I was reading in one of my devotional books the other day only to be arrested by a sentence that I was not able to stop thinking about. It got me to thinking, really thinking. You see the author talked about our negative emotions as if they were like parasites. Now the definition of a parasite is an organism that latches onto a host and then sucks them dry of their life force as they feed off them, sometimes to the point the host dies…which is ironic when you think about the fact that the parasite needs to host to survive.
And that was what got me to thinking about what the author stated, that our emotions were a lot like parasites, feeding off all the energy we expend as we harbor anger, anxiety, fear and other emotions that need us to nurture them in order for them to even exist within us. Which means…we feed them. It reminds me of the First Nations story of the two wolves. One wolf is good and lives in harmony with everything and everyone. It doesn’t fight unless it is to protect fair and just treatment for others. But then there is the other wolf. It is filled with anger and takes offense at every little thing. Both wolves live inside each one of us. The wolf that wins is the one we choose to feed. And here is the thing: the only way to rid ourselves of a parasite, just like the wolves within us, is to stop feeding it.
What negative emotions cause you to struggle. Is it anger? Anxiety? Fear? Worry? What? Are you actively striving to rid yourself of these parasites in your life? Or do you feed them? How do you let the negative emotions we can have a human being, and let those emotions determine how you live your life? It takes a lot of self-reflection and courage to dig deep and discover the root causes so you can stop feeding them and begin living as God intended you to live. Do not turn toward a life filled with emotions that like parasites drain you and keep you from truly living. Emotions like fear, anxiety, anger, worry, or other negative emotions. But instead, turn toward a life filled with love, compassion, peace, and joy.
There is a great quote by John Lennon that I have hanging on my living room wall. I love it. Which is why it is hanging on my living room wall, and it is a great reminder about what is important. John Lennon said this:
“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance.”
My question is this: What will you choose? Fear, which can be a parasite in your life and all your relationships? Or life-giving and healing Love?
Since I am not a fan of parasites, I choose love.
Peace,
Beth
Beth's Blog 