Place Your "I" in Community for Soul and Body Health

"No Christian has ever been called to 'go it alone' in his or her walk of faith."  Charles F. Stanley,
Life Principle #28

In a world where the pronoun "I' has such great esteem, it can be easy to lose sight of the value of community. But an "I" that stands alone is vulnerable to the wiles of this untamed world--it is helpless in the face of extreme challenge. The Bible puts it this way: 

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4: 9 - 12, CSB).

It is the "I" that humbles itself that finds safety in the midst of community. In this humbling it finds that Grace has counted it wise to pour itself into and through others and it receives the portion that God entrusts to those who count it not robbery to become purposefully entangled. (1 Corinthians 12: 4 - 7).

When we meet our Teacher in the Garden of Gethsemane, we do not find Him alone. We find that He takes his disciples and friends, "Peter and the two sons of Zebedee." (Mathew 26: 37, CSB). He takes them along  for the comfort of their shared and alert presence during His time of great need. (Matthew 26: 38).  However, it does not take us long to uncover that in spite of Jesus's desires and their willingness to honor Him, they fail. (Matthew 26: 40 - 41, 43 and 45).   And they are not spectacular when compared to other earthly friends, to include considerations of ourselves. Yet, God has made it so that in spite of our imperfections, we still profoundly matter to each other. In fact, health experts consider addressing loneliness one of the most important factors in improving public health.

Happy temple building!

Take care. Bless many.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in our commitment to support women in wholistic self-care, we will be making available to you several resources to encourage you to prosper mind, spirit and body. Get a head start on May's offerings! And remember, share the good news with a friend!

Subscribe to Be-Held: Peace of Mind here.
Be-Held: Peace of Mind - A monthly publication providing Christ- centered mental health resources that raise awareness about mental health issues, end stigma around mental illness and point persons to hope in Jesus Christ.

Get access to your Peace of Mind Self-Care Kit here.
Take care by downloading our FREE Peace of Mind Self-Care Kit. Setting up your personal Peace of Mind Self-Care Kit is a proactive measure you can take to safeguard your mental health. Many of the suggested components can be engaged on a daily basis to foster mental health. However, many are specific for valley seasons and are helpful when you sense that your mental health has been compromised.

Get access to the mental health awareness guide for your church here.
This guide includes the following:

• Basic definitions and facts pertaining to mental health.
• ​Ideas for raising awareness, ending stigma and pointing people to hope within your church community.​
• A Place to Start: Practical suggestions for implementing ideas in your community immediately and over time.
• Guidance to support community members in creating their own Peace of Mind Self-Care Kit, to include printables.​