Ask Fred > Faith > How do you handle the valley?

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Dear Fred

What are the 5 points to remember when going through The Valley? I attended a bible study at Prestonwood on Sunday in which Fred spoke on this subject, but I can't remember all the points.

Fred's Response

I will summarize the 5 important steps in getting through the valley. Remember, we always hold the attitude that we are going THROUGH the valley and we are not going to be stuck there. As Fenelon says, God will not keep us in the valley one minute beyond the time when it is helpful to us. 1) Recognize and trust God becoming very clear in your concept of who God is so that when you get in the darkest part of the valley your concept will not change. 2) Accept reality. Be tough on yourself not to rationalize, deny, escape or transfer the true reality. Only as you accept reality will you be able to plan how to deal with it. 3) Choose a constructive attitude. Difficulties in life will always appear as threats or challenges. Threats develop fear, self-pity and immobility. Challenges energize us to see the possibilities in every situation. Never the good of a bad experience. 4) Keep moving. Elizabeth Kubler Ross pointed that there are steps in grief. The secret was not getting stuck in any of the stages. Just so, in the valley we have to keep moving. My two motivations for movement are staying in the community and being useful. When my friends ask me what they can do for me I say, “keep me in the loop” and they do. Remember, people will come to a celebration of joy but not a pity party. 5) When you come out of the valley don’t drag it behind you. Leave it and rejoice. The great depression created the fear of loss so much that I was not able to take advantage of the opportunity of prosperity following it.