Dericka Canada Cunningham, GBW Founder
July 22, 2024
This Week's Anchor
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
In past devotions, we’ve talked about the labor of love we often provide in our lives as we reflect God’s love to others. We are called to listen loyally, support steadfastly, and care for others compassionately. However, we can’t neglect the care that we must turn inward to ourselves. I can certainly attest to enduring moments in my life where I felt utterly overwhelmed by the burdens of others. It’s easy to get lost in the energy of others—to absorb the unhealed pain and trauma to the extent that it affects our own mental and spiritual health. Well, beloved GBW community, I’ve got good news—we can also support and protect ourselves with the same fervor we support others.
This week’s anchor scripture, a simple statement nestled in a broader message about welcoming wisdom, calls us to consider ourselves. It calls us to guard our hearts, remembering that everything we do flows from it. The love and support that we give others starts with us. As one of my favorite quotes expresses, “It’s hard to pour from an empty cup.” When we don’t protect our hearts and minds, we risk burnout. And when we are burnt out, we’re exhausted and empty with little to give to ourselves, let alone others. If we have nothing but the scraps at the bottom of our barrel left to offer, is that really what we want to give others? Simply put, we aren’t at our best when we don’t care for ourselves. I’ll speak for myself—when I’m burnt out and depleted, I’m not the best mother, I’m not the best wife, I’m not the best daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and indeed not the best therapist. Here are some reasons why it is essential to guard our hearts and minds:
Why Guarding Our Hearts & Minds is Important
Because our hearts and minds are valuable—The bible consistently talks about the value of our hearts and minds. God knows, explores, and cares for our hearts and minds (Proverbs 21:2, Jeremiah 17:10, Acts 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:17, Psalm 34:18), and He provides His timely Divine wisdom (James 1:5, James 3:17, Proverbs 4:5-6). God calls us to believe in Him with our hearts and to trust him sincerely in our hearts (Proverbs 3:5)
Because our hearts and minds are important life tools—As our anchor scripture highlights, everything we do flows from our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), and I’ll add our minds. What we say and believe is rooted in our hearts (Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45); through our hearts and minds, we connect with others and our world.
Because our hearts and minds are vulnerable—When the enemy can’t threaten our physical safety, he comes directly for the mind and heart (1 Peter 5:8-9). Our life experiences and relationships with others impact our well-being, which can take a toll on our hearts and minds, especially when they are not protected.
Some of us have been socialized to value self-sacrifice to the detriment of our own health. Let me crank that up and say that again, some of us have been socialized to value self-sacrifice to the detriment of our own health. I highlight this without judgment and with compassion because there is a context (social, cultural, familial, and more) in which these values are understandably developed and maintained. Nevertheless, suppose you relate to this and find yourself reading this devotion feeling mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. In that case, I invite you to ask yourself this question: Is this working for me? It’s understandable and okay for values, attitudes, and approaches to life that used to work for us to no longer serve us. Life is dynamic, and gratefully, we evolve. Who we were ten years ago is different than who we are today and who we will be ten years from now. The old you might have been able to pour every drop of yourself out to others, but this version of you might need to pour into yourself. The old you might have been able to get caught up in every argument and debate, but this version of you might need to protect your peace. The old you might have put everyone else’s needs before yours, but this version of you might need to prioritize yourself in this season.
Consider Some Ways to Guard Our Hearts & Minds
Slow life down—Despite what others and the world demand of us, everything isn’t urgent. I’m gonna crank that up and run that back, too—Despite what others and the world demand of us, everything…isn’t…urgent. We have the permission to pause, respond, and support things/people when we are able, willing, and ready.
Take space for yourself when needed—Solitude and space are necessary and healing for some of us. It’s okay to retreat and regroup. In fact, Jesus is an excellent example of the power and purpose we can find in solitude. We sometimes need to step away to show up for ourselves and others more fully.
Set and communicate boundaries—We can’t be everybody’s everything. We aren’t God. We are human. And because of this, there are fundamental limitations to what we are able (and willing) to offer others. Pray and ask the Holy Trinity for discernment regarding what, who, and when you are called to support and what, who, and when you are not. Know that it’s okay to say “no” and/or “not now” and be affirmed in moments when you have to say, “I can’t.”
Pour into yourself—I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: your (human) care for your mind, body, and spirit is on you. It’s an inside job. No one else can do it for you. Even God gives us free will to respond to His love, care, and resources. We, of course, also love and care in the community. Nevertheless, no (human) one else dwells in our own mind-body-heart-souls. Therefore, these are gardens that we must understand and tend to ourselves.
As we remember and respond to the needs of others this week, let us not forget ourselves. When we feel lost in it all, let us find ourselves deep within God’s love for us and our own love for ourselves. May we guard our hearts, protect our minds, and graciously give ourselves everything we deserve and need.
Reflection
What is resonating for you about this scripture and/or this devotion?
What gets in the way of you protecting your heart and mind? How can you prioritize your well-being this week?
What intention(s) do you want to set to connect and/or reconnect with being grounded this week?
Related Scriptures to Ground You Through this Week
Deuteronomy 4:9
Psalm 139:23-24
Proverbs 4:7-9
Luke 6:45
Romans 12:1-2
Philippians 4:4-7
My Through-the-Week Reflection Guide
A Song of Inspiration
Quote of Love & Liberation
"You are your best thing."
Toni Morrison
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