Category Archives: Anxiety

Convoy of Hope to Moore, Oklahoma

oklahomaOn Monday, May 20th a category 5 tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma. This is the strongest category of tornadoes measured. It was 2 miles wide with winds that reached between 200-210 miles per hour. It left 17 miles of destruction behind. More than 240 were injured. The death toll stands at 24.

Soon after the tornado died out Convoy of Hope had a disaster response team on the ground. Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope, said “Our prayers are with the families who have been affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes. Our team on the ground is already providing crucial information that will help us as we mobilize to send emergency supplies and teams to Oklahoma.”

This is not the first time Convoy of Hope has experienced tornado relief. Just two years ago when a tornado hit Joplin, Missouri they were there and still helping today. What they learned while in Joplin is helping Convoy of Hope today in Moore, Oklahoma.

Convoy teams have been working nonstop loading tractor-trailers with relief supplies. They also coordinate response efforts to the Moore, Oklahoma area. Continuing rain and thunderstorms in the area have made response efforts more challenging.

According to Ryan Grabill, disaster response coordinator, “There are thousands of people here that are now homeless and we want to reach to as many of them as we can.”

convoyThere are six tractor-trailer loads of supplies that have been deployed. Additional shipments are planned based on need.

Utility crews have knocked down broken power lines and put up new ones. Survivors are finally able to return to their homes and retrieve their belongings. This is only the first phase of a full-scale response that will last for many weeks, if not months.

Convoy of Hope began with just two guys handing out food and water from the back of a truck. It is now a global movement where different organizations join together to carry out Convoy of Hope’s mission. Their mission is to feed the world. This is achieved through feeding initiatives, community outreaches, disaster response and partner resourcing.

Although it hurts even more when one hits close to home, the organization can respond especially fast. That provides real hope for the survivors.

One survivor, Rhonda Crosswhite, a sixth grade math teacher, used her body as a shield for her students. When interviewed later she admitted, “I did the teacher thing that we’re probably not supposed to do. I prayed — I prayed out loud.”

Many people have experienced the power of prayer in the midst of a huge problem. If you are facing a crisis today, prayer might be the key to moving forward again.

If you need a bit of help getting started, why not pray this prayer? “Dear Jesus, I am sorry for the wrong things I have done in my life. I know I need help to move forward. I want your forgiveness and peace. Please take my life and change me. I want to live for you! In your name I pray, amen!

If you prayed that prayer, click the button below and someone will contact you to help you take the next step towards peace.

-Catherine Anderson

 

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Jerry Seinfeld and Public Speaking Anxiety

 Like most comedians, Jerry Seinfeld finds funny material by observing people.  That makes for great comedy, but it also shines a light on how people function and sometimes how they don’t. Anxiety poses a big problem for many people. 

People can feel anxious about most any situation. Put put them in front of an audience and they will often freeze. Here’s Jerry’s take on public speaking:  “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that make sound right?  This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you are better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”  Jerry Seinfeld.

Perhaps it is fear of the unknown but you know how emotionally draining it can be to deliver a speech.  If you face anxiety every time you need to stand before people, you know the desperation you feel.  Anxious thoughts fill your mind with “What if?” statements.  You can overcome anxiety.  You can learn to stand before others without feeling “on the spot.”  It begins by admitting that you have allowed anxiety to become a controlling force in your life.

While treatment for anxiety provides many people with much needed help, it may be helpful to look for other answers too.  I was once very afraid to stand before a crowd of people and speak. Then, I discovered that I was created for just that purpose. I was created to give voice to ideas that bring people closer to their creator.

For me, anxiety relief came when I began a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I know that every time I step before a crowd that Jesus stands with me. His presence is the help for anxiety I need.  He can do the same for you as well.

 If you haven’t started a relationship with Jesus Christ, you can do it today. It is as simple as praying a prayer: “Dear Jesus, I become so anxious when I stand before people, but today I bow before You. I ask you to forgive me for the wrong things I have done. I ask You to become my friend forever so that when I stand before people, You will stand with me. I choose you as Lord and Savior of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!”

If you prayed that prayer, please click the button below and someone will contact you and help you take the next step in overcoming your anxiety.

- Bill Hennessy

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Beating Anxiety

Anxiety can control your life unless you take steps to control it.  Anxious thoughts are not uncommon in these hard times.  Worries about money, relationships and work are common. It is such a large problem that treatment for anxiety is at an all-time high.

Being anxious causes a sense of desperation that can keep you from productive living. You can be free from anxiety and fear of the unknown, but you must be willing to turn you problem over God. He knows how emotionally draining it is to feel anxious.

If you need help with anxiety, you can go to God for answers. He can provide you peace. He will restore your hope and help you to overcome anxiety. If you are tired of feeling anxious, relief is really just a prayer away!

Praying to God is really just having a conversation. You can start by telling God that you need relief from anxiety.  You can tell Him that you are sorry for the wrong things you have done and ask Him for forgiveness.  Ask Jesus to become Lord of your life and surrender to Him.  When you learn to trust Jesus, you will find that your anxious thoughts begin to fade.

Anxiety relief begins when we realize we can depend on God for our future.  He knows what will happen today and tomorrow and He is unafraid.  He knows why you have been feeling anxiety and will work in your life to help you overcome the pain of the past.

If you want to overcome your anxious thoughts and live in freedom, anxiety help is just a prayer away!

- Bill Hennessy

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Finding Freedom From Anxiety

What you don’t know might hurt you.  Sound familiar?  Perhaps you battle with anxiety.  Fear of the unknown can be a life-controlling problem.  Many people feel anxious and it can be emotionally draining.

Relief from anxiety is possible, but it is important to remember that not everyone who promises a solution has your best interests in mind.  Many people offer treatment for anxiety that covers over rather than solves the problem.  You can overcome anxiety by changing the way you think.  In fact, the Bible declares “as a person thinks, so is he.”  (Proverbs 23:7)

Being anxious is really a series of thoughts about “What if?”  The cycle begins like this: If this happens, then that will happen. If that happens, then this will happen. It can lead to an avalanche of wilder and wilder thoughts.  Jesus Christ taught us to think differently.  He said: "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34)

Anxiety relief begins when we admit that we cannot control all of life’s circumstances.  One Anxious thought leads to more anxious thoughts. So, we must find a place that we can break the cycle. God offers us help for anxiety by promising that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  It is Jesus who can help you when you are feeling anxiety.  He promises to take your burden on His shoulders.

If you need help with anxiety, call out to Jesus. He can not only take away your sin, He can offer you a new life that is free from anxiety.  When Christ becomes Lord of your life, your whole thinking will change, your fear of the unknown will be tempered by your understanding that God holds your tomorrow. 

- Bill Hennessy

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These Are Anxious Times!

Our world seems anxious.  Around the world, fear of the unknown has become an increasing problem. Doctor’s offices are filled with people looking for an effective treatment for anxiety.  The problem is so significant that traces of anti-depressants are rising in nearly every major city. It’s obvious that many people are feeling anxiety!

If you are feeling anxious, you already know how emotionally draining life can become.  Anxiety help is not hard to find, but anxiety relief is a rare thing indeed! If you need help with anxiety, you probably already knew that!

This is not a new problem. Mankind has always struggled with anxiety.  If you need help for anxiety, it makes sense to talk about it with someone who had every reason to be anxious but overcame His anxiety and went on to accomplish something no one else could do.  That person is Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He took on the sins of all mankind and now offers you a real way forward.

Jesus spent a good deal of time talking about anxiety.  Consider these words: “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Mat 6:27) Later, Paul taught us that we can overcome anxiety.  He wrote: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil 4:6) In other words, we can overcome anxiety by giving it to God.

Relief from anxiety might just be a prayer away!  If you would like to overcome your anxiety, why not talk to Jesus Christ about it today?  He is ready to listen and He has real hope to offer you!  Hope that will calm your anxious mind.

- Bill Hennessy

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Finding Relief From Anxiety

 

Most people feel anxious from time to time.  These days, a lot of people feel anxious all the time.  As I write this entry, the news is full of stories from an earthquake that rattled the northeastern states in the USA.  Many who felt the shaking described feeling anxious until they learned it was an earthquake and not a terror attack that caused everyone to flee buildings. 

We never know what can cause anxiety in another person’s life. It might be financial stress, trouble in relationships or health problems.  Fear of the unknown causes anxiety for many.

Doctors offer treatment for anxiety, but they cannot cure it.  If you need help with anxiety, there is hope.  God offers us a peace that surpasses our understanding. He offers us hope for a future without anxiety.

If you are feeling anxious, you are not powerless.  Help for anxiety comes when we acknowledge that we must look beyond ourselves for help. You can call upon God and He will answer you.  Simply tell God that you are feeling anxiety and ask Him to give you a way forward.  He is great at offering anxiety relief.

If you need anxiety help, ask.  Perhaps you do not feel comfortable asking God for help. You may need to begin a relationship with God first.  That is simple too. Simply go to God and ask Him to forgive the wrongs you have done. Jesus offers new life and hope to all who ask for it.  You can commit your life to Jesus today and find relief from anxiety.

- Bill Hennessy
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Relief For Anxiety

 

Anxiety is a powerful human emotion!  It can cause us to wring our hands, break out in a sweat or even suffer physical problems.  Psychologists may offer some help, but science offers no real treatment for anxiety. Many are searching for anxiety help to overcome apprehension about problems they may face tomorrow. So where can you go for anxiety relief? Call out to Jesus.  

 

Jesus knows anxiety is a major issue for all of us.  He talked about it in Matthew 6.  He urged us not to fret over tomorrow: "Don't ever worry and say, 'What are we going to eat?' or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear? Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.”  Mat 6:31-33 Can you see how this would help with anxiety?

 

Anxiety often begins with the fear of tomorrow. Jesus Christ offers us a guarantee that when we arrive at tomorrow, He will be there to help us through whatever we face. Anxiety is often lessened when we realize we will not face life alone!

 

If you want to overcome anxiety, you can begin finding peace by asking Jesus to take responsibility for your life.  Ask Him to forgive you for the wrongs you have done and dwell on His forgiveness.  Understand that He can offer you help for anxiety when you release your future to Him.  

-Bill Hennessy
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Countering Anxiety

 

Anxiety affects each of us.  Psychologists often make their livings offering treatment for anxiety.  If you are anxious, I have good news for you.  There is hope! 

The reason I can say that is that I’ve battled much of my life with anxiety. Just when it seemed like I always would be anxious, I found a way out.  It is a journey more than an instant transformation.  But, I can honestly say, I am really hopeful that I can fully overcome anxiety one day. What is my secret?

The Apostle Paul taught us that we should think on things that are positive.  When I am anxious, I want to dwell on the negative things in my life. Often I have no control over these things.  They just seem to happen.  But, I have learned to balance the things I cannot change with the things God already changed for me.  When my failings seem to defeat me, I think about the price Christ paid for my salvation. When I think about my financial problems, I think about God’s promise to supply all of my needs according to His riches in Glory.  It provides real anxiety relief!

If you need help for anxiety, let me suggest that you write a list of things that you know are going well, things that God has provided for you, things that make you happy.  Then when you feel anxious, read that list. Read it again and again until you feel God’s assurance that He is with you. There is help for anxiety. It is the gift of God to provide you new life through Jesus and a way forward in this life. Just ask Him to give you that new life and to walk with you day by day.

If you want to receive Jesus Christ today, He will help you through your anxiety. You can pray a prayer like this: “Dear Jesus, please forgive me for the wrongs I have done. I ask you to come into my life and help me overcome my fear and anxiety. In Jesus’ name, amen!”

If you prayed that prayer, click the button below and someone will be in touch with you to help you move further in your faith.

- Bill Hennessy

 

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Are you a Worry Wart?

Growing up, I was what you used to call a “worry wart.” I worried about the past and I worried about what might happen in the future. The problem was that it robbed me of the joy of living in the present! I needed desperately to get help with anxiety because it was causing me problems in all aspects of my life. I lived in fear, had illnesses such as stomach pains, and was filled with shame for not being able to overcome the feelings on my own.

Thankfully, my parents prayed with me and led me to God’s Word, the Bible. Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me” (John 14:1). Instead of being a prisoner to my thoughts, I can trust in Jesus because He will take care of me. I may not have an immediate solution to my worries but I do know that when I follow Jesus wholeheartedly that He will take care of me!In fact, I Peter 5:7 states just that, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” What an amazing relief that was to me!

Philippians 4:6-9 was another huge encouragement. It starts with, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). The promise is true: If I release my anxious thoughts to God then He will give me peace and guard my heart and my mind. Finally, there is anxiety relief!

The passage continue with this: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 8-9). God’s Word is so powerful! I am told that instead of worrying about everything, I must replace that with good thoughts: that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy! This brings me peace, wholeness, and hope!

I want to encourage you that you can receive help with anxiety. The key is to discover Jesus. Learn who He is. Give him your heart, mind, soul, and strength. When you do, you will become a new creation. You will then live the life you were created to live!

If you want to receive Jesus Christ today, He will help you through your anxiety. You can pray a prayer like this: “Dear Jesus, please forgive me for the wrongs I have done. I ask you to come into my life and help me overcome my fear and anxiety. In Jesus’ name, amen!”

If you prayed that prayer, click the button below and someone will be in touch with you to help you move further in your faith.

-Bill Hennessy

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