I'M JUST FINE!

When I walk into a patient's room and the patient tells me he or she is  "just fine"  I have to smile, because we have an acronym for the word fine.  Often when someone says they are just fine, they really aren't.  Especially if that person has just received devastating news.  In the early stages of grief, or dealing with a reality, it can be part of a defense mechanism.  It can also be used to deflect and keep from discussing something the person needs help in dealing with.

The acronym:

Fouled up
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotionally Unstable

So now the next time someone tells you they are "fine" you can think of the acronym.
 

The Connecticut Shooting.

Once again tragedy has struck in the form of a mass shooting.  This time 26 people, 20 of them children.  How horrible is this? Very!

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, how this changes their lives, how this changes everything for them! As for the rest of us, it impacts our lives in many ways. It seems we can not go anywhere this kind of thing can not happen.  Not the mall, a movie, out to eat, it can happen anywhere, anytime.  This brings the questions how do we cope? Other question is why? 

First, Why? There is no good answer to this question. I certainly don't pretend to have the answer. We live in a world filled with disease mental and physical. We live in a world that is filled all manner of evil.  Spiritually speaking, we live in a world that is fallen and sinful.  So this is part of living in that kind of world. People make choices that impact those around them.  Often we may never know the exact reasons for the choices they make.  All we know for certain is our world has changed.

How do we cope?  first for those who are angry with God.  Good for you! Its ok, He understands.  Being angry with God is an acknowledgement of the hurt experienced. The Scriptures teach us to be angry and yet do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger.  So talk to God!

Second, do your best to take one day, one issue at a time. Try not to allow this to keep you from living your life.  I have speak to myself here, since I have not been to a movie since the theatre since that shooting. Just try to keep things as normal as possible.

Third talk about your feelings, your fear, or concern with those you trust, who will listen and not dismiss you. If needed seek counsel from the EAP at your place of employment, or other counselor.  This is important for healing, peace and is cathartic.

I hope this helps!