Christianity Oasis Forum

[mlg]

rain, talking to God is like talking to yourself but even better. When we talk to ourselves we don't get a response, when we talk to the Lord, we get lots of responses, and He even talks back to us in our heart and mind. It's a joy to talk to the Lord. Start out with small things like saying Good morning Lord, won't you join me today for my day? And then move on to other subjects like how you feel, why you feel that way, what you need from Him, and so much more.

My sister the Lord is waiting to be your best friend. Just reach out and let Him. I promise you won't regret it, and in fact you'll be so happy you did.

Keep up the fight sis, keep moving along the steps.

luv ya

[Psittac]

Rain: I think this step is going to be a very important one, turning to god in the form of prayer rather then turning to destructive means.

Personally I find this difficult to do but very effective; for example I'll find my thoughts getting all caught up in things I'd honestly rather not be thinking about, those usual tie ups that stir me into a mess of emotions. Now every now and then I'll catch a thought of god out of nowhere and for some reason I'll go with it. Then somehow I recognize just how caught up I was in those thoughts and how useless it really was to be so compelled. It's like I turn to god and suddenly everything makes sense and all the lies in my mind just look silly.

If you can work on seeing god through the jumbled mess you'll be able to follow him and perhaps break your habits. Don't ignore any good thoughts you have, turn to them and fight off the follow ups of doubt that try and bring you back to a negative world. Stay strong and never give up!

[rain]

step 11

I think I really needed to hear this all today. Ive had one of the worst days ever and all I wanted to do was come home and find my razor but I found myself here instead doing my step and reminding myself that I dont need the razor to comfort me, all I need is God. the great comforter in whom I trust and draw my strength. the end of this step really hit home for me when it said something about the cure for the infection....I discovered this morning that one of my cuts is infected and when I think about it, what will cure that infection is not more cuts but an antibiotic....I cant be comforted by a razor because it will just make things worse, all that will comfort me right now is my heavenly father.

[Tracy L]

Hi rain,

I understand your pain. I am dealing with some issues right now in my life too.
One thing I am learning is that God's prayer line is open 24/7 and He always listens. Pour your heart and soul out to Him. He loves you sooooo much hon! You are His precious daughter.
And you are doing great on the steps.
We all love ya sis,

Tracy

[mlg]

rain, my sweet girl, may you know that the Lord does want to comfort you. The great thing about the Lord is that His comfort is a loving and kind comfort. Whenever you pick up that razor, it's but a temporary relief and then can turn into a festering sore, as an infection sets in. With the Lord's comfort, it's everlasting, it's not a temporary fix. You also won't receive an infection from His comfort, but instead He is that medicine that you need. My prayers are with you and I know you can get through this. Push forward, and don't look back. When the temptation comes to pick up that blade, fight the good fight sis, and reach out for Jesus instead.

Know that I'm here for you sis, if you need a friend, come find me in the chatroom.

luv ya

[Psittac]

Rain: I'm happy to hear that you turned away from hurting yourself and instead turned to god. This is probably the healthiest thing you can possibly do for yourself, turn from your problems and turn to god to accept his love.

Like others have said, this is just a temporary fix that makes you worse off in the long run. I like to use the example of smoking for all addictions. When I was a smoker the only time I was calm and relaxed was while I had a cigarette in my hand, the rest of the time I was prone to anxiety and quick to get frustrated as a way to get myself to go have another cigarette. So even though I was calm or normal while smoking this was only minutes out of the day and the rest of the time I was so much worse off. Addictions have a way of doing that to you and what your facing is a form of addiction. You may get a quick fix but as you said it gets infected and makes things even worse. I think it's time for you to apply your antibiotic and turn to god. It's good to hear your making progress in your steps. Keep up the good work and stick with it!

[rain]

step 12...

the whole time I was going through this step it reminded me so much of something that my old youth pastor used to say all the time "failure is never final". up until today I had completely forgotten about that. maybe it was God telling me that I need to pick myself up not just this time but everytime. I especially needed to hear this right now cause at this point I feel like Im just being mowed over by satan and I dont wanna get up but I know I have to because I know that I cant let him win. I know that God wont let him win.

[mlg]

hey rain, it says that Satan is the loser in the end. The Lord will be victorious forever and ever. Right now Satan is trying to get to you every way he can, as he knows that he isn't going to win, so he's gonna try and pull you back down. It's awesome to see you fighting. Way to go sis.

luv ya

[rain]

step 13

I really really loved this step. Ive never really been too social, my friends like to call me anti-social a lot because its hard for me to open up and make friends and stuff but getting out there and actually helping someone not only helped me but I got to help someone else and I guess Ive just kinda forgotten how important it is to go out and make those connections and cycle the help that Ive had to other people. I actually read this step this morning before school and I didnt have time to go into the chat room and find someone but I did meet someone knew in my break at college today and we got to talking and came to find out that she is also struggling with self harm and I got to talk to her about God and just minister to her for awhile.I invited her to come to church with me on sunday and Im looking forward to introducing her to everyone and before I put my head on my pillow tonight I will say a pray for her and Ill keep doing it

[mlg]

Wooohoooo rain, sharing Jesus with another....Praise God!!!!!

What a blessing that He has placed this young lady in your path, so that He can use you to witness to her. I know He is smiling on you my sister

It's also great to see you enjoying this step. There's so much in helping another that when we forget to reach out, we can rob ourselves of a blessing. But today you got to see what it's truly all about, when you do reach out. I'm excited for you. Hope she chooses to go to church with you, but even if she doesn't, keep trying with her and maybe just maybe one day she will.

luv ya dear girl

[rain]

step 14...

wow, I cant believe I made it all the way to the end of the steps, now I realize why I had to come back and do them again. the first time I tried I only got to step 6 and I gave up but this time I stuck in and I kept going and I relied on God to help me through it even when my world began to fall apart around me. the last 14 days have just been crazy for me but Im so Glad they happened, granted bad things happened, I lost my grandad, failed one of my midterms, and my best friends broke off our friendship...just to name a few....HOWEVER Ive gone...12 days with out picking up a blade, prayed more than Ive ever prayed in my entire life, met some amazing people, and found myself spending more time with my Heavenly father...this might have been the last step but I know I have to continue with what Ive learned in the last 2 weeks.

[mlg]

WOooHOOOO Rain!!!! You have completed the steps. The beginning of a renewed life completed and now you are on the journey. Remember everyday is a fight sis, and some days will be harder than others, but keep pulling those weeds and keep your eyes on Him and you will make it through. He is so proud of you sis, and I know He's smiling on you and saying Yay! rain my child you did it!!!

luv ya so much sis.