The Importance of Renewing Your Mind
Written By: Sis. Adrienne Robinson
Written By: Sis. Adrienne Robinson
Today I was assigned to report to a local high school to proctor for testing. The high school was founded in 1938 and has a rich history and a strong connection to the surrounding community. For me, being on the campus this morning brought back so many memories from 2007. I was not only pregnant with my daughter during this time, but I was also debating whether to leave my husband with whom I had joined in Holy Matrimony in December of 2003. Consequently, this was a joyous and sad time in my life.
As I got closer to the building where I taught over a decade ago, memories began to resurface. I remembered walking from my car every morning into a classroom full of students who had little to no regard for my pregnancy. They were young, rebellious adolescents who had matriculated into this huge high school with elementary-like behaviors. Notwithstanding the fact that many, if not all of the students, had significant academic deficits that I was expected to close in one academic year. Hence, when I thought of all the pressure I was under that year, I quickly gave a sigh of relief that I had passed that season in my life.
It’s normal to have flashbacks to seasons in your life while in the presence of people, places, or things from your past. In fact, some flashbacks can be so powerful that you can feel actual emotion. Our brain has a way of sending a neurological shock wave that allows us to re experience things as if they just happen. For this reason, Romans 12:2 asks that we be “transformed by the renewing of our mind.” Transformation of the mind can only take place if there is a change in our spiritual patterns of behavior. For example, if you know that you’re going to be in a place you’ve had less than pleasant experiences, be intentional about praying long before you arrive. Ask for strength to be remain in a place of peace that surpasses your human understanding. Also, be transparent with God about how you feel. When you know what your issues are, you can be specific about what you need for God to do. God wants our total dependence on him, and he is waiting with open arms to love us through every situation.
Prayer of Renewal
Dear Heavenly Father, It’s me ____________, coming to you as humbly as I know how. Lord, you said in Matthews 7:7-8 that if I “ask it would be given unto me”, so I am asking for your strength today. I have been assigned to go __________. Lord, my heart aches because of the memories from my divorce and feelings of worthlessness. Lord transform my mind and give me peace when these feelings begin to resurface. Lord, allow me to walk as the new creature you’ve created me to be. Those old things have passed away and I WILL walk in a place of freedom from any bondage tied to my past.
As I got closer to the building where I taught over a decade ago, memories began to resurface. I remembered walking from my car every morning into a classroom full of students who had little to no regard for my pregnancy. They were young, rebellious adolescents who had matriculated into this huge high school with elementary-like behaviors. Notwithstanding the fact that many, if not all of the students, had significant academic deficits that I was expected to close in one academic year. Hence, when I thought of all the pressure I was under that year, I quickly gave a sigh of relief that I had passed that season in my life.
It’s normal to have flashbacks to seasons in your life while in the presence of people, places, or things from your past. In fact, some flashbacks can be so powerful that you can feel actual emotion. Our brain has a way of sending a neurological shock wave that allows us to re experience things as if they just happen. For this reason, Romans 12:2 asks that we be “transformed by the renewing of our mind.” Transformation of the mind can only take place if there is a change in our spiritual patterns of behavior. For example, if you know that you’re going to be in a place you’ve had less than pleasant experiences, be intentional about praying long before you arrive. Ask for strength to be remain in a place of peace that surpasses your human understanding. Also, be transparent with God about how you feel. When you know what your issues are, you can be specific about what you need for God to do. God wants our total dependence on him, and he is waiting with open arms to love us through every situation.
Prayer of Renewal
Dear Heavenly Father, It’s me ____________, coming to you as humbly as I know how. Lord, you said in Matthews 7:7-8 that if I “ask it would be given unto me”, so I am asking for your strength today. I have been assigned to go __________. Lord, my heart aches because of the memories from my divorce and feelings of worthlessness. Lord transform my mind and give me peace when these feelings begin to resurface. Lord, allow me to walk as the new creature you’ve created me to be. Those old things have passed away and I WILL walk in a place of freedom from any bondage tied to my past.
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