Peace is a Phone Call to Your Brother
Peace is something that I really struggle with. Recently I was diagnosed with anxiety, even though I’ve pretty much known for a while. I am also a control freak; I like things to be done a certain way and in a certain amount of time. This isn’t new, either. My dad has called me a bossy-moo-cow (a term he learned from my Oma) since I was about four. So peace is something I have a hard time finding. I get so caught up in my anxiety and all of my worries that I don’t really get to enjoy peace.
Lying in bed at night, I think about all of the things I’ve done wrong that day, or how I wasn’t good enough, or how I sounded like an idiot, or if I could just be a little better at something and then everyone else would like me more. I think about these things so hard it makes me sick to my stomach. And let me tell you, that is no way to live. Constant worry and anxiety stand in my way, every single day, of finding peace.
As of lately, my twenty-something brother (who acts more like he’s forty-something), started to get my butt in gear. This happened when some crazy and stressful boy-stuff was happening in my life a little bit ago. Seeking advice and wisdom, I called my dad who then told me to call my brother. During this long phone call, he asked me how my relationship with Jesus was. Being honest, I told him that I was going through a rough patch with JC. In an instant, he told me that was why I was so stressed and anxious all the time, that I hadn’t given my troubles to Jesus and had tried to deal with them on my own. He then proceeded to give me homework, which included reading a certain book in my bible and doing a devotional every day. When the call was almost over, he left me with this verse: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30. The following week, I got my ish together and the results were instantaneous. My anxiety was little to none and I just didn’t feel like I had to carry my boy burden anymore. It was the most amazing thing that I’ve felt in the longest time.
Even though I’ve been struggling with my anxiety in the past few days, I still feel God’s presence telling me to cast my burdens onto Him. That even when I’m at my weakest, He is there to pick me up, dust me off, and keep me moving. I understand that anxiety is a real thing and I have been blessed to be able to see a counselor (a campus counselor who also loves Jesus on the down low) to help me get a grasp on it, but having the Lord on my side and having that reassurance that He wants to take my burdens has helped me even more than I could have dreamed of.
I may not be an expert in anything, let alone peace, but knowing that His yoke is easy and His burden is light helps me find peace and comfort when I need it most. Thank goodness for twenty-something brothers who act like they’re forty-something and phone calls that help me figure out what peace is to me.
- Shattered Glass - August 25, 2017
- Rising Tides Raise All Ships - January 19, 2017
- Daughter of a King - December 14, 2016
Katie…thank you for sharing with us…your readers.
It takes courage to share struggles. You received such wisdom from a wise young man. Matthew 11:28 – 30 has been the passage that’s carried me through many a trying time over the last 15 years. Now we can carry you along with Jesus. Psalm 55:22 came to my mind as well: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. You’re an amazing young woman who, through your writing, is bringing insight and encouragement to others.
Terri
So proud of both you and your brother. You guys make Dad and me very proud. xoxo
That’s one of my life verses. I often fight anxiety’s sister, depression, & that verse is a balm to my oft weary spirit. So grateful that you know this at your age–took many of us so much longer. You & your bro have an awesome relationship. Need to hug your necks some day.
Katie, this is a wisdom filled post. Thanks for the reminder. I’ve struggled with the same since I was your age. There are times it is easier and times that it’s harder but reaching out to people is one of the best ways to handle the burden, folks who remind you Jesus is waiting, ready and able to carry your burdens. You are ahead of where I was at your age. A mighty big aha moment! that will see you well through life.
Peace and blessed Christmas, Julie
So wise & brave. Jesus doesn’t just want you to give Him your burdens. He also wants you to see yourself through His eyes….beautiful, smart.. perfect. Have peace about that too.
And brothers are awesome.
Thank you for sharing, Katie. You are brave to share and I know it will encourage someone who is feeling like they are all alone in having those same issues. Anxiety is a very real issue that a lot of people struggle with, including myself.
Hi Katie – I’ve known your mom for a while. I, too, struggle with anxiety at times. And, like Gretchen, this can lead to depression. Lucky me – I get both! Winner winner chicken dinner! I have to say, though, that when I don’t give my cares to Jesus, it is really bad. When I just say, “Okay, God, you can have it” I’m so much better. It’s like being in remission from cancer. I know it’s always there, lurking, but if I can stop feeling so ashamed of myself, be in acceptance, and know that God made me this way, it’s so much better. I am praying for you! You are awesome!