CHANGE IS A CHANCE

by Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)

May is National Asparagus Month and Correct Your Posture Month. I don’t know if they need to be designated with a month’s recognition—maybe they do. Yet here’s a fact that definitely supports a month’s education and awareness: one in five people lives with a mental illness.1 That stat is even higher for those in a racial minority or a teen or a member of the gay/lesbian/transgender community—May is Mental Health Month.

From a faith perspective, let’s be clear that having a mental illness does not mean you haven’t prayed hard enough or lack faith in God’s healing power. A faithfilled Christian may have a mental illness. Sounds simple yet many get hung up in stigma by denying, ignoring, or pretending symptoms aren’t there. Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. With the oxygen mask analogy in mind—survival needs must be met before you can love and serve a neighbor. If you are struggling with a high intensity of depression or anxiety or suicial ideation, do what you would recommend to a friend—get help. Love yourself enough to see a mental health professional, discover a medication that is beneficial, build positive experiences with activities and people you enjoy. As with other worthwhile endeavors—it may be a challenge. It may take years of individual or group therapy, learnings, self-awareness. And it may be a faith opportunity leaning more into becoming the child of God you are meant to be, created in the image of God, and loved beyond measure. Is change overwhelming? It may be—even without a mental illness which can distort thoughts and reality. Let’s reframe it that a time of change is a chance to benefit and advance the kingdom of God, paying close attention to who we are and who we may become. Bring a healthy attitude welcoming change to open our hearts and minds for what God will be doing in us—then we may serve even more effectively and with a deeper love. In Ephesians 1:11b-12, “. . . we were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ.” (CEB) And this month if you sit up straight while enjoying some asparagus—bon appètit!