Is anyone over 2020 already? You probably didn’t notice me jump to my feet and throw my fist into the air. The year has been riddled with twists and turns, changes that happen faster than we can blink. Welcome to October, where you’re about to be inundated with reasons why you shouldn’t be dressing up for Halloween. I’d like to present my unwanted sentiment that “I’m not okay.”
It’s in your head.
I’ve recently found out that October is declared as “Mental Health Awareness” month. I don’t know about you, but I hear the resounding voices that say “it’s all in your head.” I’m not here to debate the grounds of a diagnosis, but rather present to you the opinion that the peace of Christ covers all aspects of our being.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John chapter 14, verse 27).
A part of our human nature is to fear the things we do not understand. We’ve been given peace that reaches our mind, body and soul. Whether you meet someone facing depression, anxiety or some other form of mental health challenge, NEVER assume to have the answers. Rather reach out to understand. When life happens the proper guidance of a professional can be the a vital part of God’s healing process. The most beautiful way we can reflect Christ to our friends and family is in reaching out and extending His love. His love gives peace.
Pray about it.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah chapter 41, verse 10).
During October choose to pray for someone. Pray for ways to be supportive, pray for His Prescence to be evident in the healing process and pray for the Creator to be evident in the very mind that He created. During this month, remember how awesome He is, that He has formed us with the ability to do such diverse things and have so many different responses to life. Being observant during the month; praying and choosing to understand your friend or yourself, is how you can uphold them.
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter chapter 5, verse 7).
Have you ever stopped to wonder why this is one of the most popular scriptures? We all have fears and anxieties. Our instinct should not be to push it aside, pretend it never happened or run in the other direction. But to cast something, we first need to acknowledge it. Name it, understand it, cast it and get healing. In everything that you will hear this October, remember that you are not alone. God works through different avenues to bring peace and healing; be attentive to the guidance of a professional, spiritual counselling or you finding personal avenues that bring you peace (journaling, exercise, etc). You are not alone. No matter how the words feel in your mind, the Words of the Creator are stronger.
Hailing from South Africa, Crystelda is an avid nerd and an unapologetic dreamer. With a BSc. Biological Sciences and BCom Hons in marketing, she has launched the Christian lifestyle blog - Selah Blogger and is the joint winner of the 2019 International Theology Award. The blog can be found at https://selahblogger.wordpress.com/ and her previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/crystelda-naidoo.html