UNITY A TIME TO PRAY

by Bishop Dr. Clarence McClain, BA, M-DIV, MACL, D-Div

3/23/2023 Psalm 133

THE TERRIBLE TORMENTOR-THE KING BABY SYNDROME

The King Baby Syndrome is the stop sign for UNITY AND PRAYER that dwells in the church, the community, the gangs, politics, various Congresses, various Senates, and last but not least other people of power.

It was in 1991 that I became aware of The King/Queen) Baby Syndrome. Tom Cunningham wrote King/Queen Baby Syndrome at the Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota. He wrote the pamphlet for recovering addicts and alcoholics to explore dry drunk syndrome. When addicts suffer from “King Baby Syndrome,” they want the same level of self-centered gratification that babies and young children need. For these attitudes and behaviors can continue to show up after abstinence is achieved. "It’s OK to be the center of your universe; however, it’s not OK to expect to be the center of everyone else’s universe!" Working in the field of addiction for 30-plus years, I’ve come to understand that there are more than 300 plus addictions that will create the same behaviors based on addictive personalities. Fear of loss of control is the hallmark of this condition. This syndrome is common in people that suffer from addictive personalities and have not received any treatment. Addictive behaviors can create attitudes and actions that can become ingrained patterns over time. Though not the complete list, below are some of the characteristics of the King Baby Syndrome that one may exhibit:

You believe that your needs come first, primarily without any or little concern for others.
Having blinders on when it comes to the perspectives of others.
“My way or the highway” attitudes: Extreme arrogance.
Dependency but wanting to appear fiercely independent.
Acquisition of money or possessions to prove their worth to others (outside looks good).
The need for continual validation from loved ones, friends, or strangers.
Catastrophizing events, no matter how small (making a big deal out of small things).
Feelings of being misjudged and underappreciated (want credit for doing even little things).
Expression of superiority that masks their true insecurities (comparing yourself to others).
Jumping to conclusions: Egotistical pride: Lack of trust in yourself or others.
Entitlement: Expecting to be treated with unearned respect and others to treat you special.
Thinking you can read the minds or behavior of others: (usually negatively).

One might ask the Bishop: What does all this mean? Well, I'm glad you asked. Because when you pray for someone, you need to know what you are praying for while praying for that person. Psalm 133:1 exclaims the wonderful experience of God’s people living and worshiping together as one. If David was the author, he might have written the Psalm to commemorate when all of Israel joined at Hebron to make him King 2Sam.5:1-3. Jesus shared the Psalmist’s sentiment and gave an exhortation in John 13:34 when He said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” He went on to say that everyone should know who God’s people are by how they love each other and that believers should be identified by how they live and treat each other. Paul expanded even further upon the idea of unity among believers in Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the SPIRIT through the bond of PEACE. If God’s people listen to the exhortations of Paul and Jesus and live in love and unity, then the peace and unity that we ensure will be experienced right here on earth as it is in heaven. Let us pray for all God’s children who may be experiencing some or all of the sixteen symptoms listed above. Pray the Lord’s Prayer. (Matt.6:9-13 ).

REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEBODIES HAND, MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE IF YOU CAN!