Duct Tape Therapy
July 17, 2009 // By: Bob Hamp // 4 Comments
I once heard a comedian elaborating on the incredible restorative power of duct tape. He said it can fix anything. He then described an incident of driving down the road when the CHECK ENGINE light on the dashboard came on. He promptly pulled over, grabbed a roll of duct tape, covered the light and drove on. Genius. We would never do this of course.
Oh wait…what if we actually teach one another to do this very thing.
What if we have indicators in our lives that are designed to warn us when things are not quite right? What if these indicators are given to us and designed not only to tell us that something is wrong, but can actually help us learn what is wrong? If we had such indicators in our soul it would be ridiculous to cover them up and ignore the information they can provide us.
The Christian world has been told for years that their feelings will deceive them. People who are afraid of their emotions can use this idea to distance themselves from feelings that are uncomfortable. I would like to go on record at this point to dispute this dangerous idea that our feelings will deceive us. I am convinced that our feelings will always tell us the truth. Not necessarily the truth about reality, but the truth about what we believe.
Keep in mind that when I use the word “believe” I am not referring to the intentional choice to agree with an idea. I am referring to the programming of our soul which in many instances may be hidden from our awareness. It is this very hidden-ness which necessitates indicators. Our emotions, acknowledged and understood can help identify places in our soul where God would like to operate. They can also help indicate places where God is already operating!
Feelings like confusion, frustration, agitation, fear, and others like them can help us identify areas in our hearts where God would like more access. Feelings like joy, peace, and affection, can show us places where God has full access.
Slow down, let your spirit catch up…then ask yourself, ask God…what are these feelings and where did they come from? What can they tell me about the contents and the arrangement of my soul? Are these feelings like God? Are they different from God?
Leave the duct tape in the trunk. Take an honest look. God is not afraid of your honesty.
4 Comments
I was flying through Bangkok a couple of years ago. The flight just paused and let off and took on a few passengers on the way to Mumbai India. We had to remain on the flight. I noticed a guy “repairing” a flap on the wing of our plane. It was evidently sticking. He was spraying it with WD40 and banging it with a rubber mallet. I thought”If he pulls out the duct tape I’m getting off”. Great blog today, thanks Bob!
those are markings on the marker board behind Sabrina
“I am convinced that our feelings will always tell us the truth. Not necessarily the truth about reality, but the truth about what we believe.” Was just having a conversation with a close friend today about this very issue. Seeing life’s circumstances as truth – even if it’s not truth – because of what the soul believes from prior tragedies against us. So looking forward to Kairos this weekend to dig beyond what I learned my first time and continue allowing God to peel back the layers of my past and hurts. This friend is also coming as a result of hearing about this ministry. Thank you so much the Freedom ministry!
He already knows.