Putting Out the Fire

Fire Out of Control

No one would ever want their world to go up in dense, choking smoke with flames out of control. Yet, it happens to homeowners more often than we can imagine. Currently, in the drought-stricken Southwest, there are massive fires in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and in New Mexico where 1.6 million acres of the Santa Fe National Forest has been damaged and the national park is still closed since June 1st. Fires leave devastation in their paths. 

It only takes one small spark to set off a fire that can destroy lives. Tragically, it may start as a man-made fire (accidental or on purpose) through carelessness. Other times it is the result of a lightning storm that spreads destruction for miles and miles. And ironically, there are occasions where the fire begins inside us through the use of our tongues. It's true. With all we have experienced as single-again women to get to this particular point in our lives, we may often lose control of the hurtful words that come out of our mouths before we can stop them.

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it."
(Charles R. Swindoll)

Many women harbor anger inside especially now. Actually, it's quite normal and part of the several stages of getting over a divorce including denial, depression, repairing damage, and acceptance. Anger does not feel o.k., but, it is o.k. What? Remember, highly charged emotions like anger are part of us, but that doesn't mean we need to allow our days to completely destroy us. Who would that serve? It gets us nowhere fast. Of course, ignoring the anger and trying to "push" it down inside of us also doesn't work as it leads to more anger followed swiftly by depression. 

The key to moving past this firestorm is changing our "fire-fighting" response. Not all "fires" are the same. When one method isn't working, then we try something better. 
   
Basic Tools to Put Out the Fire
Community. Stay in touch with others. Isolation multiplies problems.
Goals. Concentrate on what you want to see happening in your life.
Change. Embrace something new: home, job, holiday celebrations, or hair-do.
Health. Now is the time to take control and beat that ____ (fill in).
Connection. Find a church home and discover who you are.

Genuine Love

Love Straight from God

Never believe you are not valuable to God! He cares deeply for you as a woman. And He cares what happens to you, even now. Nothing can divert His attention from you. In fact, the Bible says that nothing in heaven or on earth can separate His love from you. Ever!     

God truly understands what we have gone through. Whether it was ten days ago, or ten years ago, He is right beside us holding our right hand in His! It's simply amazing how much He loves each one of us. Has anyone else ever literally died on a cross to save you from yourself? Jesus stretched out His arms and did just that!

"It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell" (James 3:5-6 The Message).