Just when we thought things were going back to normal, here we go again. The last couple of weeks have been like a wild storm with new mask mandates, talk of lockdowns, and an overall encroaching darkness with the media ratcheting up the fear, anxiety, and division. The mood of the country is clearly plummeting.
But many are beginning to realize that a lot is not adding up. The “science” keeps changing, the goal posts keep moving, and the rules imposed on the people don’t apply to those imposing them. It literally feels like a world gone mad. This video,
Psychosis, gives an interesting and insightful perspective and is worth the time to watch.
So how can you maintain hope amidst this insanity? Here are a few suggestions:
Choose who to believe
First, choose who it is you’ll believe. It should be obvious to most at this point that much of the information being put forth simply isn’t true. Take the time to analyze who is saying what now and how it compares to what they’ve said over the past 18 months. Are they consistent? What proof or documentation are they offering to bolster what they are claiming or trying to impose? Remember science demands proof—peer reviewed, double blind, and replicable studies—not conjecture or opinions. What financial interest do they have in what they are promoting? “Follow the money” rarely fails as a strategy for discernment.
Choose what to believe
Evaluate all the information—listen to all sides. The mainstream media has one (usually monolithic) narrative. Alternative media has others. Look at facts. Read their words. Demand documentation.
Most importantly, apply logic. Think. Is what you’re hearing appealing to reason or emotions? Does it make sense on a logical level? When you find your emotions start to feel overwhelming, step back, take a few deep breaths, and pray. Ask the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to calm and guide you.
Fix your focus
Let’s face it, the evil one wants us living in fear. Fear can make us do things we never would consider when we are in our right minds. When Peter and the apostles saw Jesus walking toward them on the water in the midst of a storm at sea, they were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. But Peter asked Jesus, if it were really Him to command him to walk to him on the water. When he stepped out of the boat, confident in Jesus he walked…until he looked at the waves. Taking his eyes off Jesus and focusing on the storm he began to sink. Of course, when he cried out to Jesus to save him, Jesus did.
Where are you focused these days? On the new waves of “cases” being reported in the news? Are you focused on the totalitarian dictates and threats coming from many political leaders? Sure, you need to be aware of what’s going on, but as soon as you allow yourself to focus on the waves, the “cases”, the threats against your freedom, you’ll begin to sink into depression and despair.
This is primarily a spiritual battle being played out in real time, with a real virus, with an experimental shot with real side effects, with real offenses against our constitutional rights…but it is still ultimately a spiritual battle. And a spiritual battle calls for spiritual weapons first and foremost.
Wherever you stand on the virus, on masks, on the jab, you need to put on the armor of God and take up spiritual arms.
Fatima
Mary predicted all of what we are seeing today at Fatima. If Russia were not properly consecrated to her Immaculate Heart and converted, she would spread her errors…but in the end Her Immaculate Heart would triumph, Russia would be converted and a period of peace would be granted to the world.
Let me repeat that…in the end Her Immaculate Heart would triumph! What we’re seeing playing out right now is the battle between good and evil. Evil is becoming obvious, isn’t it? That should give us hope. The devil prefers to work in the shadows. He generally only becomes this boldly apparent when he is losing. His time is short. He will lose.
Mary laid out the battle plan here—abandon sin, offer up your sufferings, wear the brown scapular and PRAY THE ROSARY—every day.
For our struggle is not against enemies of flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Refuse the bait of division
The devil has stoked stunning divisions in the world between races, sexes, political affiliation, and most sadly in families, over things like mask mandates, vaccines and a host of other moral and political issues. But your family and friends are not your enemy. Satan is.
That bears repeating: your family and friends are not your enemy. Satan is. Always was. Always will be.
Do not take the bait of division. Stand your ground in what you believe. Do NOT let anyone bully you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. But do so with love. Agree to disagree and stay focused on the love that unites you. If your family pulls back from you, let them go. That’s not something you can control. But loving them, praying for them, believing in their good intentions, no matter how vehemently you may disagree, are things you can control.
This is bigger than any one of us. But we all have a vital role to play in the drama unfolding before us. Be a warrior in prayer. Stand strong in faith.
Do. Not. Look. At. The. Waves. Look at Jesus.
Decide how you will live
Everyone has to do what they feel is right for them. If you are immune compromised or elderly you may need to take extra precautions. America’s Frontline doctors is a good resource for information and therapeutics to prevent or treat Covid that you may or may not be aware of.
But ultimately, how you live—in fear or in freedom—is up to you. Decide what your limits are. Gather with others who feel the way you do. Pray together and trust in God. He remains on His throne. The Alpha and the Omega, who promised He will be with us until the end of time.
Finally remember this:
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
If you are in Christ, you are on the winning team. So, smile. Stand up and show the world who is really in charge and whose Mercy endures forever.
Allison is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in practice since 1990. Allison has specialized in treating emotional disorders in individuals, couples, and families with an emphasis on relationship dynamics.
Allison is also the Founder and President of
www.CatholicTherapists.com, and
CatholicLifeCoaches.com, which provide nationwide networks of screened and dedicated Catholic therapists and Catholic life coaches.
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