“If you don’t make time for your rest, you will be forced to make time for your exhaustion,” says Eliza Huie. She is the author of multiple books and serves as a biblical counselor. Eliza tackles the hefty topic of stress and anxiety - and how those two things overlap and affect not only our spiritual and emotional well-being, but also our physical health. It’s very important to deal with our stress, Eliza advises, because it impacts every area of our life whether we recognize it or not. In order for us to care for others in a fruitful way, we need to take care of ourselves. Christians must embrace healthy prayer and common sense self-care practices to remain active, engaged, and at peace no matter the circumstances.

TAKEAWAYS

Pay attention to what your physical body is telling you

Stress is contagious - it can rub off on you from other people and vice versa

There are times when it is appropriate and wise to put boundaries within the context of relationships

Stress tends to have a compounding effect over time and if not addressed, can lead to disease and possibly death

Washington Watch with Tony Perkins

Nina and Michelle recap their 10th season.

Washington Watch with Tony Perkins

What does it mean to persevere - what kind of strength does it take? Perseverance is something Donna Snow personally encountered and now lives to teach others how to master. After discovering her husband’s multiple affairs 15 years ago, she had to learn how to take one painful day at a time while on her journey of healing and forgiveness. Nothing should stop you from persevering no matter what happens to you or what you’ve done, she says. Donna suggests praying your way through the challenges of life, and discusses in detail the subject of forgiveness. Jesus died so that we can be free, and we are truly blessed to be able to forgive others as He forgave us - even when they do not deserve it. Forgiveness is a biblical command.

TAKEAWAYS

Perseverance means getting up every day and facing life’s challenges even when you don’t want to and being obedient to the Lord

Someone who has been strengthened through the trials and fires of life is more relatable to others who are suffering similar challenges

Forgiveness is God’s wonderful gift to us and one we should always give to others

Marriage is not about two halves coming together - it’s about two whole, individual people putting Jesus first

Washington Watch with Tony Perkins

Many people don’t realize how dangerous the world can be for those who are blind. Hero Kelvin Crosby suffers from both blindness and deafness and shares about his severe disadvantages, multiple suicide attempts, even his narrow escape from almost being killed crossing the street on three separate occasions. After he was struck by a taxi in New York City in sub-zero temperatures, he knew he had to do something to help other visually impaired people be able to cross the street safely. Shortly after, he ingeniously created the See Me Cane. He advocates for a type of “defensive walking,” which is helpful for blind people walking in specifically low-light situations. Defensive walking cultivates a cautionary environment that helps others react to what you are doing rather than the other way around, Kelvin explains.

TAKEAWAYS

You can donate to help Kelvin raise another $500,000, which will allow him to produce another 2,500 See Me Canes at SeeMeCane.com

Perseverance is the perfect word to describe Kelvin’s attitude when facing many obstacles and difficulties in life

Kelvin also suffers from Usher syndrome type 2, which causes hearing and vision loss

God has been guiding Kelvin’s every step throughout his childhood years, multiple suicide attempts, and the creation of See Me Cane

Washington Watch with Tony Perkins

Angela Finley was heading to her cell in the county jail to serve time for drug trafficking when a small blue bible caught her eye, nestled amid a pile of reading material available to inmates. Between her cellmate reading scripture out loud and Angela diving into the word of God personally, this critical truth changed her life. It brought her into a relationship with Jesus Christ. When Angela was released from prison, she was inspired to advocate for change and empowerment for other former inmates reintegrating into society by founding her inspiring organization, No Handz Down. Today, she helps former inmates find housing, provides them with clothes, and assists them in creating a resume, all while helping them embrace their new identity in the Lord Jesus Christ. She also addresses the power of forgiveness and prayer.

TAKEAWAYS

Read Angela’s book, Divine Deliverance: How to Emerge from the Shadows (A Guide to Finding Faith and Freedom)

Turn your perseverance into faith and unlock the power God has given you to overcome any obstacles

The biggest issues facing those leaving the prison system is housing, finding a job, and reuniting with family members

Angela’s ministry helps former prisoners get adjusted to living in normal society as quick and smooth as possible