Don't Lose You: Therapy Thursday Lecture

Introduction

• Welcome Message: Emphasis on community and support.
• Purpose: Addressing loneliness in the growth and healing process. Encouraging a supportive environment with positive affirmations.
• Key Theme: Making a prophetic journey toward self-discovery and becoming who God created us to be.

Thoughts as Apparel

• Concept Introduction: Thoughts are like clothes we wear, influencing our feelings and behaviors.
• Examples: The design of everyday items (clothes, vehicles) starts as a thought.
• Implications: What we think can uplift or discourage us, whether our own thoughts or those imposed by others.
• Biblical Reference: Proverbs 23:7 – "As a man thinketh, so is he."

The Importance of Healing

• Concept: Healing is crucial to fulfilling biblical mandates and living a fruitful life.
• Initiative: Therapy Thursday as a means to address inner healing.
• Challenges: Brokenness and unaddressed trauma limit obedience and purpose.

Potter Reflections

• Definition: Reflecting on what God (the Potter) says about us vs. what we or others think.
• Practical Steps: Memorizing and internalizing Bible verses to counteract lies and negative labels.
• Affirmations: "I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, blessed going in and out."

The Danger of Unfulfilled Expectations

• Explanation: Much hurt stems from unmet expectations from others or life events, not just from what happened but what didn’t happen.
• Personal Reflections: Expectations from people or life landmarks (e.g., by age 35).
• Impact: Unmet expectations can lead to personal meltdowns and misplaced hurt.

The Three Yous Inside You

• Explanation: The 'You' you are called to be, the 'You' you used to be, and the 'You' you currently are.
• Objective: Aligning the 'You' you are called to be with the 'You' you currently are.
• Problems: Internal conflicts created by fluctuating between old and current selves.

Depression and Identity

• Definition: Depression as the real 'You' being pressed down by various negative influences.
• Examples: Pressures from parents, culture, personal trauma, and negative thoughts.
• Solution: Recognize and address these pressures to uncover the true self.

Biblical References

• Psalm 139:1: "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
• Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."
• Exodus 33:17: "I know you by name."

The Importance of Acceptance

• Question Addressed: How can a loving God send someone to hell?
• Illustration: Unwanted advances compared to God's respect for free will. Hell is separation from God because of rejection.

The Importance of Authenticity

• Danger of Losing the True 'You': Becoming a version not created by God due to external influences.
• Impact: Wearing insecurities and doubts shaped by others, not God's original design.
• Biblical Insight: Only the authentic self can fulfill God’s purpose and receive His blessings.

Healing from Hurt

• Consequences of Unhealed Hurt: Losing self-identity, sabotaging future relationships, using others to forget past pains.
• Indicators: Being hurt by those you helped, treated like an option, loss of identity tied to people or titles.
• Personal Insight: Recognizing and healing from these patterns to serve true purpose.

Practical Steps to Healing

1. Come Out of Low Debar: Identify and leave behind aspects of life contributing to nothingness.
2. Forgive: Both others and oneself to break free from bitterness and prison of unforgiveness.
3. Formulate Vision: Create a forward vision to prevent reverting to familiar chaos.
4. Guard Your Ear: Be cautious of external influences post-healing.
5. Rehearse Affirmations: Constantly repeat positive, biblical truths to internalize them.

Conclusion

• Final Prayer: Asking for God's help in forgiveness, establishing vision, guarding ears, and affirming positive truths.
• Importance: Healing and becoming the true self as essential for fulfilling God’s purpose.
• Call to Action: Community support, consistent affirmations, and recognition of God’s unique plan for each individual.