Blog #Jesus

This Valentine’s Day, I want to reflect on taking care of myself. It’s easy to care about the needs of others and neglect my own. Sometimes, we need to take care of ourselves in order to be better equipped to handle the needs of others. Another thing I want to focus on this Valentine’s Day is Jesus’ love for me. Jesus is the perfect One to run to. His love is strong and enduring and nothing we could ever do could take that love away from us.

For some reason, those of us with OCD or anxiety seem to think that we need to be perfect all the time. We set too high of goals for ourselves. We need to lighten the load a little. We need to bring the bar down to something we can actually achieve. There’s nothing wrong with giving ourselves a little gift in this area: the gift of imperfection.

I don’t know about you, but I am so hard on myself. I expect perfection. I set the bar so high for myself and don’t accept setbacks. And, when I don’t measure up to the man-made rules I set for myself, I quickly feel distressed. It’s as if all my energy is taken away from me, and I give way to panic. How do we manage to feel joyful and happy in the midst of panic? We give our cares over to God. We loosen the burden. Some of us are holding burdens we were not meant to carry.

I have struggled with OCD probably my whole life; however, there was a time I experienced it unlike any other time. Here, I share some helpful strategies that I wish I had known then. I'm thankful God has delivered (and continues to deliver) me from this. I hope it brings you encouragement, and most of all, I hope you find these strategies as something you can utilize in your own life if you experience OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

Are you suffering from fear? I have good news for you - it can be said that 91% of our fears don't even come true. Don't waste any more of your time in fear. We can call out to Jesus - He is always there for you. It's time to face your fears.

Grace. Undeserved, unmerited, unearned favor. How different our world would look like if people let grace tug at their hearts and bring us closer to Jesus. I know it has gotten me through this OCD.

There are a lot of therapies out there. Here is one you may have never heard of: Responsibility Transfer Therapy. Carrying a weight to heavy to carry? Lay it at the feet of Jesus!

Need some help? Need some guidance with OCD? Here's a start... :)

OCD is all about extremes. Jesus is the narrow road. May we not get caught off guard by the devil's schemes. May we remain consistent and faithful.

Breakups are hard...you may feel unloved, unworthy, etc. But Jesus loves you with an everlasting love. Remember, He is your Bridegroom. <3

Jesus understands, if anyone, the struggles we face with OCD. Don't get so hard on yourself. Sit in His grace.