.jpg)
Articles
Toxic Stress
I read an article the other day about stress. The article talked about "Positive stress," "Tolerable stress," and "Toxic stress." The first one "Positive stress" would be like walking up stairs, getting a shot, meeting new people, etc. The second one "Tolerable stress" is distressing situations that come in life, but we find support, help, refuge that helps us cope with them. The third kind "Toxic stress" are things like distresses, troubles, trials, tribulations that are prolonged, but without finding any protection, refuge, help, or relief. With children they need parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers that can provide the refuge and support in difficult times of stress, lest it becomes toxic to them. But what about adults? Where, and with whom do we find refuge and help? First and foremost we take refuge in God. "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" Heb.13:5-6. It is comforting to know that God is always there to lean on, to look to, to seek His help. Our hope can put things into perspective and allow us to cope with the stresses of life, lest such stress would become "toxic stress." Consider these words, "So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain." Heb.6:18-19. I think about the words of the song, (and singing itself) "Sing to me of heaven, let me fondly dream..." can bring comfort and solace in times of stress. Paul and Silas found solace in their singing after the stress of a beating and being thrown into jail, Acts 16. Let us avoid the "toxic stress" in our lives and render refuge from "toxic stress" in the lives of our children.
