Hello my friends and followers!
Question: Have you heard the song from the movie ‘Annie’ that says, "The sun will come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun…" Well, that’s sort of how I feel as of late. Sort of like I’ve been in an emotional/mental hibernation. Slowly, each day is a little brighter. Why do I share this? Well, the foremost reason I share is for transparency. Secondly, maybe someone will read these words at some point and it might bring them some hope.
Some people truly understand the obstacles and difficulties that mental health struggles entail, but most do not, if I’m being honest (and I am trying to be honest). I’m sure most people have good intentions while trying to encourage someone or giving advice to "beat the blues," but when facing the depth/dark recesses that mental health can take a person, I haven’t received a lot of advice that provided much change in direction. So far, in my experience, the most helpful folks have been those who are just there and available.
Over the last week or two, there was a TikTok channel that I was watching and the individual said something to the effect of: "While it is true that it is okay to not be okay, we might need to be cautious when telling people that ‘It’s okay to not be okay.’ Long story short, his point was that telling someone that they don’t have to be okay could be misconstrued into "you don’t need to seek any help." It would be like telling someone that had a complex break in their arm that having a broken arm is normal and they don’t really need to have the injury evaluated. Of course they would need to get the help they need!!
So what can we do? Well, I’m no doctor (but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express one time), but maybe we can be both empathetic towards those having difficulty, then offer to follow up to see if they need any resources or a ride to an appointment. Anything of sort. Hopefully that makes sense.
So, I’ve nearly gone this whole time and not mentioned God yet. That’s not to say going to God should be our last resort. In fact, God is the only way that I’ve been able to get through life for as long as I have so far. There are dozens of scriptures in both the Old and New Testament that can bring comfort and hope. Exodus 14:14, Psalm 34:18, Matthew 28:20 and many more. Keep in mind that the Word of God says that there is nothing we could ever face that God/Jesus has not experienced. I find a great deal of comfort in that.
If you need prayer, encouragement, or just someone to listen… I’ll be here for you.
Photo credit: Tahir Shaw
Prodigal Thinker 
I’ve missed you and have been praying for you. I agree, sometimes just being present with someone helps. No words, just presence.
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