by: Rachel Neumeister

Did I remember to lock the door?  Is the stove off?  Did I wash my hands with soap?  These are simple questions that may bother us as we leave the house for work, but because of billions of neurotransmitters and chemicals in our brains, we are able to carry on with our day in a normal fashion.  But what if these neurons do not function properly? 

As I have studied Abnormal Psychology this semester, (FASCINATING course with Ron Hallman) I have become increasingly thankful for my sound mind. 

Examining how a signal is transmitted is astounding in the intricate way God designed our bodies.  When an outside stimulus triggers a reaction, the message is taken in by our eyes, sent to our brains (via millions of neurons firing), in which is it processed, and the signal is from there sent down our neck, and to our appropriate limb needed for the reaction – all in the fraction of a second.  Indeed, I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

My heart and compassion goes out to those who are plagued with unwanted thoughts, or mental disorders.  The majority of these are caused by external triggers out of one’s control such as family or societal influences, or by neurological dysfunction. 

            When I think of all the current stresses in my life—final papers, Voice issue, summer plans, finances, work, my future—I realize how easily I overlook that with which I have been blessed.  Lately this has been my mental health. 

I can feel physical pain – I know to take my hand off a hot stove burner.

I can question, discuss and work through issues of salvation and eternal life. 

I can converse in a normal fashion with other people.

I can get a job and support myself.

I can differentiate between reality and delusion and therefore know that I do not have to look like supermodels, that a nightmare is just a dream, that although the government may be corrupt, they are not out to get me,

I can leave my house without a debilitating fear. 

I can read.

I can write.

And the list goes on.

Praise the Lord!