Dr Denton Weiss on Holidays, Health, Happiness and Betrayal

May we all be the rocks of change that makes this world a better place this year. May we all be like Peter finding Love not Depression as we grow.

Will I be Judas or will I be Peter? Will I try to fix the problems of excess myself and fail falling into depression or will I follow Peter and beg for forgiveness and build upon that forgiveness to become a better man for Jesus Christ, for all humanity, for my family, simply, for me.You can change your life if you only believe and pray for a change. If you think you can overcome the addiction of sin on your own, you will fail like Judas. If you ask your Lord Jesus daily, you will change like Peter.

PORTSMOUTH, VA (Catholic Online) - (Note from the Editor in Chief, Deacon Keith Fournier:

I am truly delighted to be able to publish another installment of the column known as Ask Dr. Denton. This was one of our most popular columns for several years. Dr Denton has a flourishing medical practice - and time is an increasingly vanishing resource for he and his wife and best friend, Michelle. However, I sincerely hope that this New Year brings about a miracle of multiplication, a multiplication of time -  for both Dr Denton and his wife Michelle.

This kind of practical, integrative health advice is a breath of fresh air in an increasingly stagnant atmosphere of wellness materials. I know, I need it.I needed this column! Please join with me in welcoming Dr Denton back, and praying for his continued work inviting us all to health, happiness, wholeness and holiness.)

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Dear Dr Denton

The holidays have been really stressful and I have not found the wonder in Christmas. I somehow feel betrayed by the frenzy and insanity. Getting caught up in the commercialization of it all. I am depressed can you help me with some thoughts?

I too understand the feelings of being overwhelmed by the holiday moment and not the true meaning of Christmas. Celebrating the birth of Christ and creating beauty is my joy every Christmas, but gluttony, overspending on credit, seem to be the sins of the season. 

So where am I going with this?
The sin of betraying Christ of his birthday celebration, and the way to find forgiveness and healing.

Dictionary Wikipedia, description of the word Betrayal:
Betrayal is the breaking or violation of a presumptive contract, trust, or confidence that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations. Often betrayal is the act of supporting a rival group, or it is a complete break from previously decided upon or presumed norms by one party from the others.

Who were the two disciples that betrayed Jesus. Two you say? Clearly the answer is Judas. I didn't think there was a second betrayal. Oh yes, the other one was Peter. Judas sold Jesus for a few coins, and Peter denied his savior three times. Who had the greater sin? Not a question I am capable nor worthy of answering.

Ok Dr D what does this have to do with Christmas. What a downer!!!!

Sin and how we manage that sin determine who we become. Judas went back to the Pharisees and tried to return the money. We know he killed himself anguished in his sin full of depression and despair.

Peter became the rock of the church. He went to the Lord - and wept for forgiveness. Peter had sadness and despair,  but he strove to change his ways and right his wrongs.This is the path to freedom, true happiness,wholeness and holiness.It not only worked for him, it will work for all of us.

So Dr Denton are you now a theologian as well as a Doc ?!
No, I am just a simple Doc, trying to help keep all of us from bathing in self pity and depression.

Please read on!

We all sin. During this time of year the excesses of food, parties, gifts, family frustrations and gossip are weights upon my neck. Trying to free myself of these sins is not easy. Last year I wrote articles on weekly weigh ins and weight loss. The focus was healthy, but the motivation wasn't deep enough.

Will I be Judas or will I be Peter?

 Will I try to fix the problems of excess myself and fail falling into depression or will I follow Peter and beg for forgiveness and build upon that forgiveness to become a better man for Jesus Christ, for all humanity, for my family, simply, for me.

Every fad diet, every new book, every new exercise program all have one thing in common. To be  successful you have to change. Judas needed to change and he knew it. He chose to fix the sins himself - and subsequently died. Peter knew he needed to change as well, but chose to seek out  God for direction and subsequently became a rock and a foundation of Christianity, a wellspring of Love not Depression.

So let's live the Christmas season as a new beginning. like Peter.

Ask Jesus Christ the Lord for forgiveness and guidance. Let's ask for a change in our desires of excess and find joy in the simplicity of life. Our diet and our exercise will bring on a new meaning of fulfillment. Just go for walk daily and don't take a second helping - because you made just enough not EXCESS.

You can change your life if you only believe and pray for that change. If you think you can overcome the addiction of sin on your own, you will fail like Judas. If you ask your Lord Jesus daily you will change like Peter.

May we all be the rocks of change that makes this world a better place this year. May we all be like Peter finding Love not Depression as we grow.    

Blessings
Dr D

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Dr Denton D. Weiss, M.D. is board certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Weiss' approach to his medical practice flows from his convictions about the meaning of life which are deeply rooted in his Catholic Faith. He and his wife, Michelle attempt to live an integrated approach to life which recognizes the unity of the body, mind and soul, and find great joy in helping  others to do the same. They call this approach "Bella Vitae" or "Beautiful Living". They founded a nonprofit charitable foundation to promote beautiful living called Bella Vitae. He, and Michelle, are contributing writers to Catholic Online.

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