The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast

"Deep Dive" Before You Give Up | Dealing With Post Election Blues

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr. Episode 29

Send us a text

Episode Overview:

This episode addresses the emotional fallout many experience after a divisive election season. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing difficult emotions rather than resorting to “spiritual bypassing,” which involves using spiritual language to avoid uncomfortable feelings. The episode encourages listeners to learn from Jesus' example of honestly facing his sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane, finding strength in their faith to walk through difficult emotions, and trusting God’s love to hold their pain and faith together.

Highlights:

  • Defining Spiritual Bypassing: Spiritual bypassing is unintentionally using faith to avoid dealing with painful emotions. Examples include using phrases like “God has a plan” or “God is in control” to suppress feelings of hurt, anger, or disappointment.
  • Recognizing the Tension: The episode emphasizes the need to “pay attention to the tension” brought on by painful experiences. Ignoring or denying pain can lead to burying it deeper and missing out on the deep work God wants to do in our hearts.
  • Learning from Jesus in Gethsemane: Drawing Insights from Jesus’ Experience in Gethsemane: Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane is a model for effectively managing challenging emotions. Jesus openly expressed his anguish and sorrow, demonstrating that faith does not ignore pain but finds the strength to face it.
  • Finding Peace in Honesty: The episode highlights that true, lasting peace comes from honesty and openness with God rather than temporary relief gained through spiritual bypassing. It encourages listeners to bring their raw emotions to God and trust His love to hold their pain and faith together.

Key Takeaways:

  • Acknowledge Pain: DDon’tdDon’ts or suppresses difficult emotions. Instead, name them and bring them to God honestly.
  • Practice Presence: Resist the urge to push past pain with quick, spiritual answers. Allow yourself to feel and process your emotions.
  • Seek Support: Find trusted individuals—friends, family, mentors, or counselors—with whom you can share your struggles.

Conclusion:

This episode powerfully reminds us that spiritual maturity involves embracing both faith and feelings. True healing comes from facing pain honestly, allowing God into the broken places, and trusting His love to guide us. It encourages listeners to move past spiritual bypassing and seek genuine, lasting peace through an honest and open relationship with God.

Connect with Us:

Thank you for tuning in to The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast!

Support the show