9Our lives are directly affected by the "state of affairs" around us, and we can all agree the "state of affairs" has reached a new level of unrest, distrust, personal attacks and character sabotage. How did we get to such a point? How did we get so angry? If we don't want to get caught up in the tsunami, we need to get real with ourselves. These waves caused by eruptions can become so high and strong that we cannot opt out. This is what happens when we don't live our lives consciously and intentionally. Our lives are our lives, right? That would mean we must 'live' our lives, not go through life on autopilot. If we aren't personally accountable for every aspect of our lives how do we know what direction we are going or why? We have an obligation to ourselves to check and see if we are making good choices and investments into our lives or have we got swept away in the current of society, loud voices or pressures of the world. Are we living our lives or following some agenda? Let's stop and take a look. Linda Rainwater's new book is a great addition to the Church's mental health resources! She harnesses compassion to teach people how to make good choices and think good thoughts. -Dr Caroline Leaf, Neuroscientist, Mental Health Expert, bestselling author and podcast hos Linda Rainwater is a Pastor, Ministry Co-Founder, Ministry Administrator with over 35 years' experience in various non-profit organizations. Described as a scribe, historian and an "office firefighter", she has set up and created policies and procedures for manufacturing and service companies, as well as written curriculum for non-profit education. She believes policies set today should benefit procedures later. As a speaker she has a passion to encourage others to be all they were purposed to be by using their choices and actions in positive, progressive ways. Your choice is a tool in determining your future. Linda and her husband Jesse have been married 55 years and have raised their four children together; enjoy 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.