Day 7 - The Music You're Listening to is Not Helping You

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 7 - The Music You're Listening to is Not Helping You

Dear teenage self, 

The music you're listening to is not helping you. It's making you sicker. I know it sounds ridiculous, but please consider that what you put into your body and mind affects your overall health? Just like eating too many fried and sugary foods can make your stomach feel ill, listening to angry music full of bitter lyrics will make your mind feel ill. It will steal your joy and affect your thought process negatively.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  

+Romans 12:2 (ESV) 

Try turning on the Christian radio, or listening to some happier music that focuses on the good things in life, such as love, friendship, overcoming obstacles, and the goodness of God. If you commit to doing this for even a week, I am certain you will agree that there is a vast difference in your attitude and your thought process. 

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, sometimes it's hard to turn off the music that all of my friends are listening to. I want to be like the other people around me and fit in. I want to understand what they're all talking about and join in the conversations, but I don't want to continue to feel this way. To feel better, I know I have to make some changes, especially in the music I listen to. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit and make me sensitive to the convictions about music, TV, and movies that are harming me spiritually. I want to be well.  Thank You for bringing this to my attention. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

I just want to remind you - You do get better. You do get to fulfill your dream of going to NYC, and you do eventually listen to better music that makes you feel better. 

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.

 

 

 

Day 6 - You Feel Hopeless

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 6 - You Feel Hopeless

Dear teenage self, 

You feel hopeless, and I understand that. Right now your perspective is pretty limited, especially since you keep looking down whenever you're talking to someone. When the Pastor is preaching, you're thinking about the drama at school, how to organize your music collection, and what you're going to eat for lunch. You're not focused on anything permanent.

Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do.

+Philippians 4:8-9 (NCV)

To feel better, you have to choose better for yourself. You have to train and discipline your mind to focus on things from above. What is God doing? What has God already done? What do you hope He will do for you? What has He already promised you? Look outside yourself, outside your little world, and into something deeper and more profound than the latest high school gossip. 

You are going to be more than okay. You will be a Mama someday and share all this wisdom with the four amazing kids you birthed from your body. That cute guy from Spanish clas? You marry him. He's their dad. So dare to dream. Dare to hope. Because life does get better. I'm living it now. 

Some of my favorite moments are just being silly with my kids and making funny faces, sounds or making up goofy song lyrics. Laughter is so good for the soul. I spent years training myself not to laugh because I hated the way it sounded. Now I'm learning to laugh again - and do it often. 

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, sometimes I still feel hopeless because I forget to look to You for everything I need. Sometimes I forget that everything under the sun belongs to You. I'm sorry for doing that. I need Your Light in my life. Thank You for sending people into my life who love You and encourage me to dig deeper into Your Word and draw nearer to You. You are always good. You can always be trusted. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.