Lost To Our Perception

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Lost To Our Perception

Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 2:7, NKJV

Do you pause to meditate and pray over perception- the eyes of your heart- in how you see yourself and the world around you, but most importantly how you perceive your relationship with Christ?

Imagine…

You’re driving on the motorway, and you find yourself behind a car that is slowly puttering down the road. You can’t pass, and you become incredibly irritated. Pressuring the driver to speed up by driving on his bumper doesn’t help. Then there’s an opportunity to pass this car. As you’re speeding by, you notice the driver is elderly, hardly able to see over the steering wheel, and most likely intimidated to be driving. You could only see one small side of this experience, and you feel badly for acting aggressively. If only you had paused for a moment to ask the Holy Spirit for His discernment. Compassion, patience, and kindness would have been imparted, and the revelation of a scared, elderly driver could have potentially been given to you. I’ve been that impatient driver, unfortunately.

God wants us to be perceptive- to have the supernatural spiritual gift of wisdom, discernment, and understanding in all things (2 Timothy 2:7, NKJV). It can be yours when you seek and ask Him (Matthew 7:7, ESV, James 1:5, NIV).

What Is Perception? 

Perception is how one processes, interprets and understands reality. In simpler terms, it’s how you see the world. It is subjective- influenced by your personal experiences and emotions. However, due to memory distortions, emotional influence, and confirmation bias, your perception is flawed for its misinterpretations and human limitations.

God’s Image And Perception

What is the the intention and will of our Heavenly Father, creator of our complex minds and bodies, knowing our perceptions are flawed and can be misinterpreted? To understand God’s intention, we need to go back to the Garden.

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him” (Genesis 1:27, CSB). To create us in God’s image was to mirror His character. It did not mean we would have all the qualities of God, in effect making us equal to Him. For example, we were limited in knowledge (Genesis 3:22, NIV), and bound by space and time. Our perception would have been limited as God intended, though not limited as a consequence of our sin. Man was given all that He needed, and it was in his love that he sought the Lord. Without sin, the relationship between man and God was perfect.

But sin in the Garden created a broken world and relationship with God. Our perception seems to not only be further limited as a result of sin, but our perception is more inaccurate. Many factors such as mental illness, sin, trauma, insecurity, and the like contribute to skewing our perceptions. In addition to being limited by space and time, we all need help through the supernatural wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit. It’s God’s intention that we lean and depend on Him each day- Our Daily Bread.

Better Spiritual Perception

Our decisions as to what we do and say shouldn’t be exclusively reactive to all that we see, hear, and feel. Though God gave us these senses, we can’t fully rely on them. God’s Word says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). To step back from being naturally reactive at all times makes us wise and discerning, which is more like Jesus.

No One But God

God is the all-sufficient Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, knowing the past, present, and future (Revelation 1:8, NKJV). He is omniscient and omnipresent. There’s not a perception you have that is shielded from Him (Psalm 139:16, NIV). Therefore, you can faithfully depend on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment- to impart it upon you, to lift and guide you in any situation or circumstance, “that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16, ESV).

And we can pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you that I can come to you in all circumstances, for you always understand my pain and suffering. I lean in and ask, Holy Spirit, that you impart your wisdom and discernment upon my shoulders. I am limited by this mortal body and mind, and need your guidance in all things- for you see all and know all. I love you, Lord, and just as you gave everything to me, may I give my all to you each day. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

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Health 

Your Laundry Products: Safe For Your Health?

When we talk about health, the safety of laundry products is not usually first on the list. However, depending on the specific product, many conventional laundry detergents can contain chemicals that are considered unhealthy. They may cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and long-term health risks.

While many laundry products are considered safe for general use when handled properly, certain additives have been linked to health concerns ranging from skin irritation to long-term risks. Common offenders include synthetic fragrances, 1,4-dioxane, phosphates, optical brighteners, and surfactants like SLS/SLES, which may be linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and asthma.

Potential Health Effects

• Skin Irritation: Common symptoms include rashes, redness, and eczema flare-ups caused by dyes, fragrances, and harsh surfactants like SLS/SLES.

• Respiratory Issues: Strong synthetic scents and fumes can trigger asthma attacks, coughing, and wheezing, especially in sensitive individuals.

• Hormone Disruption: Chemicals like Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) and phthalates can mimic or block hormones, potentially leading to reproductive and developmental issues.

Commonly Used Harmful Ingredients

• Synthetic Fragrances/Parfums: A frequent cause of allergies, respiratory distress, and skin irritation. They can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormones. These are a major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have hazardous health effects like respiratory system damage, increased cancer risk and developmental and reproductive impacts.

• Sodium Borate/Boric Acid: Linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive issues.

• 1,4-Dioxane: A chemical byproduct often found in detergents containing ethoxylated surfactants (like sodium laureth sulfate). It is classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Harsh surfactants that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

• Formaldehyde: Sometimes used as a low-cost preservative, it is a known carcinogen and a major respiratory and skin irritant.

• Optical Brighteners: These chemicals (e.g., benzene-based) remain on clothes to reflect light and make them look whiter, but they can cause skin irritation and are toxic to aquatic life.

• Chlorine Bleach: Highly corrosive and can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin, and increase risk of asthma. it can also release toxic gases if mixed with other household cleaners.

• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Often found in fabric softeners and some detergents to reduce static, these are potent respiratory irritants and can trigger asthma.

• Amine oxides (also found in some oxidant stabilizers): Good at removing grease but can be skin irritants or can vaporize and cause irritation in the nose

Choosing Safer Alternatives

Look for plant-based, scent-free, and third-party certified (e.g., EPA Safer Choice) detergents that avoid synthetic additives.

1. Look for Certifications: Seek products with third-party seals like EPA Safer Choice, MADE SAFE, or EWG Verified. Also, choose products with third-party certifications such as USDA Certified Biobased, or EcoLogo.

2. Go "Fragrance-Free": Opt for "fragrance-free" over "unscented," as unscented products may still contain chemicals to mask scents.

3. Check Ingredient Lists: Avoid ingredients ending in "-eth" (e.g., laureth-6) to reduce potential exposure to 1,4-dioxane.

4. Use Natural Boosters: Alternatives like baking soda or distilled white vinegar can naturally soften water and remove odors without toxic additives. 

Recommendation: To reduce exposure, consider using hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and eco-friendly options, or run an extra rinse cycle to reduce chemical residue on clothes.

💡 You can click on EWG’s guide below to find out what’s in your cleaning/laundry products. You can also find their recommended products in their VERIFIED™ Products guide. 

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}