May 17, 2024 If Panic Attacks, Push BackJODI HARRIS Lee en español "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me." Psalm 94:19 (AMP) It came out of nowhere. My pounding heart skipped beats; my hands and feet grew cold and tingly. A slow numbing crept up my arms and legs. Shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea overwhelmed me. I thought I was having a heart attack as my husband drove me to the ER. Heart monitors and stress tests revealed a healthy heart, and I was sent home with a prescription to treat a possible panic attack. I felt like my body had betrayed me, and I now feared having another panic attack, perpetuating my anxiety. Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical reactions in situations where there appears to be no real danger, but our mind and body beg to differ. There is hope in biblical counseling, medication, diet and exercise, and other tools to navigate these attacks - and however He may work through doctors, counselors and friends around us, we know God is our ultimate source of help (Psalm 121:1-3). Personally, what I needed most was wisdom from God's Word. In Psalm 94, the psalmist also experienced anxiety. He lamented about how the wicked persecuted God's people with murderous words and actions: "How long will the wicked rejoice in triumph?" (Psalm 94:3, AMP). But he also resolved to shift his thinking and remember that God would "grant him [power to calm himself and find] peace in the days of adversity" (Psalm 94:13, AMP). And in our key verse, he declared,"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me" (Psalm 94:19). When my anxiety amplifies, how could I seek God's comfort and trust Him to give me the power to calm myself and find peace? Second Corinthians 1:3-4 says the “God of all comfort ... comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (ESV). I remember the first time I courageously shared my struggles with other believers. As they listened with empathy and acceptance, my anxieties lessened and were replaced with God's comfort. As a result, others began sharing their struggles, too, and God's comfort began to heal us. There is a concept in mental health counseling known as "empathetic witness" - the idea that sharing our pain with someone who really listens is deeply healing. When anxiety creeps into our hearts, minds and bodies, the enemy wants to shame us into silence and keep us from connecting with other believers - but we are created for community by a relational God. In our with-ness, God is with us. Sharing struggles takes practice, and it's vital to find a safe community. Let's encourage each other to share our sufferings so we can push back panic - even if it's just a little more each day - and be comforted by God's peace. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of the Church, the body of Christ. Together we usher in the delight of Your comfort as we share our struggles. Our connection and unity reveal You and heal us. For that, we are so grateful. In Jesus' Name, Amen.  OUR FAVORITE THINGS Have you joined Circle 31 Book Club yet? This is not your average book club. Our goal is not just to read together; we expect our lives to be transformed. Here you'll be part of a community that will challenge you in your thinking, and together we’ll ask complex questions that will help us move forward in the areas we feel stuck in. Are you ready to dive in? Click here to join the Circle now! ENGAGE Connect with today's devotion writer, Jodi Harris, on her website or on Facebook. FOR DEEPER STUDY Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (NIV). 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing" (AMP). May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Share with us in the comments how you've received God's comfort through His people, the body of Christ, perhaps especially when it comes to mental health struggles. © 2024 by Jodi Harris. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post If Panic Attacks, Push Back –  Encouragement for Today – May 17, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

1750 - -18] Tax revolt in Gorinchem 1881 - Frederick Douglass appointed recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia 1894 - 19th Preakness: Fred Taral aboard Assignee wins in 1:49.25 1957 - Prayer Pilgrimage, biggest civil rights demonstration to date (DC) 1973 - Five British Army soldiers are killed by a Provisional Irish Republican Army booby-trap bomb in Omagh, County Tyrone 1976 - Earthquake in Uzbekistan: thousands killed 1981 - Islanders score 5 power play goals against Flyers in a playoff 1987 - Musical revue "Stardust - The Mitchell Parish Musical", featuring songs of the Lithuanian-American lyricist, closes at Biltmore Theater, NYC, after 101 performances 1989 - Nelson Mandela receives a BA from University of South Africa 2023 - Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita Sherpa (53) climbs of Mt. Everest for a record 27th time More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1863 - Battle of Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi 1865 - The International Telegraph Union (later the International Telecommunication Union) is established 1899 - Victoria and Albert Museum foundation laid, London, England 1900 - "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is first published by L. Frank Baum with illustrations by William Wallace Denslow in Chicago 1980 - Major race riot in Miami, Florida - 16 killed, 300 injured 1990 - European court rules on pension rights for men and women More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1846 - Edmund Bishop, English Roman Catholic historian and Secretary of Thomas Carlyle, born in Totnes, England (d. 1917) 1912 - Archibald Cox, American lawyer and special prosecutor (Watergate), born in Plainfield, New Jersey (d. 2004) 1945 - George Miller, American politician (Rep-D-CA, 1975-2015), born in Richmond, California 1953 - Nicholas Bacon, premier baronet of England 1960 - Fiona Hutchison, actress (One Life to Live, Guiding Light), born in Miami, Florida 1973 - Jenny Scheinman, American jazz and session violinist (Bill Frisell; Allison Miller), and singer, born in San Francisco, California More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1606 - Forges Dimitri #1, Tsar of Russia (1605-06), murdered 1797 - Michel-Jean Sedaine, French dramatist (Le Philosophe sans le savoir), dies at 77 1889 - William Roxby Beverly, artist, dies 1944 - Félix Éboué, French colonial administrator, dies at 60 1999 - Henry Jones, American actor (Vertigo, Phyllis, Falcon Crest, Gun Shy), dies from complications from a fall at 86 2022 - Vangelis [Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou], Greek composer, keyboardist, and Academy Award winner (Chariots of Fire), dies at 79 More Famous Deaths »

In a revolutionary development, CRISPR gene editing emerged as a beacon of hope for people suffering from genetic blindness. The results of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial revealed promising results, sparking confidence in the medical world and providing a ray of hope to people suffering from vision impairment. Treating a rare condition: Leber Congenital Amaurosis Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a rare genetic condition that affects around one out of every 40,000 babies, has long been a daunting problem in the field of ophthalmology. LCA, which is caused by a genetic mutation that results in extreme visual impairment, robs people of their ability to perceive their surroundings, with a major fraction of patients suffering from full blindness. Despite decades of research, the lack of FDA-approved therapy alternatives has left patients and healthcare providers feeling urgent and desperate. A beacon of hope: the BRILLIANCE trial Enter the BRILLIANCE trial, a trailblazing effort to use the groundbreaking power of CRISPR gene editing to tackle LCA. The study is significant in medical history since it focuses on targeting the CEP290 gene, which is the primary cause of the illness. Notably, the trial’s revolutionary component is that it delivers the gene-editing treatment directly to the light-sensitive cells behind the retina, which has never been done previously in humans. A look toward the future Years of rigorous study and clinical trials have revealed surprising insights into CRISPR’s efficacy in vision restoration. The preliminary findings from the BRILLIANCE trial, which runs from 2020 to 2023, highlight the transformative potential of this novel medicine. With 11 out of 14 people exhibiting improvement in at least one of the measured outcomes, and a notable 43 percent showing improvement in multiple parameters, the implications are enormous. Enabling patients: real-life transformations Among the scientific precision and statistical studies are heartfelt stories of human success and persistence. Mark Pennesi, the study’s corresponding author, describes the significant impact of vision restoration on patients’ lives. “There is nothing more rewarding to a physician than hearing a patient describe how their vision has improved after a treatment,” Pennesi says. From routine activities like finding a missing phone to the simple joy of seeing the glow of a coffee machine’s lights, these gradual advances strike a deep chord with patients, providing a greater sense of autonomy and empowerment. Toward a brighter future: embracing possibilities As the medical landscape evolves, propelled by advances in gene therapy and precision medicine, the future seems brighter than ever for people suffering from genetic illnesses and vision impairment. The result of the BRILLIANCE study not only bodes well for the future of LCA treatment, but it also ushers in a new era of hope and possibilities for patients around the world. With CRISPR at the vanguard of medical discovery, the path to restoring vision and transforming lives is only just beginning. Source study: New England Journal of Medicine—Gene editing for CEP290-associated retinal degeneration  The post Advancements in vision restoration: CRISPR gives hope to patients  first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

In the whirlwind of adulting, friendships become our anchor, our lifeline amidst the chaos. They are more than just incidental relationships; they form our journey and have a tremendous impact on our well-being. This study demonstrates how the quality of your friendships in your 30s can be a good indicator of your well-being in your 50s.  Recent research delves into the complexities of adult friendships, giving insight into what makes them tick and how to cultivate them for long-term enjoyment. American psychologist Mark Travers, Ph.D., helps us dive into the world of adult friendships and learn how to form deeper ties that last. Celebrating wins together: the magic of capitalization Have you ever shared exciting news with a friend only to receive a lackluster response? Yeah, getting something short along the lines of “That’s nice, congratulations” may be somewhat disappointing when communicating a huge win.  But imagine sharing the same news with a friend who is just as excited as you are. These messages often look more like “Wow I’m so proud of you! All your hard work is finally paying off. I can’t wait to celebrate with you soon and hear all about it.” That’s capitalization in action. It’s all about celebrating and relishing life’s successes together, enhancing the delight and establishing a stronger bond in the process. When friends celebrate one another’s victories, it strengthens the link and adds an extra sprinkling of joy to life. So, the next time your friend wins, be the cheerleader they deserve. Your genuine excitement could be the glue that holds your friendship together. Being there when it counts: the three layers of support Support comes in a variety of flavors, and each one feels like a warm hug for the spirit. Friendship is essential to our well-being, whether it is extending a helping hand during difficult times or offering a shoulder to cry on.  Support can be divided into three distinct layers: Practical support: This kind of support comes in handy on moving day or a DIY disaster. It’s all about rolling up your sleeves and assisting your buddy in confronting life’s obstacles head-on. Emotional support: Life may be a rollercoaster, and emotional support serves as a safety net for the soul. It’s about being there for your friends, listening empathetically, and delivering words of consolation when they need them the most. Autonomy support: True friendship is about empowering others, not controlling them. Autonomy support is about encouraging your friend to pursue their aspirations, accepting their decisions, and allowing them to be themselves. Each layer of support deepens and strengthens the friendship, making it more resilient. Keep the flame alive: nurturing your friendship Friendship is like a plant: it needs love, attention, and a little water to thrive. But how can you keep the flame lit? Researchers discovered several critical ingredients: Stay connected:  Staying in touch has never been easier, thanks to the age of smartphones and social media. Making an effort to keep connected, whether through a brief text or a virtual catch-up session, shows your friends that you value them. Initiate plans: Adventures make for great memories, so why not plan some together? Taking the initiative to make plans shows your friend that you respect their company and enjoy your time together. Active listening: Communication is important, but so is listening. Be there for your friends, listen when they need to vent, and offer support without judgment. Be flexible: Life sometimes throws some unexpected curveballs, so it’s necessary to be adaptable. Show your friend that you are adaptive, prepared to change arrangements, and always available for a last-minute hangout. Show your appreciation: Gratitude goes a long way towards friendship. Express your gratitude to your friend, embrace their presence in your life, and treasure the special link you share. Friendship is a two-way street that requires effort, devotion, and real concern from both parties. In a nutshell, adult connections enrich our lives by adding flavor, depth, and purpose. By devoting time, energy, and passion to our friendships, we weave a tapestry of connection that enhances our lives in numerous ways.The post Making the most out of adult friendships: a psychologist’s top 3 tips first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

The peace the word offers is temporary. The peace Jesus provides lasts forever.

In fairness, the entire media are swirling in a meltdown vortex over the commencement address delivered by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker at Benedictine College in Kansas. But NBC Nightly News’ report on the “controversy” was easily the most ridiculous. Watch the report in its entirety, as aired on NBC Nightly News on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 (click “expand”): NBC's dopey report on Harrison Butker's commencement speech pathetically attempts to bait Taylor Swift into reacting to this manufactured "controversy". pic.twitter.com/U31pRgLRZQ — Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) May 17, 2024 LESTER HOLT: We'll turn now to the growing controversy over a graduation speech at Catholic college given by a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs. Some critics saying it was sexist and homophobic, and calling on the team to cut him loose. Here is Liz Kreutz. LIZ KREUTZ: Tonight, the NFL on defense after growing backlash over that controversial graduation speech given by one of their star players, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. HARRISON BUTKER: I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. KREUTZ: In this speech at Benedictine College, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champ criticizing LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, IVF and surrogacy, while encouraging the young women graduates to focus on being a homemaker. BUTKER: Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. KREUTZ: Despite a standing ovation from the crowd, many slamming the speech as homophobic and sexist. STUDENT: Getting married and having kids is not my ideal situation right now. It definitely made graduation feel a little less special, knowing I had to sit through that and get told I'm nothing but a homemaker. KREUTZ: The NFL, which is coming off a year of record female viewership amid hype over Taylor Swift's relationship with Butker's teammate, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, now distancing themselves from Butker. The league saying in a statement, Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL. And more than 140,000 people have now signed a petition calling on the NFL to remove Butker from the Chiefs. So far neither Benedictine College, the Chiefs, or Butker himself have commented. Lester. HOLT: Liz Kreutz. Thank you. Generally speaking, the media’s reaction to Butker’s speech is the verbal and audiovisual equivalent of the “Soyjak Pointing” meme. Case in point, Ali Vitali’s reaction to the address, which sought to gin the Swifties up into a cancellative fury- as did Liz Kreutz’ report. Sure, NFL was stoked about all the new fans Taylor Swift brought to the game. Not sure how they’re gonna feel tho when Swifties start pushing back on some of the men that make up the league. Tip of the iceberg: https://t.co/jQzZFm8nCz — Ali Vitali (@alivitali) May 16, 2024 Coverage of Butker’s address boils down to, literally, Acela Media types getting mad at a Catholic that went to a Catholic school and said Catholic things. And you know that this is so because what galls them the most is the fact that Butker’s speech was well received within Benedectine College, a point also made on ABC World News tonight: STEPHANIE RAMOS: There is a change.org petition demanding the Chiefs release Butker. So far, no comment from the team. And despite the headlines surrounding this speech, Butker did receive a standing ovation, David. The media’s coverage of the speech is, at best, misdirective. I know this to be true because there is no mention of Butker’s criticism of President Joe Biden at the outset of his address: Our own nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith, but at the same time is delusional enough to make the Sign of the Cross during a pro- abortion rally. He has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies that I'm sure to many people it appears that you can be both Catholic and pro-choice. The media, ever protective of Biden, dared not address this criticism specifically- instead hiding it within the abortion catch-all. Nor is there mention of Butker’s calls to embrace such things as masculinity and tradition.  One does not have to be an adherent of the Roman Catholic Church to see and understand what so enraged the media about Butker’s address, which is well worth reading in its entirety. The call to embrace faith, tradition (including traditional gender roles), and family over today’s toxic societal mores was enough to drive the left into a frenzy.  Furthermore, Butker proves that if there is indeed such a thing as a culture war, it is the left who are the aggressors seeking to impose their values upon others. An exposed media lashes out. Click “expand” to view the full transcript of the aforementioned report as aired on ABC World News Tonight on Thursday, May 16th, 2024: DAVID MUIR: We turn to the controversial graduation speech. Tonight, the Super Bowl champion Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker under fire tonight, after what he said about women and their roles, and what he said about the LGBTQ community. And what he suggested to women graduates about their roles moving forward. Here's Stephanie Ramos. STEPHANIE RAMOS: Tonight, the NFL responding to that commencement speech from Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and his controversial comments about women, abortion, and the LGBTQ community. HARRISON BUTKER: I have gained quite the reputation for speaking my mind. RAMOS: The Super Bowl winner delivering the commencement address Saturday at Benedictine College, a conservative Catholic liberal arts school in Kansas. Butker addressing the female graduates, saying that while they may go on to have successful careers, he guesses the majority are most excited to be wives. Mothers. BUTKER: I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. RAMOS: Conservative sports commentator Clay Travis coming to his defense. CLAY TRAVIS:  I saw people saying, "You got to cut him, how dare he say --" I didn't even see him say anything remotely controversial. RAMOS: Butker then referring to Pride month as a deadly sin. BUTKER:  …not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it, but the true, God-centered pride that is cooperating with the Holy Ghost to glorify Him. RAMOS: The advocacy group GLAAD outraged. SARAH KATE ELLIS: I couldn’t believe it was such an outdated, antiquated view on LGBTQ people and women- and using religion, in a way… RAMOS: The NFL stating, "Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger." There is a change.org petition demanding the Chiefs release Butker. So far, no comment from the team. And despite the headlines surrounding this speech, Butker did receive a standing ovation, David. MUIR: Stephanie Ramos on this tonight. Stephanie, thank you.  

A woman buried in a lead sarcophagus found in Nijmegen in 2001 may not have been a member of the wealthy elite of the ancient city on the northern border of the Roman Empire after all. She also died at least 100 years earlier than previously believed. The coffin was one of several graves discovered during sewerage works on the Burchtstraat in Nijmegen’s city center in May 2021. What is the Burchtstraat today was a road in Roman times too, and was the custom in Roman cities, people were often buried on both sides of it. This was the first Roman lead coffin ever found in the Netherlands and more than 20 years later, it remains the only one. The delicate coffin was excavated, wrapped and removed whole to the Valkhof Museum for excavation in controlled conditions. The skeletal remains were found to belong to a woman about 5’3″ tall who was about 50 years old when she died in around 340 A.D. The coffin had been looted in antiquity, but fragments of gold leaf and gold thread suggested she was buried in expensive garments. Next to her in the coffin was a wooden box containing glass bottles (unguentaria) with perfume residue, little spatulas, a mirror and some long hair needles/bodkins. In the soil outside of the coffin, the excavation uncovered fragments of wine amphorae from southern France or Palestine, the remnants of funerary libations of expensive imported wines. Because lead coffins were so rare and expensive and because she had been buried with luxurious textiles, perfumed oils and fine glassware, archaeologists concluded she was of high social status. Her teeth were a little wrecked — several of them were missing and there were a number of cavities in the survivors — but that was attributed to an affection for sweet food and wine, both expensive vices that afflicted who could afford them. New funding and research methods made it possible for experts to re-examine the Lead Lady recently. The coffin itself, the grave goods, the traces of gold and textile and the skeletal remains were all analyzed using technologies and approaches that were not available in 2001. The preliminary results have now been released, and they upend the conclusions drawn in the initial more cursory investigation. First and foremost, the 4th century burial date has been overturned by newer, more accurate analysis. The grave dates to the early 3rd century instead, from around 200 A.D. Secondly, the lead coffin was recycled. The decoration on these boxes were always on the outside of the coffin. This one was on the inside because the malleable lead was turned inside-out before the lady was buried in it. It is also missing the original lead lid and was covered instead with tile. It was also too big for its occupant, 6’7″ long for a petite 5’3″ lady. Lead coffins were made to order, and even the wealthiest of families wouldn’t pay for a useless extra foot and a quarter. This coffin was made for somebody else. Examination of the skeleton found evidence that the Lead Lady was no lady of leisure. Her vertebrae were worn and she had osteoarthritis, indications that she had spent years at heavy physical labor. Her teeth were missing and full of cavities from overindulgence. There are wear patterns that show she used her teeth as tools to perform repetitive actions. So how did this hard worker end up in a coffin that used or not, was worth a bundle? She may have been a beloved servant, someone with a close relationship to a wealthy family she worked for. Archaeologist Joep Hendriks of the municipality of Nijmegen thinks she may have been an ornatrix, the personal hairdresser and cosmetician of one of the ladies of the family. “She was close to the head of the household. They did not belong to the top elite, but they were very close. So you can imagine that when such a person died, the mistress helped pay for the funeral. The Lead Lady is also buried with hair needles, which were part of the work of an ornatrix.” Hendriks is careful not to draw far-reaching conclusions. “Other interpretations are of course also possible, such as a craftswoman who became rich through hard work or the mater familias themselves from better circles: in Roman Nijmegen a second-hand lead coffin was also very special.” Research into the intriguing lady in the lead coffin is still ongoing. The team hopes to extract DNA to determine her ethnic origins and stable isotope analysis of her teeth will determine where she grew up and what her diet was. “Nijmegen was a melting pot at the time. Across the Waal, mainly people of local origin lived, but the city was founded by people from Gaul, soldiers from Spain, people from all corners of the Roman Empire, from the eastern Mediterranean to England. You could meet them all. We want to give the Lead Lady a place in that mixed society.”

Surveillance footage appears to show a woman getting assaulted in an allegedly unprovoked attack inside a California corner store Tuesday.Kate Ryken, 45, was reportedly buying a bag of chips in a San…