I SURVIVED


There are no experts in outdoor survival. There are only students…

Dave Ganci

 

 

 

Jojo was a happy go lucky fellow that loved cheering everyone up. It was unusual to see him sitting down reserved on his chair like a child tucked away in his quiet corner.

 

 

 

His eyes were fixed on the floor in deep thought looking dazed "I survived" he muttered. I wondered if he was alright, noticing he remained fixed in his thoughts. Are you alright I asked? Yes he said, "I am thankful I survived another Halloween" he responded. Gazing at the floor with dismay. I had the distinct impression that he found it horrifying.

 

 

Jojo loved joking and enjoyed making people laugh but it became obvious he was not trifling. "I have a bold sticker on my door saying there is no tricks or treat here" he continued. "All I did was dimmed my light and watched a movie with my wife and we simply ignored the outside world."

 

 

It was obvious to every one how much Jojo found the preparation of Halloween uninteresting with all the adverts, costumes and sweets displayed in shops. It was clear he dreaded calls at his door and found the evening knocks coupled with the costumes worn by kids in quest of sweets frightening.

It was rather new to see how an event can impact on another person. While some are celebrating or oblivious to what is going on, there might be others who can find the preparation and day of an event disturbing.

If you find an event disturbing, plan other ways to enjoy your day and occupy your time with what you love. We survive different experiences at one time or the other ranging from unemployment, trauma, illness, stress the list is endless.

What do you suggest Jojo can do to avoid feeling uncomfortable on Halloween day?

Love to hear from you.

 

 

 

Taking a risk to survive isn’t that impressive. Taking a risk to be happy, that takes guts.

 

 

 

Sarah Noffke

 

 

 

Comments

P
Peculiar
Hello Pastor, It's a tough one...in the places it is celebrated, Halloween comes round every year. So every year whatever psychological trauma Jojo goes through at that time, he has to go through it....he may just have to relocate to an area where it is not celebrated...either at that time of the year, or permanently. Not a short term plan. I love the quote by Sarah Noffke.
N
Nkechi
Taking a risk to survive and be happy after a devastating experience takes guts and determination. It is a matter of choice to determine to survive and not to break down to the strategies and tricks of the devil. Thereafter you experience victory and freedom and become an overcomer. Jesus Christ the same yesterday today and for ever. He is the author and finisher of our faith. THE ANCHOR.
C
Chizy
Yes superwoman. You survived!
T
Tobore
I think Jojo should Just wait for the day to pass. It will go quickly.
J
Johnson
Inspiring indeed
S
Sis. Mimi
Aw Jojo ...Perhaps you put on a happy face, but on the inside you lack confidence and are unsure of who you are in Christ Jesus. Like Jojo I really don't like Halloween and I would never dream of putting any display of witchcraft in or outside my home. Sometimes we have to stand for what is right and not get involved with the outside world when an distasteful advent is taking place. As Jojo spent the evening with his family in the comfort of his own home, lights dimmed and so on, the question is why did he feel so bad! We are not to be confirmed by the standards of this world.. Cheer up Jojo and count your blessings.
R
Rikky
This article reminds me of Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 - We should like you, our brothers, to know something of what we went through in Asia . At that time we were completely overwhelmed, the burden was more than we could bear, in fact we told ourselves that this was the end. Yet we believe now that we had this experience of coming to the end of our tether that we might learn to trust, not in ourselves, but in God who can raise the dead. It was God who preserved us from imminent death, and it is he who still preserves us. Further, we trust him to keep us safe in the future, and here you can join in and help by praying for us, so that the good that is done to us in answer to many prayers will mean eventually that many will thank God for our preservation. JoJo God doesn't want us to survive by our means but by his way . Put it better, true happiness comes when you love God to trust him enough to see you through the midst of the storm. It's all about the love for Jesus. It's all connected to Love because Love for Jesus is for all time.
K
Kunle
Survive is the only option Jojo has, depending on which side of faith he lives on. On the side of faith there is only one option and that is to survive as all that that is required is available for Jojo's survival. Human, financial and material resources are all at his disposal for this purpose. Secondly Jojo has a free will to decide what he wants, where and how....that is call his birthright and perogative. Thirdly, he was wise and smart to recognise thst he has a choice than to live the most popular way despite the fact that it displeases and make him miserable. Fourth all that Jojo has to do is enjoy his choice maximally for others to see and then they will have a platform to compare and those who have been suffering through halloween can see that if halloween isnt for you, then make a different choice. Bravo to Jojo he survived because he dared to make a choice.
L
Lateef
Your post remains me of this song by Gloria Gaynor. (Lyrics Below) "I Will Survive" At first I was afraid, I was petrified, Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong, And I grew strong, and I learned how to get along. And so you're back from outer space. I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face I should have changed that stupid lock I should have made you leave your key If I had known for just one second you'd be back to bother me Go on now, go. Walk out the door Just turn around now 'cause you're not welcome anymore Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh, no, not I! I will survive. Oh, as long as I know how to love I know I'll stay alive. I've got all my life to live. I've got all my love to give. And I'll survive, I will survive, hey, hey. It took all the strength I had not to fall apart. Kept trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart. And I spent, oh, so many nights just feeling sorry for myself. I used to cry but now I hold my head up high. And you see me somebody new. I'm not that chained-up little person still in love with you. And so you felt like dropping in, And just expect me to be free. And now I'm saving all my loving for someone who's loving me. [2x] Go on now, go. Walk out the door. Just turn around now 'cause you're not welcome anymore. Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbye? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh, no, not I! I will survive. Oh, as long as I know how to love I know I'll stay alive. I've got all my life to live. I've got all my love to give. And I'll survive, I will survive.
P
Pindy
Relocation for Jojo is the best. Thanks Pastor.
M
Maphutha
Thank you Pst Anita for the e-book. Very inspiring.
B
Bimmi Bob
Survive is the only option Jojo has, depending on which side of faith he lives on. On the side of faith there is only one option and that is to survive as all that that is required is available for Jojo's survival. Human, financial and material resources are all at his disposal for this purpose. Secondly Jojo has a free will to decide what he wants, where and how....that is call his birthright and perogative. Thirdly, he was wise and smart to recognise thst he has a choice than to live the most popular way despite the fact that it displeases and make him miserable. Fourth all that Jojo has to do is enjoy his choice maximally for others to see and then they will have a platform to compare and those who have been suffering through halloween can see that if halloween isnt for you, then make a different choice. Bravo to Jojo he survived because he dared to make a choice.