Stretching pays big dividends for our physical health. It increases strength, flexibility and range of motion –so we can do more, with less effort, or potential for injury.

A good stretch can reduce stress, and encourage positive feelings with a release of endorphins. It can also improve circulation

The Challenge:

Our psyches need this kind of care too. Can we benefit from stretching in other ways — with prayer, imagination, expectation and leaps of faith?

Negative circumstances (pandemic, politics, protests, economics, etc.), may overwhelm us if that’s where we focus our attention. There are better targets.

Could we stretch and release tension from knotted thoughts, as we can from muscle fiber? Imagine the warmth of increased circulation with a flow of confidence and creative energy!

The HOW-TO:

We could use the stretch found in Philippians 4:8:

^“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.”

Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Suze Orman, and many others became celebrities by encouraging us to live more fully, achieve greater goals, and discover increased passion. Their calls to action motivate us to ‘s-t-r-e-t-c-h’ beyond our fears or self-imposed limits.

Do you doubt you have anything to offer, that hasn’t already been said or done by others, including those celebrities we admire?

The truth is, you are a one-of-a-kind, totally unique creation with your own special views, dreams, and experience. Your voice is the only one qualified to share your particular wisdom and gifts with the world.

Try this verse on for size and feel the stretch.

^“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;  he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8).

We each have unique gifts, and we’re urged to use them.

Yes, great artworks already exist in multiple mediums – but none capture your particular vision. Great words have been written, but none in exactly the way that you can speak them (from your own experience and with your one-of-a-kind heart). Records have been set, but no one has run the race the way you can – with your personal strengths and style. Only you can be yourself.

Find your passion (for art, letters, music, or other expressions). Add your unique point of view, stir up faith (even a tiny grain). Mix with a lot of love. Apply liberally. Repeat.

Need a confidence booster? Try this one: (Repeat slowly, and let yourself feel the stretch).

“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

The Pay-Off

We can stretch our bodies to release tension, un-block nerve pathways, increase circulation, and increase flexibility and range-of-motion while reducing potential injury.

We can stretch our minds and hearts to make room for more blessings and love. When we stretch, we have a longer reach and more to share with others.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Here are a few final words of encouragement:

“… And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men.

Colossians 3:23

“…And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works”         

Hebrews 10:24

I hope I’ve just stretched far enough to do a bit of stirring. Thanks for sharing the workout.

Blessings, Love, and Laughter,

Margaret

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