Perfectionism is often characterized by setting excessively high standards for oneself and being overly critical of one's performance. This mindset often leads to chronic dissatisfaction, as the perfectionist's expectations are unrealistic and unattainable. The relentless pursuit of flawlessness can result in anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth. In order to heal and grow, it is helpful to understand the roots and cultivation of this way of thinking. 

“When a person doesn't understand codependency and the influence it is having over them, they will a be hurt and confused as to why all of the effort they put into relationships still yields pain. Whether you recognize these struggles as part of your life, love someone who is suffering in codependency, or are already working toward recovery, it’s important to know this: healing from codependency is possible, but it often involves facing more pain. The good news is that this is a different kind of pain. It’s healing pain, not the overwhelming, debilitating pain of your trauma.”

“When a person doesn't understand codependency and the influence it is having over them, they will a be hurt and confused as to why all of the effort they put into relationships still yields pain. Whether you recognize these struggles as part of your life, love someone who is suffering in codependency, or are already working toward recovery, it’s important to know this: healing from codependency is possible, but it often involves facing more pain. The good news is that this is a different kind of pain. It’s healing pain, not the overwhelming, debilitating pain of your trauma.”

“The investment you make in your mental and emotional health will bear eternal fruit in the Kingdom of God, affecting not only yourself and those in your immediate circle, but also generations to come. So take an honest look at yourself and your spiritual/emotional health. Allow Christ to touch those areas that need growth and healing. It may be hard work, but it is so worth it. “

Do you ever get so overwhelmed by His Love that it hurts? The realization that we are not worthy of what He so generously gives (Matthew 10:8). His Love is so whole, complete, so unwavering that He will leave the 99 for that one lost sheep. I want to believe that we all at some point in our lives, we have been that one lost sheep that wandered off a little too far from Him, and Jesus as our Good Shepherd (John 10:14) leaves the 99 to go and find us, brings us back (Matthew 18:12), He puts us on His shoulders and with tender love He would tell us how much He missed us, how happy He is to have found us. Ohh, only He can love us like that!

Suffering is an unavoidable fact of life. We can’t turn on the news without hearing about some sort of tragedy, and we all have either experienced or know someone who has experienced a major loss, an illness, abuse, or broken relationships. Unfortunately, many of us don’t know what to do when someone comes to us with those painful realities, which can then lead to more hurt and even more broken relationships. In order to love others well, we need to have a biblical understanding of suffering and how to approach it.

Have you ever had a time in your life that was really hard and painful? If you live on this earth, then your answer is probably YES. No matter one’s personality, ethnicity, culture, family dynamics, religion, or socioeconomic status, we ALL have experienced some level of pain and suffering. There are three primary reasons why we suffer: (1) other people’s sin against us, (2) our own sin, and (3) the simple fact that we live in a fallen world. Man’s original sin in Genesis 3 has far-reaching tentacles that touch so many aspects of our lives, including our physical and mental health. Nobody is immune. Part one of this blog will focus on our own suffering. Part two will focus on how to love others in their suffering.