I was walking into H‑E‑B today, runnning in to grab a few quick things, when I heard a siren of someone’s car going off.
Sirens are put in place to give notice of something to those around, usually a warning of some sort.
Car alarms, fire alarms, ambulance sirens, etc. we also have inborn “sirens”.
When I eat something not-so-good for me, my “siren” is lethargy. I get completely wiped out, or, my tongue swells up, face breaks out, chest tightens and I know I can’t have that any more. Those are my sirens and warnings from my body saying “please don’t eat that”.
Now, my sister can basically have the exact opposite of what I can. I’m allergic to eggs, she’s not. She’s allergic to milk, I’m not. Same house, same upbringing, completely different sirens protecting different bodies.
As I was walking into H‑E‑B hearing that sirens go off, I felt to ask you, what sirens are going off for you, maybe warning others (maybe warning you) but maybe no one seems to be listening (or care).
What makes you feel invisible, even if you feel you’re screaming them (your sirens) at the top of your lungs? What emotional sirens are you blaring out, telling the world, and everyone seems to just keep walking by?
When someone’s car is going off, it’s usually the owners responsibility to take action, not anyone else’s. Not by beating the car or hiding it in the forest to make it be quiet. But by addressing the reason for its signal. That’s like getting mad at a fire alarm for going off while there’s a fire in the house. It’s alerting you for a reason. Now, obviously a car alarm can sometimes just be because you bumped the wrong button…but sometimes, there’s a break in….
The problem isn’t that the sirens are loud. So often we shove down our inside noise in our heart thinking they are the aches that need to be silenced. Never addressing the reason they are being signaled. Maybe it’s just a little bump, or maybe it’s a “break in” moment, either way, it’s signaling for you to give it attention.
When my “body sirens” go off, it’s my responsibility to make sure I watch what I eat, no matter where I am or who I’m with. Because their alarms are different than mine. (My sister, for instance).
If your sirens are going off, and no one is paying attention, remember, it’s up to you to address it. Make a change. Create a boundary. Choose joy, choose peace, choose a direction. Make the change. Address it’s message.
Another thought. Sirens aren’t meant to be blasting for hours, days, Weeks, or years….they are warnings needing attention, and once attended to, their purpose is to refrain until needed again.
If your sirens have been going off for decades, what choices can you make today to help? Sometimes just acknowledging the truth they are shouting is a big step. A brave step.
I’m learning that when I have emotional sirens (some call it gut feelings, spidey senses, a tap from God) going off, I’m forcing something. I want it now, or my way. And I’ve lost gratitude.
Gratitude paves the way for peace. Gratitude lights the path for presence. It helps calm the senses and reminds our bodies that God is still on our side and we don’t have to go at every single thing alone (or all at once).
A way to have gratitude today is, when you’re replaying your day to your friends or spouse today, tell them all of the good things that happened and try to refrain from all the negative parts. Another way is to list then out. All of them. Pages and pages of them.
Take deep breaths today. Believe when God tells you He is on our side and “working together all things for your good”. Romans 8:28
He said “all”. Not some. Not just when you are nice. Not only when you’re good. He said all.
Love you all.
Boundaries are good. “No’s” can be good, and sirens are meant to keep us safe 