This past week the world was introduced to a term that was previously familiar primarily to gymnasts. That word is twisties, which is when gymnasts inexplicably lose their bearings while tumbling in the air. Reflecting on the term in the The Washington Post Emily Giambalvo wrote that after experiencing the twisties once:

It’s very difficult to forget. Instinct gets replaced by thought. Thought quickly leads to worry. Worry is difficult to escape.

Another writer reflecting on the same experience saw in it a metaphor for “everything being upside down.” We’ve been living through a time when everything has felt upside down, where the familiar and instinctive has been replaced by reflection on everything from life’s transience to life’s loneliness. The world has the twisties.

As the summer winds down and the fears around another surge ramp up it is important that we are taking time for self-care which involves healthy routines of eating, sleep, relational connection and sabbath rest. This rest includes remembering the promise of Jesus who will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), who walks with us in the valleys (Psalm 23:4) and is even now on the throne interceding for you (Romans 8:34).

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
— Romans 8:34 (NLT)

P.S. If you are part of the community and need pastoral care or professional counseling please reach out to either our team or to Redeemer Counseling Services:
RWS Pastoral Care: redeemerws.com/requestcare
Redeemer Counseling Services: counseling.redeemer.com