Tommie

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. (John 15:12-14 ESV). I glanced at a reprint of an article on the “front page” of MSN that was titled “Stressed Out? Blame It on Your Attitude.” In it, Dr. Allison Conner, a clinical psychologist who practices in New York City, said, “The way that people cope makes a difference. It’s natural to feel some amount of stress when faced with a stressor. It’s not like we become automatons. But there are ways of handling the situation.” The article went on to say that the signs that stress have gone too far include emotional distress, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating or changes in eating patterns. Some people experience panic symptoms like difficulty breathing, heart pounding, numbness or tingling in extremities. Prolonged stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, anger and hostility, high blood pressure or cardiac irregularities. They suggested that people could train themselves to lessen the effects of stress and to downplay stressors through simple thought training. That article brought to mind a story I read about a young boy. His name was Tommie. He had cerebral palsy. Even though he was mentally and physically "handicapped," he had a joy of life and a grasp of what was important that often put me to shame. Tommie was a very "transparent" person. His emotions were easily read from his countenance. One day his family received word that a family friend, someone Tommie loved, was in the hospital. Immediately, Tommie face wrinkled and his mood changed. He was worried about his friend. Tommie’s father, a very wise man, noticed the change. He asked his son if he was worried. At first he tried to shake his head no, but then indicated in his own wordless way that yes, he was worried. “Tommie, are you supposed to worry?" He answered with an emphatic, "No!" “Tommie, who's supposed to worry?" Tommie said, "My Daaia." (My Dad) With that answer, Tommie’s father put his head down and slowly said, "Worry, worry, worry." When he lifted his head, Tommie's face had completely cleared. His dad had worried for him, and he never had to think of it again. There is in fact, one who has taken upon him the worries and cares of this world for our sakes. He is a friend who never leaves us. He loves us so much that he gave his life for us. He is only a prayer away. For all of the psychological techniques developed through the years, one that has remained constant is the benefit of prayer when facing stress. When we direct our prayers to the one true God, the added benefit is that he listens and answers us with his presence and protection! Like Tommie we only need call out to “our Dad.” Whatever you face today, turn to Him now!