“When Life Hurts”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“When Life Hurts”
During our Word Connection class last night, Pastor Brice asked: “What do you do when life hurts?” Good question let’s all think on that a moment. Depression and anxiety are prevalent in our society. Pastor Brice also quoted these statistics: 264 million people struggle with depression, while 40 million people struggle with anxiety.
In recent months there has been an increase in suicides. Why? We have the best doctors – for both physical and mental health – the best equipment to handle whatever diagnosis we encounter. So, why the increase in suicides? Why are people not seeking the help they need?
We are living with the “stigma” that it is a sign of weakness to admit to mental instability. For centuries we have associated a break – a crack – a fissure – in our mental health as a sign of weakness. It was considered taboo to even talk about your mental health, let alone, seek help.
We’ve been taught to be strong and live long – to be the best that you can be in whatever you endeavor. To not do so is a show of weakness – of failure. Time to revamp your opinion on strong vs weakness. Have a mindset of it takes a strong person to recognize when their emotional – mental – health is in jeopardy.
Our lives are filled with trials and tribulations causing our mental, emotional, health to be at risk. “What do you do when life hurts?” It seems that the majority will do nothing because they fear that by reaching out, they will appear weak – they will be talked about – whispered about.
“Seek God first!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice
Our Pastor has always stood on the premise that we must seek God first in all that we do – we must get God involved.
“Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me, Lord, be my help.” – Psalm 30:10 (NIV).
We start our mental health healing by going to the Lord in prayer. God understands – call on Him! God will calm your anxiety – lesson your depression – mend cracks or fissures in your emotional, mental health – give you the strength to seek help from professionals as well.
Our Lord and Savior gave us the command to love one another. This is who we are – this is what we do. We love – we care – we share. When life hurts, pray, call on God. You can also call our national mental health hotline: 9-8-8 is open 24-7 (24 hours – 7 days a week).
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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan