Author Archives: Tom Wise

FEARLESS: WEEK 1

From an early age and for over two decades I was crippled by severe panic attacks. Damaging my growth as a student, the depth of my relationships with others, and my pursuit of a career. Leading to years of depression and struggle.

By God’s grace and with some very practical steps taken, I was able to overcome the panic attacks and all that came with them. After doing research and gaining understanding on the biological, emotional, and physical realities I dealt with, I now see clearly the actions and mindset that can remove this type of fear from a life.

I instinctively took steps to cope and heal, I now understand the reasons behind the steps I took. I want to share these ideas with as many people as possible. Continue reading →

BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD

I was around ten years old when I first heard the phrase “but for the grace of God, go I.” At the time, I couldn’t comprehend what it meant. I didn’t know if it was some movie quote, an Appalachian colloquialism, or a spiritual statement.

Now I am fully aware of the deep meaning of this statement. Allegedly it comes from a mid-sixteenth-century statement by John Bradford, in reference to a group of prisoners being led to execution. It is a statement of somber humility, it acknowledges that if it was not for the grace of God in our lives, we could end up just like prisoners on death row. Bradford was said to be paraphrasing 1 Corinthians 15:8-10, which states, “Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am…”. Continue reading →

HERE TO STAY

I used to have severe panic attacks, those attacks impacted my education, my career, and my relationships. I became a ninja when it came to avoiding situations where I thought a panic attack could occur. I feared the fear itself. That led to depression and many other detrimental side-effects. For much of my life I was a prisoner of sorts to fear.

I’ve learned a lot about fear since then. One thing I know for sure, fear is fleeting.

Fear got in the way of many things in my life, but it was no match for faith. It was a long battle and I had help along the way, but faith always wins. Continue reading →

ENCOURAGING WORDS

Finish this… Two all-beef patties, special…

How about this… The night-time sniffling, sneezing…

I bet you could quote lyrics to songs from 20 years ago just as easy as finishing those jingles.

Now, can you tell me any of the Beatitudes found in Matthew chapter 5?

Can you quote anything from the book of Proverbs?

Can you remember the exact encouraging words from a teacher, coach, or Pastor? Continue reading →

WE HAVE WHAT WE NEED

In the United States of America we have many traditions. Most of them are beautiful displays of American history, family values, and memorable moments of joy.

Then there is the day after Thanksgiving. Known as “Black Friday.”  This is the day many businesses go from the red to the black on their budget ledgers. But it is also the day many of us spend more money than we should. We rush to the stores because of the advertised deals, but the store owners are ok with that. They know, if they can get us in the doors, we will likely spend more on items that aren’t such deals. Continue reading →