Q. Kia, I find myself feeling increasingly depressed and lonely. I know it has much to do with all the bad news around the world, but especially right here in our country. I’m finding it hard to not let it get next to me. What can I do to make myself feel better without taking all kinds of medications?
A. It is certainly not unusual to feel the emotional weight of what is going on around us. When we are focused on what is happening in the world, we are subjecting ourselves to the works of the enemy. Therefore, I suggest that you change your focus. Rather than watching the news, I suggest you purposely use that time to read and meditate on God’s Word. A thirty day fast from the news will surely relieve a great deal of stress and anxiety that you feel. Spending time in the Word of God will surely let you feel the joy and comfort of His presence. It is without question that quiet time with God is always time well And remember, you are never alone. God promises to never leave you nor forsake you. You can trust His Word.
Q. I have an ex-girlfriend who I decided to avoid because of something she said about me that is not true. It really hurt that she would do that to me. She said that she was sorry, but I don’t trust her anymore. I’ve been ignoring her phone calls and wish she would stop trying to get back to how close we used to be. How can I let her know that our friendship is over without being overly angry about it?
A. I suggest you think about how you would feel if you made a mistake that you regret, apologized for it, and your apology was unaccepted. Even worse than that; how would you feel if you committed a sin against God and were sorry for it, prayed about it, and God refused to forgive you? Your friend apologized because she regretted what she said about you. Forgiveness is not for her, but for you. It relieves you of the anger and hurt and allows you to enjoy the company of someone you obviously love and care for. Think about how Jesus forgave the ones who tortured Him beyond measure, and whatever your friend said about you will certainly lose its power over you. I suggest you call your friend and tell her how much you love her, and there’s nothing she can do about it.
Q. Kia, why do think it is that people hate one another so? It boggles my mind that some people are so mean, and even do great harm toward people that don’t even know. I was saddened a few days ago when I witnessed a person lashing out with profanity toward a person who simply asked for directions in a grocery store. I can’t imagine treating someone like that just because they asked me a question.
A. All behavior is learned. The person who mistreats others for no apparent reason does so because it is the way he or she has been taught or learned through observation of the behaviors of others. If everyone would choose to treat everyone as they want to be treated, the world would surely be a wonderful place, and we would be living in the paradise that God intended for us in the beginning. Love is the answer and is surely what the world needs today.
Do YOU have a question for Kia? She’d be happy to accept questions. They can be emailed to lailai1044@comcast.net with the subject line ASK KIA.
