pain

The struggle is real God is too

Lately I’ve been working hard on overcoming fears. I’ve been experiencing some stress. I’ve learned that when you have those feelings it can lead to being fearful. Depression can lead to anxiety too. I’ll give you an example, back in October 2021, my mother had been infected with COVID-19. For those ten days, I did not leave her side. The reason I stayed by her side so much is because I knew that Covid could do really strange things, plus she’s elderly, and with diabetes I knew Covid was nothing to joke about.

On one occasion, she went to take a shower – after some time I called out to her, and I realized she was unresponsive. I went over to the shower, and she just sat there on her shower chair but could not answer me. It seemed as though she had fainted or became unconscious. She could not get out of the bathtub. I had to call EMS, and they had to come and carry her out. She was dizzy and had a really huge headache. Ever since then I’ve had some fear while taking a simple shower. However, I’ve worked on relieving that anxiety and have overcome it. Some of the ways I’ve overcome is through prayer and through focusing on breathing techniques. When you relax your mind, your body relaxes too.

Another fear I’ve experienced before is a fear of flying. I have flown several times, but it’s something that stops me from travel at times. Just today I was looking to book a flight to somewhere though. I thought that maybe I can put together a meeting at a hotel for my Writing group members at some point. Maybe we could all meet in person for once and not only virtually like we’ve been for almost six months. My point in writing this is to remind you that the struggle is real in life, but God is still in control.

God is the one that will be there when we fear, when we feel alone, sad, or experience loss. He will be there for us. He will comfort through a friend, a kind gesture, or through a phone call. We will be assured that everything will be alright. It may be through a doctor, a teacher, or maybe through some form of encouragement we had not gotten before. God helps us through each other.

We will experience hardship in life, most definitely, but we are meant to lead each other through. Often times we help in ways we have not even realized. That’s the beauty of life. We are all connected. In physics, there’s this theory called entanglement. “When two particles such as a pair of photons or electrons becoming entangled, they remain connected even when separated by vast distances.”

Two particles can be on opposite ends of the earth, one can be in Los Angeles and one in New York, for example, but they will imitate each other and even behave the same. Did you know that the entire universe is made up of this entanglement? It’s true. In my opinion, we are entangled with God. The Bible tells us that we are made ‘in his likeness and image.’ We are all connected.

No matter how much hardship you have had, no matter what you go through, or any pain that has caused you sadness – it can be overcome. You can heal, feel better, and there will be a new day, a new experience, and new doors will open. We are moving through this universe from moment to moment.

God foresaw that we would all need him. God knew we would have some hard times. God is omnipresent and can be everywhere. He is all loving and kind. We are all under a cosmic order created by a master artist whose design cannot be duplicated, and we are loved beyond measure.

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best-selling book(s), Not Without God: A Story of Survival and Not Without God: Hope In the Storm. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. She’s also been featured on The Neil Haley (media giant’s) Show, The Intuitive Edge podcast, and on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’broadcast as well as Grace and Truth Radio World!

Zina’s written several hundred articles and has taught thousands of students from all over the world from many different backgrounds and parts of the world. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog, and the Southern Writers magazine among many other places. Last August she created the “Writing Because I Can’t Not Write Group” meetings and workshops where aspiring and seasoned authors network and learn together.

Zina writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She likes to write about health and diet also and loves to help others. Her latest book, Not Without God: Hope In the Storm was published last year.

God Will Always Be There…💞

Relationships may fail. Family may disappoint. But God will always be there. He is the one thing that is constant in our lives. No matter what you go through, he will be by your side. We may not even realize it, but he waits, patiently. He does not force his ways. God gives us free will to make decisions. Although he sees every outcome. He knows the route we will take. So he always sees the result. He is there to pick us up when we fall. He will hold us together when we are hurt. He will console us in times of trouble. God’s love will enfold you. Amid the pain, you will know, that God’s love will bring you through.

Recently I was having a little anxiety about all the tasks set before me. I kept thinking about my future and how it will be. I lost my dad a few years ago and my responsibilities have grown. I helped care for him before, and now I am still helping mom. I felt a lot of pressure. Life can be difficult and caring for others can make it harder. God whispered in my heart, “Keep on going. I will get you through. Work through these feelings.” I got up. Went about my day. Completed the difficult stuff and thanked him.

I also learned that being in God’s perfect will does not mean that life should be “perfect,” either, it may be difficult, but in the end, you won’t regret staying on his path. God can heal us, give us strength, and help us overcome. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and omnipresent. God is Love.

You may wish for something, for example, and sometimes our wishes come true when we least expect it. I wrote an article before describing how prayers get answered. One way or the other, God will answer you. No prayer is unheard. Whether you are praying for deliverance from something, good health, or more finances, God hears you. His voice often comes to me directly after I make a request. I get especially strong feelings after just reading the Bible.

Having a relationship with God is like exercising a muscle, the more you practice having it, the stronger it gets. You can hear him clearer. You get instant feedback. There’s a reason your wish has not been met. Whether or not you understand is not what makes the difference. What makes the difference is whether you trust him enough and ask for his counsel. In due time, good things will happen to you. All things are possible God.

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best-selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. She’s recently been featured on the Intuitive Edge podcast! She’s also been on ESPN’s “Solutions from the Huddle” broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World! Zina’s written several hundred articles and has taught thousands of students of all ages from many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog, and the Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She also writes on health and diet and loves to help others. Her latest book, Not Without God: Hope In the Storm is live and for sale! You can order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Without-God-Hope-Storm-ebook/dp/B09P9T2DLT

God loves you as if there’s only you♥️

The universe goes on infinitely far. There are billions upon billions of galaxies and more stars than you can fathom. There is more out there than we can even imagine. You cannot see all of it but only what you experience before your eyes. It is the same with God’s love, you cannot experience all of it, it is infinite. And God can even love each of us as if we’re the only ones here. He cares about your every move, success, failure, and heartbreak. God wants what’s best.

That is not to say we won’t suffer hardship or go through trials. There is no way of avoiding pain. It’s a part of life. We live in a universe where each person is unique. No two people are exactly alike. God is omnipresent and can be everywhere all at once. At times it doesn’t appear that he cares, but we have to trust in his plan even when things are not going well. We may never fully understand but seek his face in good times and in bad. He will always make a way. He will bring you through. You will come out on the other side better and stronger than before.

God is in control. The greatest physicists like to say there is a “cosmic order.” Every thought we have, every action we take is our “particles” playing out and being fully governed by physical law… says Brian Greene, world renowned physicist. There is this “divine order” with God as the greatest designer!

We do have free will to make choices, though. One of my favorite pastor’s and New York Times best selling author, Greg Boyd, has said that God sees all of the possible choices we can make and he has a plan for whatever route you take. Sometimes we make the wrong decisions and cause ourselves to be hurt. Sometimes we make the right ones and everything is great! Whatever we choose, God loves us the same. He is there to console us. Ask him to lead and guide you; ask for spiritual direction and to be wise, and to help you follow his path all the days of your life.♥️

About Zina

Repent. And be Glad.🌤🌞🌻

With God all things are possible. It’s hard for that to register in a world that’s so bleak and dim, in a world filled with war, hopelessness, disease, and fear. What we have to realize is that part of the ‘call’ is to not only believe in life everlasting but to live with an undying hope. What does this hope say in dark times? There is a God. What is the promise for those in pain or suffering? There is a God and you will get through this. Getting through is just that. It doesn’t mean we can work around it, ignore it, skip over it, or escape it means we have to get through it! There is hope on the other side if our intentions are pure–there will be a rainbow at the end of it. There will be a sunshine. There will be whispers in your heart that say, “Keep going. I am God,” and “Don’t give up.” There is a glory that awaits us on the other side. And sometimes we’re lucky enough to catch glimpses and “specs” of it while we’re here. But it awaits. Repent. Praise God and be grateful that he always forgives even when we mess up daily.☀️🌈🛡️⚔️☦️

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. She’s been featured on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World. Zina’s written more than 500 articles and has taught thousands of students from all over the world spanning many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog, and the Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She also writes on health and diet and loves to help others. Her latest book, Not Without God: Hope In the Storm is live and for sale! You can order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Without-God-Hope-Storm-ebook/dp/B09P9T2DLT

God Is Amazing💖

When I think about all God has done in my life I marvel. Now that doesn’t mean my life is perfect or that I have not had hardship—but when I think of all he’s brought me through I can’t help but stand in awe at how amazing he is! God has been the one thing that has always remained true. I’m sure you can relate. How often have you been abandoned with only God there to help you? You call out to him whether out loud or in your heart and he hears you. He comes to your aid. He rescues you. He gives you the sunshine☀️ in the morning and bright stars at night to mark the end of the day.🌟 He gives you enough love to fill your cup even when times are tough. It’s the friendly smile, caring call, his mighty Word, his house of worship, you know you will make it! He has uplifted you. Never give up on God or life because no matter how hard it gets he’s always there to give you another day and help you! His love is unconditional and like no other. There’s something God can bring that no one else can.❤️☀️💖🙏💚💐✨👑

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the best selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. Recently she was featured on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World. Zina’s written hundreds of articles and has taught thousands of students from all over the world spanning many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog and Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She has recently launched food services and is a major foodie! She loves to help others. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In, or Twitter.

Some Things I’ve Learned

These last few months have been particularly stressful, and I feel like my life has been flipped upside down. But I won’t get into all of that right now. What has happened will come up later. So stay tuned for more.

Nonetheless, I have not given up. In my book, there is no such thing as giving up! It is never too late to heal. But we cannot heal the things we don’t acknowledge. That’s right. We are able to heal ourselves.

We have a marvelous God who never gives up on us! I’ve always held onto what I know–God will get me through. After my accident at the age of sixteen years old, I didn’t know what the next day would bring.

I could not predict anything. But I knew that with God by my side, overcoming would become second nature. It did! Writing helps me process my thoughts. There are some things I’ve learned that I want to share.

There has been a lot of pain coming up in my mind. Solid truths that are undeniable and issues I avoid. But when you keep an open heart, you keep an open life! When you extend yourself it means a lot. People see your works and are inspired. They, too, may rise up and face challenges of their own.

Finally, let go of everything you think you are holding onto. Ultimately, you are not the one in control. So whenever fear tries to hold you back, remember to take risks. Fear tells us we have to hold tightly to our lives. But fear is a liar. Because God will see you through!

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About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the best-selling book, “Not Without God: A Story of Survival.” Her stories have been featured in various guest articles, medical journals, magazines, newsletters, and over 200 of her very own blog posts. She works as an English teacher in the Detroit area. She’s had the privilege of working with thousands of students from different backgrounds and parts of the world. She’s taught at automotive corporations like General Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. Zina began her own teaching services incorporating math and other subjects. She currently homeschools at churches and teaches creative and structured writing as well as other Language arts courses. Zina’s goal is to help others overcome adversity. She strives to do what she longs to. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Your Promise Is the Reason I Don’t Fear Solitude

Lord I feel your presence and I hear you whisper in my heart, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I know that life will be hard. But your promise is the reason I can be alone when others can’t. It’s why I’m not afraid of solitude. When I’m riding my bike, gently, you whisper in my heart: “This road will not be easy, but you will get through it. In the end you will be with me…forever!” ~my thoughts as a teenager

Don’t let anyone throw you off your trajectory. No matter what happens stay focused and on your path. Don’t get off balance. It is easy to get distracted. Some situations will hinder you. But if you stay on your course, sooner or later you will be rewarded. I’m constructing a self-help book for others to learn how to handle grief and overcome negative thoughts. I want it to be a quality work.

One of the questions I ask is, “Can you remember a time when God was really there for you?” Were you ever in a desperate place? A moment to moment kind-of-place? We’re you just confident you would overcome? Sometimes we know that God will deliver us. Jesus says, “ I will ask the Father and He will give you an advocate to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16). I am open to comments, and remember that writing your thoughts down can be a healthy pattern.

Writing Is a Way of Life

I write to process pain. It’s a channel to express my feelings—a way to self-evaluate. I examine my thoughts. The pen is my friend. Writing in journals and diaries helps me, and provides healing. Through ups and downs, I write.

I write for joy and for release. It truly is a spiritual practice when I share what’s inside my heart. I’m led by faith. Words will stick. Words will resonate, if they are meant to. Words will remain…in books, magazines, e-books, and the Amazon-book-seller page. But it’s about more than a platform – it’s a way to peace.

We live in a competitive world. Exposure holds a lot of weight. But number one, it’s about words. Don’t focus on the fame. Don’t focus on the pay. If you write a book or other publication, be encouraged; you are spreading your message. Your words will not only change the reader, but they will also change you!

For me it has to be about reaching people through my faith.

(This post is inspired by an article I submitted to the Breathe Christian Writer’s Conference blog.)

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the book Not Without God: A Story of Survival and created the Spinal Injury Solutions! website. Zina works as an English as a Second Language Instructor, and has been an educator for fifteen years. Her thousands of students have been from many parts of the world. She writes articles on faith and overcoming challenges, and her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, guest posts, newsletters, medical journals and other publications. To learn more about Zina visit http://zinahermez.com.

How to Defeat Pain

When you are in a painful situation, you can’t always see past it to a better future. It can be difficult to feel that things will ever change. You don’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. But the pain will pass! Everything changes. You have to be gracious. You have to stay thankful. You have to wait.

I encourage you to do that. I am trying to stay thankful in the midst of some stressful situations. When I fall apart it does not help much. So stay strong. Resilience is key. It’s about bouncing back. Don’t get stuck in “woe is me.”

When you rise above those negative feelings you soon realize that you have conquered them. You’ve overcome. You come back to grace… You come back to peace…

A changed mind is a very powerful thing! ~Zina Hermez

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the book Not Without God: A Story of Survival and created the Spinal Cord Injury Solutions! online website. Zina works as an English Language Instructor, and has been an educator for nearly fifteen years. Her thousands of students have been from many parts of the world, and she’s worked with all ages.

Zina writes articles on faith and overcoming disability, and her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, Spinal Cord Injury Zone, SCI Access, newsletters, and medical journals among many other various publications. To learn more about Zina visit http://zinahermez.com.