Attitudes/Answers with Olen Baker

Violence changes a family from a place of security and safety to one of fear and anxiety.  Violence is all around us.  The good news is that God replaces a violence through faith.  Rather than look to ramp up a bad situation, go instead to God for direction and healing.  

Violence demonstrates a deeper level of powerlessness.  The Bible says it is better to be patient than powerful.  We are not immune to acts of violence.  That's why it's important to first, stop in your tracks and spend a moment with God.  It works every time.

Bullying, especially in school has become a top news item.  Emotional abuse unfortunately happens all around us.  And when we're the target, it's sometimes feels like it's impossible to get help.  The good news is that God is there with you.  Just reach out and ask Him to help.  He will.

God cannot be embarrassed or made to feel ashamed by what has happened to you.  He is able to bring to a place of safety, resolution, and healing.  For you, and anyone who has suffered sexual abuse.  Time to have a conversation?

Homes are supposed to be a secure place to live and grow.  Too many times, homes are the source of the darker side of life.  The good news is that God lives within you.  In a home that us under attack, God is there.  Just reach out to Him.  

Tension and stress affect everyone, no matter economics, social status, or profession.  HOW we handle tension is an important part of surviving those days when nothing is going right.  The good news, God is there with you.  Start the conversation and move away from the stress.

Trauma can create a feeling of detachment, which is a sympton of continuing stress.  God understands us and He also knows how to bring us back, closer to Him, and closer to healing.  He is the way.

Trauma is a delayed response to a significant life event.  We are all at some time in our lives, exposed to trauma.  Trust God to keep His promises for you when life's sorrows and grief surfaces.  

Conflict is what it is.  How conflict is managed is the solution.  Avoiding conflict is not the way.  God has a solution for you.

Anxiety creates a fight or flight reaction.  God has the power to help you clear your conscience.  Without his help, you are only amping up those issues.  Take a moment to have a conversation with God and begin to move away from conflict in peace.

Your very worst day is one that God believes can be turned around.  When you activate faith in your life, worst days will still come.  But with faith, you now have the power to overcome them.  Amazing, isn't it?

It's tough, but necessary to see problems not from your eyes, but from God's perspective.  That's the first step to take when addressing issues in your life.  Can you do that?

The answer is, you can't.  Life is full of stress.  But you CAN manage stress.  Turn to God.  That's always the first and best step.  Like the song says "Don't Worry, Be Happy".  God has you covered.

Stress is a produce of a hurried lifestyle.  You could say that's me, and for most folks, it is.  Here is what you can do.  Ask God if what I am doing today is honorable to God.  

The answer, is yes.  You don't have to be perfect to be acceptable, but you do have to be responsible  for your choices.  Shake off the stress with solutions and start that conversation with God.

Strife is defined as conflict or discord and left alone will be a sure path to stress.  Finding a solutiion is your best defense.  Find out WHY it's happening and turn to God for a new path.

We all experience stress at different levels.  It's a part of life.  But letting stress change our behaviors constantly leads to...more stress.  Remember, God know's what's ahead.  Let him handle it.

Status seeking is often loaded with stress.  God warns us of thinking we are above another person.  Remember, we are all precious in his sight.

We all want to be successful.  Success is defined by how you measure up to others.  Is that really how God want's us to live our lives?

Through comparisions, you diminish who you are, by overlooking the gifts and talents God has given you.   No need to compare.  Look in the mirros and discover who you are.  

It's tough but we all need to face the truth and the consequences in life.  Ignoring the truth about ourselves can damage what's ahead.  

Have you ever had to cover the way you really feel about something.  Be careful about throwing stones because they can inflict pain that never heals.  Turn to God and he will lead you in the right direction.

Generosity is a God inspired behavior.  But sometimes generosity can be taken out of context so that it has the reverse effect.  Has that ever happened to you>

Self-deception is a slipery slope and can and will cross the line of what God intends for us to be and do.  If you are stuck in self-deception, decide right now to seek God's wisdom and make a turn towards the truth.

Though sin may have gained a foothold in your life, through deception, God's grace is stronger.  Today, it's time to turn away from deception and turn towards God.  Tomorrow will me a much better day.