How Do I Process This?

Feeling confused, frustrated, mad, anxious, sad, afraid? Regardless of how much or how little
you know about what is happening around us, you are certainly aware of what is happening in
your own life. It’s crazy town! Navigating all of the emotions you may be experiencing can make
you feel tossed back and forth like a boat without a motor – or even oars.
I have found myself so saddened at the division that is happening in our nation. That sadness
has turned into anger at those who I perceive to have created the horrible circumstances in our
country.

How am I supposed to process and behave during uncertain times? What do I do about all of
the unsure, unknown, and unwanted things around me?

To start, I need to not to let my emotions call all the shots.

It’s important to know that we are made up of 3 parts. They are all very different; all very
important:
1. Our body
2. Our soul (mind, will, emotions)
3. Our spirit

Our body will process physical danger: fight or flight. If we’re not being physically attacked, we
can move on to the role of our soul. The soul is where we take information into our mind and
begin processing. Sometimes this process is intellectual; but often, it is emotional. Lastly, we
access our will to determine what we will do next.

But wait, what about our spirit? If we are Christ followers, we have God’s Holy Spirit living
alongside ours. We have direct access to the smartest, calmest, bravest, most compassionate
person ever! God is all knowing, all powerful, and everywhere. Perhaps we should begin there –
within our spirit.

When life seems out of control, we can respond better by asking God’s Holy Spirit to replace
our emotions with faith. Reliance on the higher power and authority of God is where we need
to be. It is actually where God wants us – completely and utterly dependent on Him.
He also promises us wisdom. In James 1:5-8, we are promised, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he
should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault”.

In recent days, as I navigate and process, I have asked God for wisdom. He has reminded me to
be still, breathe deeply and remember what I know to be true. He has reminded me how much
He loves the people on this earth, even the ones who are behaving badly. He reminded me that
I am not their judge. He reminded me that I need to realize the real enemy here is Satan. The

king of lies and hater of mankind is at work stirring up havoc, confusion, division and hatred
amongst us all.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. It hurts to even write these words because I see and feel so little
peace right now. I can do nothing better than to model the example of my Savior and invite His
peace into my body, soul and spirit. Then, I can spread that peace, by my thoughts, words and
actions, to others who are as undeserving as I am.

So, how do I process this current turmoil? With a great deal of prayer, perspective and peace –
never forgetting who I am and to Whom I am utterly dependent.

I encourage you to join a community of Christ followers to pray and process together and to
encourage and comfort one another. If you need help finding such a community, email me.

Sylvia Gaston
Connection and Development Pastor