Good Day To You,

Her name is Amy Cuddy, and she is a research social psychologist who has more than 73 million views of her presentation on Ted Talk, one of the top Ted Talks in history. What was so intriguing and revolutionary about her information and presentation? Her research premise was that just as your body language tells others about what you’refeeling. When you’re mad or sad, happy or disgusted, you show it in your stance and posture. Could body language change the chemistry of the carrier? Could you change the way you feel about yourself by modeling certain postures? What she found was thatmost definitely what you display in your posture affects the brain’s chemistry and hormone levels to be either positive or negative. If you put a pencil in your teeth to force your face to smile your brain is tricked and responds with positive chemistry. If you were to stand with your feet firmly planted and your hands stretched high over your head, in what is considered the “Superman” pose, hormones of confidence and strength are released into your system.

Science doesn’t discover new unknown realities. It confirms our God-given design and biblical revelation.

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Ps. 63:4,5

Here it is some 2500 - 3,000 years before Amy Cuddy describes the findings of her research. The Bible gives insight into our design and its innate tendencies. We find the description of the posture of a worshipper with hands lifted high, coupled with a heart of gratitude which is speaking forth praise to God. And what is the emotional, mental and psychological result? The engaged person finds a wealth of satisfaction and contentment of soul and spirit, joy and rich rewards.

So be encouraged today to stand firm, lift your hands to the heavens, and take a couple minutes to declare the beauty and grace of God with your lips. You will be setting the table for your soul and spirit to enjoy some good soul food.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!