Have you ever heard of the TV program which starts out as a way to help one on other through thoughts of depression, bullying, poor self esteem,etc? Have you heard of it? Yes I have too. There are scads of them on the air waves these days. So many you can not keep track of them.
The one I bring attention to today in our question of the week does not end like the rest. This one in the end gives teens the message that suicide is the viable answer. The person that does the documentary actually commits suicide and is free in the end. Or so the story goes. But it is not a story. It is real life and our kids, your kids are being gripped to follow suit.
I had not heard about this program prior to Wednesday night church service. The youth pastor brought it to our attention recognizing the spirit from which it stems. He spoke about it to build awareness and I am compelled to give attention here. Ask your kids if they have ever heard of it. Warn them NOT to give it ear. Hear no evil, see no evil, do no evil. But first you must take TIME to TALK about it.
Question of the week: have you heard of a program that starts out wonderfully helpful, relatable even and progresses into glamorizing suicide?

What is the last thing you think of when you turn out the lights at night? Some of the deepest conversations come from the most common questions. Secrets of the heart are discovered through questions. Ask ask ask away! 🌸

Stand up straight. No matter how tall or vertically challenged you are, stand up straight. Our pasture speaks volumes to the world.
In order to get the best posture remember to roll your shoulders back, drop them and slightly lift your head. To engage your spine, tighten your gluteal muscles. For those who don't know, your gluteal muscles make up your BE-hind! (Hee! Hee) Next engage your abdominal muscles. (Engage by tightening them) Then roll back your shoulders, drop them and lift your head!
I was reminded recently of the GASH acronym. Gluts-Abs-Shoulders-Head Gluts- Abs-Shoulders-Head
Standing up straight communicates to the world that you are ready, confident and going places. Is your body speaking truth about you? Is it speaking what you desire?
Come on everybody! Glutes-Abs-Shoulders-Head! Glutes-Abs-Shoulders-Head! Glutes-Abs-Shoulders-Head! Louder...more confidant...you can do it!
And remember to help those around you. Try something like this: "Your height is amazing! Did you know we look more confidant and attractive when we embrace our height?...Ya it's true, when we roll our shoulders back and lift our head ever so slightly we convey confidence and look more attractive. Try it with me!" (If you know them well enough and have enough time do the whole GASH deal.)
Nice job! Glutes-Abs-Shoulders-Head!

Passive, assertive, and aggressive are the three primary communication styles. Only One style of communication is good. It is the One that is in the middle- assertive. Which type of communicator are you? Before you answer that ask a few family members what they think your primary style of communication is.

Let this be your next topic of communication with your cup of time partner.

Here are the definitions of each:
Passive- ineffective, rarely getting out what you really mean
Assertive - effective and respectful Aggressive- harsh, not respectful of others, bull headed.

Knowing these definitions...now how do you categorize yourself?

Passive- Assertive - Aggressive. The best style is in the middle. Let's all work to be more assertive in our communications, not just with God and our family members, but with everyone we encounter in our lives. Amen!?!