Faith factor: Bits of inspiration
Here you will find tidbits from my journals and thoughts through the years.
Growth from a Christian Perspective
June 2, 2025
Growing through hard times is like building your muscles - it's a painful process. First there is a tearing down- and then healing. When my husband and I started weight training, we researched everything we could about how to safely get the most benefit from our workout. We looked at proper form, nutrition, macro balance, and went to experts for guidance. For proper growth, there must be: preparation ( stretching), nourishment ( protein and carbs), and the load that causes growth (added weight or resistance for a period of time). In the same way, in order to grow spiritually when adversity comes (the load), we need to prepare and nourish ourselves. We can do this by remaining in close contact with God in prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking out those who have Godly wisdom. We also need to be sensitive to our Helper and advocate, the Holy Spirit, through trials in life. This directs (and redirects) our thoughts and responses. We are armed with wisdom and Godly direction as we seek God and find strength and comfort in Him. While we may initially feel the weight of a difficult situation, we can grow in the trial. This creates a change from the inside out- meaning that what starts in the heart, displays itself in our thoughts, words, and actions to the outside world as we grow spiritually through adversity.
[James 1:2-3, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."]
(Written Aug 26, 2021, D.Findley)
Restoration and renewal
Burnout
June 16, 2025
The term "burnout" was first used in the 1970's by Herbert Freudenberger in describing the physical and mental exhaustion that can happen, especially in high stress "helping" professions. (Van Way, 2013) I was thinking about it literally recently because I was feeling "burned out" myself. I had a candle in a beautiful jar that was almost to it's end and decided to light it and let it "burn itself out". I let it burn and watched until there was nothing left. On the outside, the glass jar was very pretty to look at but there was nothing left inside. There was nothing capable of making a fire, emitting light, or releasing a sweet aroma. The only thing left to do was to throw it away, right? There is another choice- someone can refill it with some new wax, fragrance, and a wick. It can be restored. When we are empty or broken, scripture says we can be restored. The Bible repeatedly speaks of restoration and we can be restored spiritually, mentally, emotionally, personally, and sometimes physically. 2 Cor 5:17 says, "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold the new has come." In Isaiah 40:31, it says, "They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength...". 1 Peter 5:10, and many others provide comfort, hope, and promise of renewal. I have had times when I have felt depleted, empty, and like there is nothing left - I can choose to remain an empty shell or I can choose to be refilled, renewed, and restored by God and able to, once again, burn bright, emit light ("...let your light shine before others..."), and give off a sweet aroma (2 Cor 2:15).
(Written July 17, 2021, D. Findley)
Van Way C., 3rd (2013). Burnout. Missouri medicine, 110(6), 464–466.