Bad Thought Therapy™ (C. Chérie Hardy)

Is racism a spiritual or mental issue? Is it inherited or taught? A mother/daughter duo discusses their thoughts about racism and how to constructively deal with it. 

Humans, especially young ones, imitate (emulate) behavior that they see. Therefore, it is paramount that adults are good examples and SHOW, and not just “tell” how to be and do good. Parents and others must STRIVE to be empowering teachers of light; no role model is ever perfect, but each of us must make a sincere effort to be righteous. And when adults make mistakes, they can teach lessons on how to recover from them with dignity.

Sometimes, life is hard, but there are constructive ways to stay mentally, spiritually, emotionally...healthy. In this special episode, Tori Elder, a 25-year-old photographer, videographer, musician and aspiring author shares why many people in her generation struggle with mental health and ways they can stay strong and happy. Warning: The death of former Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst is mentioned in this podcast. 

Connect with Tori on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @notlikenix. 

Listen to Tori on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tori-nix/1549022414

When toxic thoughts are on the surface, they will come out in the worst ways possible. Let the violent brawl that happened in Alabama be a reminder that bad thoughts lead to bad actions. The good news is that we can heal our hearts and minds. Listen and learn.

We have the power to create. Making good memories is a powerful and transformative action that can literally save lives. Listen and learn.

Thank you for listening! Please be reminded that in June Spotify will move to Riverside and might interrupt this podcast. Please connect with me on social media as I re-organize #BadThoughtTherapy. Facebook and Instagram: @badthoughttherapy and Twitter: @losebadthoughts

I APPRECIATE you!

Learn how to make peace about your past. "If you don't let the past die, the past won't let you live."-Unknown

For more quotes go to: https://badthoughttherapy.blogspot.com/2022/09/quotes-about-past.html

Good News: You are free NOT to let negativity, your mistakes, your flaws, your failures.... keep you in mental bondage. Take some time to celebrate your emancipation from things that have kept you from living your best life and experiencing real joy and peace.

All the gun regulation in the world is NOT going to stop senseless violence. However, when we become courageous enough to live by the “Golden Rule”, that is, treat others the way we want to be treated, we will enjoy light and love around us. Righteousness means taking actions that help people—doing things that empower, uplift, support, build... Unrighteous thoughts are the root of all violence. Get some free “bad thought therapy”! Listen and learn.

Parts of "Short and Sweet" include inspirational messages based on Biblical stories by an unknown author. This episode focuses on walking by faith and not by sight. 

Some people have asked, "If God is real and so good, why do bad things happen?"  While the answers are not simple, one thing is clear: God does not kill, rape, abuse, steal...; people do those things. God does not intervene because He is not a gangster or bully. He is not going to force people to do what is right. It is only through a connection with Him that the world will change. This is not through religion, but RELATIONSHIP.  This episode encourages people to communicate with God about the problems in the world, especially those who are poor, young, old and defenseless. God is still merciful and hears the cries of people who petition Him. Using our spiritual power is the key to making our world better. 

This episode includes an inspirational message by an unknown author about being mindful about the people in your life. "The spirits and attitudes of the people AROUND YOU are transferable. You ARE going to become like the people you are around."

Life is beautiful, but there are times when we all face challenges and difficult moments. However, tribulation doesn't have to destroy us. We don't have to hurt ourselves and/or others because life isn't perfect. Find out what you can say and do to help children navigate through their pain, frustration, disappointment... Learn how to teach them that there are always treasures in the trouble and spiritual messages in the messes. 

Being a good parent is one of the toughest roles in the world. However, it is possible to help children fulfill their potential and experience greatness. While there is so much to do, being intentional about setting good examples increases the chances that a child will not experience a premature death due to bad character and destructive choices. Parents don't have to be perfect, but we must spend significant time and energy to being the BEST as the first and most critical teacher of our child's life. 

Listener Discretion Advised: This episode discusses sex trafficking and suicide. Here is a link to Keeya Vawar's interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7DFlb71USI Here is a link to her memoir, One Thousand Elsewhere: A True Survivor Story: https://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Elsewhere-Survivor-Story/dp/1736334042

Recently CNN shared an article about the dangerous levels of mercury found in skin whitening creams that are sold on major e-commerce sites. Most of these products are sold to people with darker skin with African heritage. Making peace inside and not internalizing negative, racist, one-dimensional standards of beauty is the cure for being obsessed with dangerously augmenting physical features outwardly. Comparing yourself with others strips away your ability to appreciate your own unique, divine beauty. Reject any ideology, person, platform or place that encourages you to change yourself to be accepted and respected. Take a listen to this special episode of #BadThoughtTherapy and check out this CNN news article:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/09/world/zmwg-skin-whitening-creams-mercury-ecommerce-sites-intl-cmd/index.html

No matter what, keep operating in excellence and doing good even when you are not recognized or respected. Everything you do is for the honor and glory of God. He sees your sacrifices, your work behind-the-scenes, and good deeds. He will reward you and on "that day" everything will be sweeter.

It's hard to get through flashbacks of painful memories, but the Most High God is faithful and He will help you release, heal, and move forward. Listen and learn.

There are two kinds of faith: delivering faith and sustaining faith. Listen and learn.

What is your vision? Memory is past. It is finite. Vision is future. It is infinite. Vision is greater than history, greater than baggage, greater than the emotional scars of the past."-Stephen R. Covey (1932-2012) #badthoughttherapy

Listener Discretion Advised. This episode discusses sexual assault. This is a sensitive issue and might create a negative trigger in some listeners. Here's the article about the Amir Riep and Jahsen Wint legal case.

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/courts/2023/02/07/rape-trial-against-two-former-ohio-state-football-players-begins/69859407007/

News stories are filled with avoidable tragedy. Learn about how to use one of God's greatest blessings, CHOICE, to make better decisions. #choices #betterchoices #betterchoicessavelives

The first and most important purpose of a woman involves being righteous; worshipping God; and serving Him, the One who created her.  This might be done in a myriad of ways; for example, through a career as a teacher, doctor, or business owner. This purpose also might (or might not) be connected to a man as a wife. However, women must be careful not to make men their idols. While women should respect men, they must be mindful that they never make men their god. God made the world, not a man. Women should honor righteous men, but they must make sure that their life is God-centered, not man-centered. God is perfect; a man is imperfect. Women should always seek God's wisdom and guidance to understand their purpose and how it will be manifested in their lives. Listen and learn.

"If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself."-Max Ehrmann Learn how to find peace by discovering the power of gratitude. #badthoughttherapy

Praise and expressing thanks is like medicine; it heals your mind, body, and spirit.

Thousands of people get infected with diseases, get hurt or killed, or lose so much because of sex-related issues. Why does this keep happening? Mainly because of the wrong thoughts about one of the humans' most sacred acts, sex. When people feed their lust, it will grow and lead to countless problems. On the other hand, when people choose love and commitment, life and sex is safer and sweeter. Listen and learn.

This third installment about anger management discusses (according to an American Psychological Association article) why some people are angrier than others as well as relaxation and calming techniques for managing this potentially dangerous emotion. Listen and Learn. 

Here are links about a couple, William and Zachary Zulock who allegedly adopted boys to sexually exploit them.

(New York Post) https://nypost.com/2023/01/20/couple-pimped-their-adopted-sons-out-to-pedophile-ring-report/

(Daily Mail) https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11658079/Gay-Atlanta-couple-charged-raping-adopted-sons-pimped-local-pedophiles.html

(Fox 26 Houston) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Du_DJEMEP4

You do not have to end your life. The world needs you. Make the choice to become an inspirational story instead of a negative statistic or tragedy. As long as you have a pulse, you have a purpose. Touch your chest. Do you feel a beat? That’s the evidence that you are supposed to be here. Whether you know it or not, our divine Creator wants you to alive; you can become an example of strength and triumph to show and tell the world.

While problems are an integral part of life, there are always solutions. However, they are rarely easy to find alone. Therefore, in moments of despair and depression, it’s critical to reach out to others. If you feel estranged from family or friends, call one of the hotlines listed below. Just know that whatever pain you feel right now can be healed. Taking your life is no guarantee that your pain will end. (There are stories of people being pronounced dead and were revived. Some of them shared being a place of unbearable pain.)

Throughout history people have endured hard times, but they have overcome them by having the right thoughts and attitude as well as engaging in the activities that constructively transformed their outlook and circumstances.

Here are some things that can work for you, too:

1. Open your heart to receive help. Believe that you can do what others have—triumph over trouble. Better days are ahead, but you must embrace this. As long as you have hope, you can experience sunshine after life’s storms.

2.  Connect with good people.   Join a group of people who understand what you are going through and are willing to help you heal.

3. Seek out medical, spiritual, or mental help to you get to the root of the problem. Problems cannot be solved until you understand where they come from and why they exist.

4. Shift your focus from what you perceive is bad and spend your time and energy looking at the good. There are so many things in your life to celebrate, but you must recognize them.

5. Don’t be afraid to let go of toxic relationships when you experience maltreatment, abuse, and disrespect. You increase your depression, disease, and despondency when choose to be around people who don’t your worth and value. You are priceless and deserve to be loved and honored.    If people don’t know this, stop trying to convince them. Continue to love them but let them go.

6. Engage in activities that build you instead of those that can destroy you. Using drugs and alcohol and/or misusing your body is only exacerbate the problems. When you do bad things, you are going to feel bad. It becomes a vicious cycle until you feel you can’t go on. You can stop this.

7. Give yourself time. Change is a process; it’s not an event. Take a small step toward getting better and keep going. Resist resorting to old bad habits until the new (good way) becomes normal. There is a reward for resisting negative thoughts and behavior.  You are a victor. Share your story of redemption with others. It will save lives.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800.273.8255

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

800.662. HELP (4357)

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

For some people, getting credit is as American as apple pie and baseball. Generally, we don't have the money to make big purchases, so we get loans and credit cards to help us. However, we usually end up paying for an item twice or multiple times after the fees and interest are added to the principal. While it's often difficult to avoid this money trick, it is possible. Some of the solutions to this problem is saving money, spending less, buying only what we can afford, and living within (or below) our means to circumvent this ensnaring pit of debt. At the same time, credit can be a financial paradox because if you are disciplined and savvy, it can benefit you. Listen and learn. 

Our Heavenly Father unconditionally loves you. When you talk to Him, He empathetically listens. However, if you treat Him like a "wish master", you will never have peace and joy. When He answers, "yes", "no", or "not now", it is for your good and His glory. The key to contentment (not complacency) is making sure your heart aligns with His will for you. He cares and even though He can supernaturally grant something you want, there are things in the natural that handling those blessings require. Are you sure that you can manage them? Take a listen and learn. 

"Some people endure so much pain just to teach the world how to heal."-Unknown

Listen and learn about ways to endure difficult circumstances.

"The LORD will keep you from all harm; He will watch over your life. The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."-Psalm 121:7-8

Why do so many Black men take the time to publicly and viciously talk about Black women and their weight? Why are their comments so hateful? In traditional West African culture, big women were considered beautiful and healthy. Could it be that Black men hate themselves, their mothers, their blackness...? Could it be that Black men have internalized the ideologies of other groups of people and believe that women from those other groups are better or more beautiful? Take a listen and get a framework for understanding why Black men continue to fat-shame other Black women. 

African-American people are not only plagued with racism by those outside of their community, but colorism deepens the racial pain because of the wounds that are created by people from "inside" the Black community. The negative psychological effects of favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin have weakened the strength of Black people and caused an unnecessary chasm among those who can least afford divisions that inhibit individual and collective growth and racial progression. 

Get a copy of the empowering children’s book, There’s Nothing Wrong Color of My Skin by Beth Bolden!

https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Nothing-Wrong-Color-Skin/dp/1491858370/ref=sr_1_28?crid=1Z618COEIQ0XO&keywords=beth+bolden&qid=1644983711&s=books&sprefix=beth+bolden%2Cstripbooks%2C167&sr=1-28

No matter what difficulty you face, just know that it will NOT destroy you

Despite counseling, most marriages end in separation and divorce. Bad advice is at the heart of the issue. If you want new outcomes and better relationships, you need new ideas about marriage. Listen and learn.

Your prayers against evil are more powerful than you know. Get off your phone and go to the throne. God hears; He answers. Don't get mad, get glad. Talk to God about healing the world!

Your power comes from your focus. Are you concentrating on things that build or destroy? Do you give your attention to things that are positive or negative? This episode offers tips for ways to be a better steward of your mental energy and time. 

In this episode, special guest, Yolanda Wilfork helps listeners understand how to accept the love of God. Here's the link for a life-saving prayer: https://infopaul-tees.com/blogs/news

If we want to see more compassion in the world, we must teach it, especially to children. The apathy and the thoughtless violence that we see in the world was created by people and can be eradicated by the actions of people. “Having compassion starts and ends with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves.”– Pema Chodron

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."-Proverbs 27:17

Stress is an integral aspect of life. Effective management is the key to staying healthy and happy. Listen and learn to #BadThoughtTherapy.

All humans face challenges and difficult circumstances, but God gives us the power to transform our pain into a purpose; our obstacles into opportunities; our trouble into treasure... Listen and learn. #badthoughttherapy

Sadly, two boys were killed and one injured this weekend in Atlanta due to senseless violence. Listen and learn about ways we can stop black-on-black crime. Here is the link to the news article: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/two-atlanta-teens-killed-birthday-investigators-increase-reward-50k

News article by Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/xavien-how... This episode is not about Xavien Howard, but how relationships without love with unrighteous men lead to pain, suffering, and even death. Listen and learn. #loveandrelationships #relationshipstress #relationshipadvice #relationships #badthoughttherapy

There is a difference between "schooling" and education. Understanding this is the key to empowering yourself and others. Our commUNITY is responsible for making sure our children know their history, not school systems. All we need are EDUCATORS who might not have a formal title or position, but have wisdom and knowledge, and are willing to share it with others. At the same time, we cannot teach about the past with a bitter lens of victimhood, but with a growth mindset of reflection to get the lessons to create a better future. When we focus on our creativity, resilience, strength, progress, natural brilliance, and character in spite our trauma then we can become indestructible and productive.

“Yet” is a short but mighty word. Yet has many different definitions; one of them is “at a future time and/or eventually”. Be encouraged. Hold fast to your dreams because they will be realized eventually. Whatever it is you are hoping for might not have happened YET, but just wait and keep doing GOOD. Your good seeds will become a plenteous harvest!

"To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd."-Psalm 18: 25 - 26 (NIV)

Dear Daughter,

Please be careful when involving money in your relationships. Too many women are losing their lives, minds, and money while trying to find love. As promised, here's the link to the message that inspired this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKVD5STmU9k&t=33s

This special episode of #badthoughttherapy includes guiding questions for deciding if you should rekindle a relationship from your past. #lifelessons #relationshipadvice #relationships

Thousands of people get infected with diseases, get hurt or killed, or lose so much because of sex-related issues. Why does this keep happening? Mainly because of the wrong thoughts about one of the humans' most sacred acts, sex. When people feed their lust, it will grow and lead to countless problems. On the other hand, when people choose love and commitment, life and sex is safer and sweeter. Listen and learn.

Words have incredible power; they can create life or death. Words can determine what we have or what we don't. Learn how to speak faith-filled words that are empowering to you and others. 

In this episode on "good religion", Dr. Peter Sherrill, the Director of the African Rights Division of the International Institute for African Scholars joins the conversation about ways we can stop abuse in the church. "Respect your pastor, but don't worship your pastor." 

This empowering episode about love and marriage shares critical things you should know and do BEFORE you get married. Men and women should clearly communicate their needs and expectations prior to "jumping the broom". Listen and learn. 

Stress doesn't have to steal our peace and joy. The key is knowing how to constructively manage it. The consequences of not managing stress are deadly. Learn how to live a happier life in spite of problems that are an integral part of life. Listen and learn. 

As long as we have life, we have the potential to heal from our bad experiences and mistakes. This episode shares critical actions for healing our hearts and minds and ways to begin the arduous journey of redemption and atonement. 

Ecclesiastes 1 (NIV)

"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world" is a line taken from one of my favorite poems, Desiderata. It was written in 1927 by a lawyer, businessman, and poet named Max Ehrmann (1872-1945). This beautiful literary work is filled with the timeless wisdom you need to achieve greatness. It gives me pleasure to share it with you now because "Bad Thought Therapy" strives to help you discover the silver lining behind life's dark clouds.

What we become, say, and do begins with what is in our heads. The good news is that we have the power to control which thoughts dominate our minds and which ones to listen to and follow. Therefore, it is critical to "think" about the message we can salvage from a "mess"; the opportunities in the obstacles; the treasures in the trouble; and the purpose in the pain.

Each human being is born with the valuable gift and superpower of choice. It is up to an individual to choose good over bad and right instead of wrong despite whatever he or she might experience. With love, I encourage you to decide in your heart and mind to live and not merely exist. Once good thoughts are tattooed in your brain, everything you need for your journey will manifest itself in amazing ways.

I hope you enjoy Ehrmann's poem as much as I have over the years.

Hatred is like a cancer. If the malignant tumor of hatred isn’t removed and treatment isn’t implemented, hatred will grow, spread, and have deadly consequences. Understanding what causes hatred is critical for healing our sick hearts and minds. Ultimately, it is deep spiritual work that creates remission and long-lasting wellness. #FreeYourselfFromHatred

Is gold really valuable? Think about it: Gold cannot heal your body. You cannot eat or drink it. You can't build a car or home with it. Gold will not make your car run. The trick is someone placed a value on gold. In other words, it's only valuable because someone said it was. Is this the truth or a lie? Listen to this empowering episode and find out how not to get tricked into spending your money on something that cannot help or save humanity. 

“Money is an excellent servant, but a terrible master.”—P. T. Barnum

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”—I Timothy 6:10 (NIV)

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”—Mark 8:6 (NKJV)

The Jayceon Charles tragedy is a parent's worst nightmare. Jayceon is an eight-year-old boy who is currently in ICU in Arkansas. The child had gone to a sleepover as a healthy and happy boy, but now he is barely alive with burns over 80% of his body. According to Jayceon’s parents, their beloved son called them while at the sleepover, and hung up the phone. When they called back, they could hear their son screaming. They rushed to the home of the sleepover and found their son’s body severely burned, covered with Vaseline, and wrapped in plastic. 911 was NEVER called. NO ONE HAS BEEN ARRESTED. This story has not been reported on any major news outlet. Here is the link to a Go Fund Me that has been started to help the family. https://www.gofundme.com/f/jayceon-charles

December 25th is the day that many people around the world commemorate the birth of Jesus (Savior), the Christ (Messiah). While historians are unsure of Jesus’s exact birthdate, they agree that Jesus was a real preacher whose ministry started in early AD. There are also people who have faith that Jesus was more than a minister or prophet. They believe that he was God’s only begotten son who was sent to Earth to redeem humankind’s relationship with Him. Moreover, Jesus was sent to teach people the truth about God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth because religious leaders had distorted His image and the meaning of true spirituality. Most importantly, Jesus was born to save people from their sins and eternal damnation.

Whatever your religious affiliation, you have absolutely nothing to lose by studying the life and teachings of Jesus, namely in the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) of the Holy Bible. It’s critical though that you pray for wisdom, understanding, and discernment prior to your study. It is just as crucial that you open your heart and mind to learn and grow spiritually. Remember, God is not a gangster; He doesn’t spiritually highjack you or force you to believe in Him. No, God is the ultimate gentleman who patiently and lovingly waits for you to open your heart for Him to reside.

As you begin and continue your life-transforming study of Jesus’s life, ask God for wisdom on how to apply the lessons you are gleaning. The Bible is not a book written to you. However, it is a compilation of true stories about what people did during a certain period of time in history and God’s interaction with those people. Therefore, you must seek out the principles in each story. When you get quiet, reflect, and meditate on what you have read, the Holy Spirit will customize the lessons according to your own personal needs. When you apply what Jesus taught, your life will be constructively transformed forever. You will experience greater love, peace, joy, and so much more.

To know Jesus is to know unconditional love; when there is no Jesus, there is no love. Try and experience for yourself the power of Jesus. Your connection and your acceptance of him as your Savior will lead to eternal life.

Every day, newspapers, magazines, and social media platforms are filled with stories of people in ministry engaging in sexual deviation. The episode discusses why this happens and ways to STOP it. 

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, relationships don't last. However, while breakups are often very painful, healing your broken heart is possible. It takes time, but once you learn how to constructively deal with your emotions, you can move forward and be happy. 

We all have seasons of painful setbacks. However, it is not how many times you fall; what is important is getting back up after difficult seasons. There are countless examples of people throughout history who overcame challenges and achieved their goals. Be encouraged. Do not give up. Keep moving toward a better place, even when you haven't worked out all the "how's".

We cannot become our best selves if we are working 24/7. Learn lessons on why we need to "pause" and stop focusing on our long things-to-do list and take some time to rest, reflect, read, pray.... The truth is nothing catastrophic will happen if we take time to do nothing. There are countless blessings when we prioritize our lives and make our spiritual lives above everything else. 

Our loving Father gives us grace to set things right. Don't miss your moment!

A disturbing video from 2016 involving Sean Combs has been released publicly for the first time. Why do so many men hurt women and how do we stop it is discussed in this episode. Here is the link to CNN's report on a violent attack against Cassie Ventura: https://www.cnn.com/travel/kazakhstan-destination-wedding-romance-chance-encounters/index.html?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc

All humans need recognition, validation and affirmation. What should you do when you do not receive the awards that you feel you deserve? We can learn so much from Beyonce's history-making musical career. We must learn to continue with the highest level of excellence despite not always being acknowledged. Rewards (blessings) come from God; they are eternal and are more valuable than the awards. Remember to keep doing good and strive to be your personal best. Don't seek out awards, but be grateful for the priceless rewards of love, peace, health, favor....Listen and learn.

Are you operating in mediocrity or EXCELLENCE? Listen and be inspired.

This message is for any man who wants to be a "GOOD" man, husband, and father. You will discover a secret that is rarely discussed about how to restore, repair, and reconcile your relationship with your children. Listen and learn.

Being whole doesn't mean that we are perfect, but it happens when we intentionally commit to consistently investing in ourselves to be and do our best. While we can love all people, we can only have strong relationships with those who make the effort to be introspective, accountable, humble, and unselfish. The poem, "Celebration" by Mari Evans (1919 - 2017) gives an inspirational message about "wholeness". 

The "Short and Sweet" series of Bad Thought Therapy™ shares inspirational messages (by an unknown author) to Christian listeners. 

Scripture: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience._-Colossians 3: 12 (NIV)

Sharon L. Almon, the author of More Than A Paycheck, shares essential lessons for having a long and healthy marriage despite challenging times. She and her husband, Maurice, have been married for 40 years. Her book can be purchased from her website: www.sharonlalmon.com. Listen and learn with #BadThoughtTherapy.

It is inevitable that in some point in our lives, we will feel insulted. Knowing the right ways to respond to insults can save your life, reputation, money, freedom... While it hurts to be the subject of jokes, put-downs, name-calling, slander...hitting another human being is NEVER an acceptable reaction. In this special episode, professional educator and guidance guidance, Tiffany Brock and the host discuss "the Will Smith incident" at the 94th Academy Awards Ceremony. 

Life can be so overwhelming sometimes that we feel weak and stagnant. However, prayer, communication with God, can strengthen us and help us see and feel The Almighty's presence. The problems that we face are not created by God, but by people who have chosen to live according to their flesh instead of the holy spirit. And because God is the ultimate Gentlemen and does not force us to do what is right, we suffer. At the same time, His unfailing love can transform us and renew our hearts and mind. God will restore us and heal our minds when we ask Him to.

The first step to peace is going to God with a sincere and humble heart even when you've made mistakes and committed wrongdoing. In fact, that is the time that you need to go to God the most. He has been waiting on you to cast your cares upon Him. Moreover, you will never have to worry about being judged, ridiculed, criticized, shamed, or talked about. Because He loves you, your secrets are safe with the Almighty. Come to Him with your burdens and He will give you rest. And, discover a preternatural, indescribable peace no matter what you face.

Remember, God doesn't change life, He changes us. A relationship with Him does not exempt us from difficult circumstances. However, a personal connection  with Him allows us to see the treasures in our trouble, the messages in our messes, and opportunities in our obstacles.

Lastly, remember to make prayer a daily practice. Pray without ceasing and taste and see that the LORD is good. Every time you pray, your relationship with Him becomes stronger. This is what allows you to trust Him and know that God is faithful to hear our cries and guide us to the solutions to our problems.

Your pearls are beautiful, but everyone will not receive them. Be careful about with whom you share your pearls. Listen and learn. #badthoughttherapy

While hard times can be frustrating, disappointing, and painful, they can also be powerful teachers. Knowing the strategies to get through difficult seasons can save your sanity and most importantly, enrich your life. Hope and trust in God is the he greatest and most enduring lesson that hard times can teach you. 

The word, heal" is a verb which means to make free from injury or disease : to make sound or whole or to cause (an undesirable condition) to be overcome. While it takes time and effort, healing is possible when you take ownership of your life; it is a process that you must intentionally engage with purpose and hope. Shifting your focus from what the toxic person did to what God saved you from, is a powerful stepping stone to healing. After your ashes, there will be peace and joy. Believe.

God is perfect; men are imperfect. Follow God, not men so you can maintain and strengthen your faith. This episode was inspired by what happened recently at East Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church. You don't have to fall when pastors do.

You can talk about your sins and mistakes, but God is not listening. He has forgiven you and forgotten about your sin. Accept His love, mercy and gifts. Listen and learn. 

Life can be so overwhelming sometimes that we feel weak and stagnant. However, prayer, communication with God, can strengthen us and help us see and feel The Almighty's presence. The problems that we face are not created by God, but by people who have chosen to live according to their flesh instead of the holy spirit. And because God is the ultimate Gentlemen and does not force us to do what is right, we suffer. At the same time, His unfailing love can transform us and renew our hearts and mind. God will restore us and heal our minds when we ask Him to.

The first step to peace is going to God with a sincere and humble heart even when you've made mistakes and committed wrongdoing. In fact, that is the time that you need to go to God the most. He has been waiting on you to cast your cares upon Him. Moreover, you will never have to worry about being judged, ridiculed, criticized, shamed, or talked about. Because He loves you, your secrets are safe with the Almighty. Come to Him with your burdens and He will give you rest. And, discover a preternatural, indescribable peace no matter what you face.

Remember, God doesn't change life, He changes us. A relationship with Him does not exempt us from difficult circumstances. However, a personal connection  with Him allows us to see the treasures in our trouble, the messages in our messes, and opportunities in our obstacles.

Lastly, remember to make prayer a daily practice. Pray without ceasing and taste and see that the LORD is good. Every time you pray, your relationship with Him becomes stronger. This is what allows you to trust Him and know that God is faithful to hear our cries and guide us to the solutions to our problems. Feel free to email badthoughttherapy@gmail.com, if you would like a copy of this special prayer. Peace and blessings. 

How can we protect young, gullible minds from movies, messages, and music that glorifies sexual perversion, violence, misogyny, drug use, materialism...? This discussion emphasizes the importance of responsible adults to teach children the truth about how the human brain is influenced by what people see and hear. 

Ecclesiastes 3 (NIV)

Dear Daughters, There are countless good men on Earth. This episode shares the characteristics of some of the good men who I am blessed to personally know. Listen and learn.

Scammers are out to get your hard-earned money. This episode is part two of how to avoid the evil people who want to steal your hard-earned money. #badthoughttherapy #avoidscammers #scammeralert #moneymatters

In this episode, learn how to resist being obsessed with your physical appearance. While it is good to strive to look your best, BEING your BEST is far more important. This episode teaches you how to love yourself and make peace about how you look. It all begins with replacing toxic thoughts about beauty with healthy ones. “The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.”—Audrey Hepburn (1929 – 1993)

Discover your true oasis during "dry" seasons of your life.

"Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever."-Deuteronomy 34:7

When you are feeling discouraged, remember this powering poem, "Footprints in the Sand".

"One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."-Author Unknown

This episode includes discussions about sex. Listener discretion is advised. Because of sexual perversion and promiscuity, people are losing their minds, bodies, and souls. Here's the link to Tony Gaskin's episode on the downlow epidemic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11uR99W7RrU

There are times in our lives when a stranger, person we do not know, will share a word of encouragement at the time when we feel like giving up. These people remind us that God will never leave or forsake us. Open your heart to listen to them.

“The oldest, shortest words, 'yes' and 'no', are those which require the most thought.”—Pythagoras (570 BC – 495 BC)

The word, “No”, is an effective life preserver that often prevents us from drowning in our carnal desires because we don’t NEED everything we want anyway. In fact, some of things we want are harmful and take us away from doing good. It is important to keep the following in mind the next time you experience a no: if you were living without something in the past or present, you can continue living without it in the future. Believe that “NO” can be an acronym for “Next Opportunity” or “New Options.”

How much do apologies matter? Can they take away painful memories or heal broken hearts? Listen and learn.

Spotify is changing, so please connect with me on social media as I reorganize this podcast. Thank you!

Facebook and Instagram: @badthoughttherapy

Twitter: @losebadthoughts

#apologies #seancombs #badthoughttherapy

When you make peace about your physical appearance and let the light and love within you emanate outwardly, you can experience true joy and navigate through life with confidence. There will always be miserable people who get fuel by criticizing and putting others down. Tune out their voices and shift your focus on the Creator, the One who wonderfully made you. 

Your secret prayers are powerful to change bad situations. Listen and learn. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."-Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I wills ay of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"-Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

What happens when we turn away from evil and strive to do good? Listen and learn.

Please subscribe to my budding YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJI-MiTXnfBprLrUMugaaAw Thank you!

The time between thinking about something and acting on your thoughts is sacred. In fact, it can be a matter of life and death or a matter of suffering or experiencing joy. Listen and learn.