The “Why” Behind the Book…
By: Kelley Ann Hinson
There are many reasons why I wrote this book. It started as a topic for the next Bible study for my class, and not one thought went to it being a published book. I like to teach my class from the Bible using biblical stories and lessons from Jesus to promote awareness. Not worldly awareness but awareness of where our heart’s and minds are in our relationship with the Father. Like many people, I had experience in emotions gone bad, so I was able to teach from a relatable view, and God’s loving faithfulness. Writing this study gave me a bird’s eye view of my own heart, it became clear where I was lacking, and it was humbling.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
As a nurse working in the Heart Catheterization Lab, I was witness to something I had never heard of, and unfortunately we see quite a few cases of this. In my experience it has been primarily in women…shocker. I remember hearing the Cardiologist ask the patient, “Have you had any major stress in your life lately”? I saw first-hand what emotional turmoil does to the physical heart. What I am talking about is called “Takotsubo” cardiomyopathy, also known as “broken heart syndrome”. This condition is most often temporary but its presentation is IDENTICAL to an acute M.I. (active heart attack) and its effects can be damaging and even deadly. Complete with EKG changes, Chest pain, shortness of breath, and many more that are associated with an actual heart attack. The physical progression of this syndrome often comes from a surge of catecholamines (stress hormones), released during times of emotional upheaval. They are responsible for the “fight or flight” response. When this surge becomes overwhelming, it can lead to ballooning of the Left Ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart), which delivers oxygenated blood from the lungs to the rest of your body, thereby altering the look of the heart. It can cause your coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients") to spasm, impeding the heart’s function, limiting blood flow to vital areas. I won’t bore you with more of the science behind it but it’s real and its effects can be physically damaging.
During my time as a Paramedic and Emergency Room nurse, I have witnessed good people turn to alternate versions of themselves, me included, and make decisions based off of their emotions and some ended tragically. Those are the ones that stick with you. The ones that you couldn’t save. The ones with family and friends, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, children, nieces and nephews. It hit me during my own emotional, mental, and spiritual battle that I wanted to do more than just watch this happen. God has shown me that everything that is needed in this life, counsel, guidance, and support, are all found within God’s Word. That planted a seed in my heart, and it started me on a journey that has God in the center and “Love Your Neighbor”, has taken on a whole new meaning. The main verse that struck me and started a landslide of events, is the inspiration for the title of my book. It is a testament to Jesus and His reign as King in this life we live. It shows His heart and His awareness of the conflicting feelings we have “in this flesh”, and in this world. I wrote this book to assist others in digging deep to find the peace Jesus offers us all and through Him we can, “Overcome the World”.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may gave peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
