Q: In your book, Overcoming
Hurtful Words, you refer to rest as
collecting strength. How are these
two concepts interrelated?
A: An aha moment came to me
as I was studying and preparing
for an upcoming online course
I was developing. As I read and
then began researching Matthew
11:28-30, I discovered a deeper
meaning to the verb “rest.” In the
Greek, anapauo is defined, “To
cause or permit one to cease
from any movement or labour
in order to recover and collect
strength.” I distinctly remember
gasping as I read the latter part of
that definition. In order to recover
or collect strength. Prior to reading
this, I did equate rest with getting
a massage or going on vacation,
but in its truest sense, it simply
invites us “to collect strength.”
This looks different for everyone,
doesn’t it? And, it doesn’t typically
cost any money. I collect strength
by riding my bike, beachcombing
for moon shells, going to a yoga
class, writing in my journal or
setting a beautiful table and
making a great meal. Most
importantly, this is a daily practice.
I concluded that a heart at rest is
a heart at its best. Ready to face
the day with collected strength,
not depletion and strain.
Q: You say we must give ourselves
permission to collect strength (i.e.,
to rest): Why do you feel giving
ourselves permission is important?
A: I’ve listened to countless
women, in my private practice, in
my friendships, and in conference
settings, speak from a place
of total emotional exhaustion.
Phrases like, “I am done,” and “I
can’t take anymore,” and “Why
can’t I handle it all?” repeatedly
being voiced. In a culture that
beats to the drum of “more, more,
more,” rest is often interpreted
as selfish or unnecessary. Take
vitamins. Work out. Get organized.
“Do” this and that. When we give
ourselves permission to collect
strength, we move through life
from a healthy place and at a
healthy pace. Fractured and
frazzled becomes calm and col-
lected. Hurry and scurry becomes
well-balanced and centered.
Q: You quote Anne Lindberg: “If
one is out of touch with oneself,
then one cannot touch others.”
How do we lose touch with
ourselves?
When we give ourselves permission to collect
strength, we move through life from a healthy
place and at a healthy pace.
Solutions 49