There are a couple passages that resonated with me deeply because i knew that it described my thinking and behavior so well.
"Yet, somehow, today we slice out the emotional portion of who we are, deeming it suspect, irrelevant, or of secondary importance. Contemporary discipleship models often esteem the spiritual more than the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual components of who we are" (51).
"I ignored my human limits and ran myself ragged to do more and more for God. I regarded negative feelings such as anger or depression as anti-God and avoided them" (56).
I feel like this has been a default reaction of mine whenever i get unsettled, discontent, angry, disappointed, etc... In my mind, i've found that i have a perception that its easier and more "mature" to take those feelings, isolate them and disregard them, and stuff them down. I question the emotion and move forward without giving it much thought. But that could not be farther from the truth. I've been sabotaging myself of the opportunity to bring more emotional maturity to my life. When i realized how much of a "chore" i had turned leading a rolling hills small group i realized during admin retreat that i had been failing to examine my emotions and why i was feeling that way. Like mike, i too have hope that the points in this book and blogging community help me to find a place of more emotional balance and maturity.
Mojo - great stuff! I love how you said "default". I feel the same way - certain reactions i have to things emotionally seem like a default reaction. I havent paid much attention to them, i have asked the tough question - Is this emotionally healthy? mature? or is this just me? Which seems to be a cop out! Thanks for your post!
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