Vol. 3 Issue 4

Open Wounds Heal Faster

Every time I get a cut or a flesh wound, my first thought is to cover it up after I stop the bleeding. It's because I want to protect it from infection. And while there are times when covering a physical wound is necessary, I have found once the bleeding stops, leaving the wound exposed in the open air makes it heal faster. The newest form of bandaging is liquid brushed on the wound. When it dries, it leaves the wound open to get plenty of air while protecting it from infection. This week, we celebrate healing through overcoming tragedy. Unlike shallow flesh wounds, mental and emotional wounds can be hard to overcome. Moreover, if they are never acknowledged or the person or people group never feels valued. Yet, when deep hurts and wounds are acknowledged and validated, it's healing like open air flowing to an open physical wound. Wonderfully, the start of the healing process is immediate, and restoration is possible and likely. So while we mourn tragedy, we celebrate healing through acknowledging its pain, enduring and overcoming its destructive nature.

Life is all about overcoming.

For a biblical devotion in more depth, you can read it here: bibletc.com/read/overcoming

It is our privilege to pray with you. Send us your confidential prayer request

In His service,
Chaplain Michelle

About Us

The mission of Real Positive Vibes, RPV, is to help society move toward goodness, finding it within themselves by seeing it in others. RPV is a service of Church Builders Bible Training Center whose mission is to help each person discover their vision for life, find their passion, and focus their purpose. Our beliefs are interdenominational. We are unapologetic about our non-religious Christ-centeredness. Find out more: bibletc.com/vision

Approach. Affirm. Advance.

My challenge to you this week is to approach, affirm, and advance a person with whom you are in a challenging relationship. Identity where the challenge is and why you experience it. Approach them with an authentic affirmation with a smile to advance your relationship:

| "Good morning!"
| "That was a great article you wrote."
| "Thank you for the tip in the meeting yesterday."
|"Is there something I can do to help?"

Even if they are skeptical because of your prior interactions, keep it up without expectation. Remember why you are doing this to "overcome evil with good."

This is not being a doormat. Rather, this is choosing not to give your will to anger, hurt, and offense, destroying yourself. Give no focus to the static in this relationship. Instead, find a common ground and build on it.

Email us and let us how it goes. We may feature you in a future issue. realpositivevibes@thebibletrainingcenter.com

Further, if you want to keep spreading the positive vibes, here's how you can help:

| Forward this newsletter to a friend,
| Pray with us--may God bless this ministry.
| Volunteer your time and talent,
| Make a donation, or
| Sponsor us by purchasing an ad in the newsletter.

Outreach

Getting Out of Survival Mode

Each one of us has had a tough time in life when we just need to hide and hang with a sister to vent, get calm, and figure things out. In the process, trying out some new clothes for a very important day is the answer. My Sister's Closet of West Michigan is a service of Church Builders Bible Training Center to survivors of domestic violence, former incarceration, or other devastating tragedy to meet the need of one of the three basic needs of survival, clothing. We are in the planning stages with the goal of launching this fall. Find out more and how to volunteer here.

We Remember. We Mourn. We Change. We Celebrate.

“In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.” Brennan Manning, Abba's Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging

A wonderful sculpture that says, "We remember..." was added to the grounds of Frederik Meijer Gardens in memory of a great tragedy in our world's not so distant past. We honor those who were lost and remember them. May this tragedy will never be repeated.

Are You Crazy for Carbs?!

This video is five minutes of belly laughs. A merry heart is healing to the soul. Enjoy!