Mental Health Matters
Dear church,
There was an old quote that said something like be kind to others because everyone is fighting their own battle. As Cathy reminded us in the children's sermon this week, sometimes we can see those battles, but when it comes to mental health, those battles might not be so obvious. To make matters worse mental health is a topic that is often or not discussed (although this is getting better!), which can make the person suffering feel more alone and isolated. We are called into community and to love each other as we love ourselves, so we will intentionally take the next few weeks to focus on this topic that is often avoided. Join in as we take time for our own mental health and pray for the mental health of all in our greater community. See you in worship!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Rita
Spiritual Practice
This practice is best done in a group of at least three people. Have each person write their name in the center of a piece of paper. Pass the sheets of paper so that each person has a paper with someone else's name on it. Write at least one gift that you see in the person who's name is on the paper. Once everyone is done writing, pass the papers again and repeat the process until everyone has written on everyone's paper (if you are in a large group and are short on time, pass the papers at least five times before giving them back to the person who's name is one the paper). Take a few minutes to read through the gifts people have written about you. How does it make you feel?
We hear in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 that we each have our own gifts, yet we are just as important as anyone else to the Body of Christ. I invite you to hold on to the paper that others wrote your gifts on and look at it the next time you are feeling less than or not important. You matter a whole heck of a lot to God and the community. Know that you are loved and that you belong.
Spiritual Practice
We light candles during baptisms to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit. I like to think that just as all water becomes special after our baptisms, lighting candles can also become special. In lighting a candle, we can be reminded that God has called us and claimed us as we are, and is with us through this journey of life. Living with a mental health diagnosis or caring for someone who has a mental health diagnosis can be a heavy burden. In Matthew 11:28:30, Jesus calls all with heavy burdens to lay them before God and finally rest.
So, let's take time to do just that. Gather a candle or two and find a quiet place to sit with God. Light the candle (or two), maybe for yourself or for a loved one, and rest in a quiet place of meditation even just for a few minutes. Take as much time as you need. No need to hurry or rush. This is holy and sacred time.
What do you hear? What do you notice?