American’s use “Stuck” as an art form. If we’re not stuck in a relationship, we’re stuck at a

certain weight or stuck in a horrible job and some are even stuck in religion. In this blog I want to open up that never ending cycle of how we aren’t able to get out of circumstances that are detrimental to us.

American’s use “Stuck” as an art form. If we’re not stuck in a relationship, we’re stuck at a certain weight or stuck in a horrible job and some are even stuck in religion. In this blog I want to open up that never ending cycle of how we aren’t able to get out of circumstances that are detrimental to us.

Let’s start this discussion out with “religion”. Now before you condemn me for what I’m about to say, open your mind and think about how you’ve reacted or not reacted in certain instances for which you were convicted of taking the wrong approach. Here are Webster’s definitions of two words that really have opposite meanings.

Religion – A personal set of institutionalized systems of attitudes, beliefs or practices

Truth - A transcendent (beyond the limit of possibility) statement that is a fundamental or spiritual reality

If I were to believe that the dictionary is correct in defining these two words, I would have to ascertain, that Christ would better fit the category of “truth”. So why is it that we continue to indulge in religion? Is it because old habits are hard to break? Do we believe that tradition, serves more of a purpose in our lives than living in truth? Or, maybe it’s as simple as, we’ve become so bombarded by traditional religious practices that, we’re now stuck and don’t know how to free ourselves? Honestly, I’ve been through quite a bit in my 40 something years of life; so “yes” I simply can be somewhat of an authority when it comes to breaking through stereotypes, generalizations and religious barriers. I’ll make it clear as the nose on your face, in my description of “religion”. It is and always will be a way to divide people, make one feel rejected, and continue in practices that add nothing but confusion to a lost soul. Religion divides by giving individuals denominations, i.e. (Catholic, Protestant, Muslim or Baptist). Then I would guess, if one is new to the process of being born again, shouldn’t they just be told what is important? Which may be, you don’t have to be a certain denomination to make it into heaven (if you believe there is one)? Obviously according to the “word” or bible, that you choose to believe, you will have to live by that word’s “truth”, not by “religion” in order to have everlasting life. I’ve experienced religion in rejection; there have been times that I’ve visited certain churches and even with the people knowing that I was not a member, I could count on one hand how many of those members actually greeted me with open arms, a handshake or even love. Since I consider myself a true believer, I was able to contain without bitterness or even accept that I was being judged, for one reason or another. However, say for instance a person right off the street that doesn’t know Christ; how do you think a church that reacts this way would make this person feel? More than likely that new believer will not be coming back to visit said church. Confusion is probably one of my biggest pet peeves. It’s hurtful, vindictive and it certainly aids to mental instability. Religion harbors confusion by making tradition more important than the word of God, i.e. selling dinners, car washes, and bake sales to bring money into the church. Well the word, asks us to give, give and do more giving; that would be one way of having your pot overflowing; you really don’t need all these extra incentives to bring money into the church. If there’s anything I’d rather be stuck in, it would be the truth; at least I know I will continue to grow, while never changing what I believe.

Stuck in a relationship…are you kidding me? How is it that we can buy a car every few years, change our hair, and even for some, come up with a totally different face; but unable to break loose from a bad relationship? Or even worse, we pick the same characteristics over and over again in different people. Which means you have that same person; that person just has a different face. This one has the easiest remedy of all. Start choosing people that are directly the opposite of what you usually choose. I’m not saying, it’s a proven science, but at least you’ll be on the track to finding out what it is that makes you happy. Love is difficult enough, when you’re in a great relationship; because it takes work to maintain it. Why make your life miserable by repeating the same cycle of degrading redundancy again and again. Have you ever heard the old saying “glutant for punishment”, in other words, you enjoy being unhappy? A reality check is something we all need to do, now and again.

Stuck in a job and being stuck at a certain weight (over weight) has to be just as miserable as a bad relationship. For me, what makes this worse, is the fact that most of us know how to get out of these bitter circumstances, but do nothing to achieve the goal. I understand that the economy is horrible right now, there are many suffering from losing their jobs, homes and for some even their dignity; but if you ever needed to fight, than the time is “NOW”. Start considering starting your own company, work at home opportunities, coming together with family and close friends to create businesses. STOP expecting your circumstances to change, if you don’t make changes. I know that God hears prayer; but wouldn’t you also agree that he acts quicker when he sees your reaction to that negative circumstance? We can’t expect our President to solve everyone’s joblessness in 4 years; that’s impossible. I know that he has to make plans also to help our economy, and to even get us started in coming back from this detriment. But we as a Nation still have to do our part, by coming up with ways to get people motivated and wanting to also help this economy. Our Nation can’t survive these continuous impacts, if we do not start opening up more businesses that help people to get back in the work force. A couple of months ago, I heard a Pastor on TBN state: There are countless unemployed people right now in our country; many of these same people should actually be business owners and hiring other unemployed people. That truth can’t be said enough; we need everyone to start thinking out of the box, and making plans as if there is no tomorrow.

Last but not least, stuck at a certain weight... I have to admit, I would love to be a size 5/6 right now; but because I sometimes over indulge, and then not put out the exercise to counteract my calories, hence my weight fluctuates. There aren’t enough words that I can write at this time to state how important it is, to get exercise. It gives you energy, changes your mood, aids in a better love life, and fuels the brain and the best part of it all, you will LOSE weight. Being stuck fat or uncomfortable, only gives you an excuse to not do everything else. Even if you walk to the corner store, take two laps around the community swimming pool, or just vacuuming every room in your house; make an attempt to move your body and keep active. The worse that could happen is you get tired, and then that would only mean, you’ll sleep better. Even better, less diseases, healthier children, more productive minds; it could even mean a better economy.

The moral of everything I’ve just stated is, being “stuck” is a problem that we all can overcome. We would even find ourselves being more tolerant and caring to others if we weren’t “stuck” in our old habits.

Thank you for listening to me vent.

L.E. Brown / http://facebook.com/ReALBLoGs