace, joy, and contentment:

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?  Does the cross seem heavy you were called to bear?  Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.”

As you consider the words of that great hymn of inspiration, consider the inspiring words of the greatest evangelist of all time, written from prison while awaiting trial for a death sentence: (more…)

I’m going to speak very personally here, rather than try to lump you in with me.  Busy signals drive me nuts.  Ever hear of call waiting?!  Even worse is that person living in the stone age that doesn’t have an answering machine.  The phone just rings and rings.  Aren’t they afraid they will miss a call?  Don’t even get me started on automated message systems and phone trees at businesses.  And what about those folks afraid to get email?  We’re in the 21st century.  Get connected, already!   With all of our wireless, integrated, cellular, satelite, online, hi-def, digital, interactive telecommunications technology, how could anyone be unavailable whenever I need to get in touch with them?!?…

…Well, maybe it’s because they are more concerned with taking better care of themselves than in satisfying my urge for immediate attention.  Maybe they are taking care of someone or something more important than my present demands.  Maybe they aren’t doing anything…and that’s exactly what they need to be doing at the moment.

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I was recently invited to speak to a group of pastors and church leaders about dealing with stress, which is frequently a huge issue for men and women in leadership - particularly church leadership.  The message seemed to resonate very meaningfully with those in attendance, so it seemed good for me to share the heart of that message with you here.  If you are interested in my full outline/handout from the message I shared, click here (Stress Handout).  As always, feel free to contact me via phone (225-387-2287) or email (Roger@hopeforyourfamily.com), if you would like to speak with me about your situation, or to hear more about a topic I have shared in my articles.

Webster’s Dictionary offers this definition of stress: a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.

Stress is inevitable…and yet…Stress is preventable.

There will always be stress in life - whether in work, relationships, traffic, tragedy, home repair, or a hundred other places.  Life is full of expected and unexpected challenges that create stress in our lives.  From the original sin in the Garden, God told us we will have stress and hardship in life.  In fact, Jesus told his followers, “In this world you will have trouble.”  If we want to have a healthy life, we’ve got to learn how to adequately cope with stress.  However, much of the stress we face in life is brought on by our own poor choices - choices that are not in line with God’s plans and desires for us.  Some common examples for many of us are: (more…)

As you know, the name of my website is “hopeforyourfamily.com.”  My username on a number of different online accounts and communities is “hopemonger.”  Get an email from me, and you are likely to read the closing line, “With Hope, - Roger.”  So, why all this focus on “hope?”  Because it is one of the most powerful healing forces in the universe!

According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 (commonly known as “the love chapter”), “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.”  While love is the greatest of these (the Bible even says “God is love.”), and faith is hugely important, both seem to receive plenty of attention in our culture.  We hear about love all the time, even though some of the common notions of love are pretty screwy.  Faith, although frequently discussed with closedmindedness or open animosity, remains a popular topic in the public forum.  But hope…seems we don’t hear much about hope these days. 

In fact, for all the advancing technology and great wealth of America today, many people seem to be growing more and more discouraged and hopeless.  (I will resist the temptation to launch into a discouraging list of social and health statistics at this point.)  The reason I do what I do for a living is because I DO have hope for people.  I believe individuals, couples, and families can make it through horrible problems, as long as they can envision a better life on the other side.  This is the essence of hope.  It is not just believing things will get better.  (more…)