Heart Smile - Navigating Bell's Palsy

 

Wednesday, 11 June Day #33 - Though you can't see my smile - it is in my heart

A Message from the Heart

Reflection This Morning

2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG)

“We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.”

Recently, Babes and I reflected on the captive perspective - not allowing our thoughts to grow monumental. We talked about imagination and imagery and how powerfully the mind uses them.

Thoughts shape feelings.
 Feelings influence actions.
 Actions ultimately shape the posture of the heart.

If your thoughts determine the condition of your heart, then choosing pleasant, life-giving thoughts becomes essential. When you intentionally “fit every loose thought” into Christ’s structure, something beautiful happens; your heart begins to smile.

Did You Know?

Research consistently shows the connection between emotional health and heart health:

Medical professionals often affirm that dwelling on negativity, aggression, and unforgiveness can contribute to heart issues and poor overall health.

What you rehearse internally eventually manifests externally.

A burdened mind weighs heavily on the heart.
 But a guarded, grateful mind? That nurtures peace.

Heartwarmers

It was my first day back at the office.

Mentally, I was prepared. I reminded myself to do less talking and to pace myself. We met with nearly the entire staff, and everyone was thrilled to see me. Their joy warmed me deeply.

I tried to limit my words, but excitement has a way of overriding restraint. By the time I got home, I felt intense pain in my cheek and jaw—about a 6 out of 10. I hadn’t realized how much talking would aggravate it.

Maybe you can relate.

Have you ever stepped back into something you love, only to realize you’re still healing?
 Ever smiled through discomfort because others were happy to see you?

Is there a heartwarmer in your life? Someone whose face lights up when you enter a room? Someone who looks forward to your smile because it brightens their day? At the office. On the bus. The service agent who helps you at the store. A colleague who just needs silent approval for a job well done. A stranger who needs kindness. A grandchild. A simple smile lifted to God in gratitude for life.

Your smile may be someone’s quiet strength.

But here’s the wisdom: protect the vessel that carries it.

I emailed my facial therapist, Leah Segelov, for advice. Her response was soothing and practical. She recommended:

  • Heat and gentle massage before work.

  • Using smaller lip movements while speaking.

  • Avoiding over-articulation.

  • Keeping my face relaxed between conversations.

  • Taking 30–60 second breathing breaks throughout the day.

  • Holding a warm mug against my cheek if needed.

I followed her advice and it helped.

It reminded me that sometimes you don’t need to stop smiling; you simply need to smile wisely. Pace yourself. Relax between conversations. Breathe.

Isn’t that true spiritually as well?

You cannot pour endlessly without tending to the heart.

Heart 2 Heart

Our friend Juliet called, overjoyed to hear my voice. She reflected on something that resonated from my video when Bell’s Palsy first hit:

“Though you can’t see my smile, it’s in my heart.”

She said, “We have to keep that quote and attribute it to you—The Heart Smile.” She encouraged me to formalize it.

And here we are.

Later, my daughter sought advice about navigating difficult relationships. My response was honest:

You will go through crushing.
There will be self-denial.
There will be humility.
Sometimes your heart will be trampled by those you’ve done good to.

But the most important thing is to keep it clean.

Babes reinforced the same message—pain must not harden the heart. And maybe you need that reminder too.

Life will test you.
People may disappoint you.
Your kindness may not always be returned.

Still—guard your heart.
 Keep it soft before God.
 Keep it free of bitterness.

That is strength.

I had class later that day at 6 p.m. Thankfully, I am excused from attending in person until the doctor clears me. I logged in early—first in the virtual room. My microphone had issues, so I texted my professor and switched to an external camera.

My eyes hurt terribly; I had forgotten to take my eye drops to the office. It felt bruised. I also began the folate tablets prescribed by the neurologist.

Even in discomfort, I felt progress.

I went to bed at peace, knowing that a new day meant one step closer to full recovery.

And in that quiet gratitude—

My heart smiled.

Your Turn

Pause for a moment and reflect:

What thoughts have been occupying your mind lately? Are they building your heart up or weighing it down?

Is there any negativity, unforgiveness, or quiet resentment you need to release?

Today, choose one intentional heart-smile action: Offer a genuine smile to someone who least expects it.

Take a 60-second breathing

break between busy moments. Replace one negative thought with a life-giving truth.

Send a message of encouragement to someone on your heart. Thank God—out loud—for one simple gift you often overlook.

Remember, your heart is both spiritual and physical. Guard it. Tend to it. Protect it.

And as you move through today—
 Smile wisely.
 Love gently.
 Breathe deeply.

Let your heart smile. 💛

🌿 Stay Connected
 If this reflection touched your heart, leave a comment, like, or share to let me know you’re here.

Follow for more reflections, and consider sharing this with someone who needs a gentle reminder that love can be simple

—and that’s enough.

💙 Your love matters. Your prayer matters. Your presence matters.
 Let’s keep creating a space for honesty, compassion, and hope—one moment, one prayer, one simple act of love at a time.

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