I recently heard a sermon from Psalm 103 … The blog post “BLESS THE LORD” highlights that sermon.
Today … July 15, 2024, two days out from tragic events that rocked this nation, those truths echo within the chambers of my heart.
July 13, 2024. Events so tragic, it seems I can hardly breathe as I read & re-read the news stories. Our nation is in great peril, and my soul … it’s just sad. And horrified.
I’m a small-town author with a great big God … and only He can provide the TRUE HOPE we need as a nation. And the prayer of my heart is to bring you His truth, His hope ... in the wake of tragedy.
I didn’t learn of the assassination attempt until Sunday … and one of the first questions in my mind was this … How have we -as a supposed Christian nation- gotten HERE? Crimes are overlooked. Dangerous criminals are roaming the streets … (Memphis, TN,- a city just north of where I live- just ranked the 9th most dangerous city in the WORLD.) And people are seeking to murder a man running for president. WHY?!
As I sat in my chair, the one word the LORD brought to my mind was … EVIL!
The events of Saturday, July 13, 2024, were simply EVIL.
So … what now?
Where do we turn our eyes? NOT on an idealized, “savior” version of Donald Trump … that’s nothing short of blasphemous idolatry! And it’s disgusting! Isaiah 45:5A says plainly, “I am the LORD, and there is no other …” So, can we PLEASE STOP comparing Trump to Jesus!??!!! Jesus is incomparable! 
We turn our face to the One who reigns forevermore. We sit at HIS nail-scarred feet, listen to HIS voice … and catch our breath IN HIS PRESENCE.
It’s in times like these where we MUST actively choose to remember! And say, through tears and shock and grief, “BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!” ... just as the psalmist, David, did!
Following tragic events, our nation cries out: “God! We need You! Help! Heal our land!” … churches tend to have more in attendance & pleas for justice pour forth … and yet, somehow, the halls of Heaven seem silent. Prayers simply echo within the portals of Heaven. And there seems to be only silence … which causes greater levels of fear, heartache, grief, and uncertainty.
But I’m here to tell you, Friend, that Heaven isn’t silent! Not on this issue or any other issue we take before God. I fear that we -as a nation- have turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to what God has said. We quote it … from pulpits and in conversation. We post it on our social media platforms … but, I dare say, we aren’t applying His Word. And the High King of Heaven and earth will not be mocked.
What are we missing? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “…if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” {emphasis added}
Are we doing this? From all indication, the answer is NO. We are missing genuine repentance among God’s people.
While our daily lives may not look exactly like the lives of those who don’t know Jesus (although, a lot of times they do look exactly like the lives of those who don’t know Jesus), are we gossiping and slandering? Lying? Endorsing what God forbids while remaining silent on those issues He says to speak out against (think false teachers/unqualified leadership/abuse, etc)? Are we being a voice for the voiceless? Fulfilling the Great Commission? Standing for truth, even if we are alone?
The events of this past Saturday are beyond tragic! Stories, that make my skin crawl, are still emerging. And there are no words in the English language to describe some of these stories. My heart breaks for the family of Corey Comperatore, the other two victims’ and their families, for President Trump and his family, for the gunman’s family. For the rally attenders. My heart breaks for America.
I know Jesus well enough to know that His heart is broken and grieved … over Saturday’s events and over the state of the United States of America. Because … simply put, that’s just the kind of LORD that He is. Psalm 103:8-12 (written to God’s people) says, “The LORD is compassionate & gracious, slow to anger & abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us; nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Can YOU say with the psalmist, David, “Bless the LORD, O my soul”? … no matter the circumstances …
Are you looking to Jesus or to a mere mortal in Washington DC (or anything/anyone else) for your hope, security, and peace?
My prayer is that July 13, 2024, would be a pivotal point for our nation … that we -who bear the name ‘Christian’- will repent of our wicked ways (both personal sins & national sins), seek the LORD with a humble heart, and pray! For each other, for our leadership (including -especially- those we don’t agree with rather than saying/posting derogatory things about them), for those we encounter on the highways and byways of life … and may we, after the LORD has changed us, wait expectantly for the LORD to heal our land.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
For the glory of God alone!

I am reminded that there are no coincidences in life … That random text message that says “I’m praying for you” … A car license plate with a Scripture reference that you needed to see. The reunion of childhood friends. The reunion of a former teacher and student. Relationships forged through the fires of this life. Songs played at the right moment. Or a sermon that is JUST what your soul needed …
Make no mistake, Dear Friend, there are no coincidences in this life. These events are filtered through the Father’s hands. The One who works ALL things together for the good of His people for His eternal glory.
Today was that kind of day … and make no mistake about it, often times, the sermons line up with what I need ... Due to some personal struggles, today ... well, it was just so very needed! 
How often I forget! I needed today, and I have an inclination that I’m not the only one, so I wanted to share quite a bit of today’s message with you.
The passage of Scripture for today’s sermon was Psalm 103. (To read it, click on the passage and it will take you to a new page.)

How are we to reflect and respond to what God has done in our lives?
How are we to reflect and respond to that which He has so graciously taught us?

We are to do what the psalmist did in Psalm 103.
We are to BLESS THE LORD!
To bless the LORD … to praise Him … We MUST remember!!!

In verses 2-9, we are told to “forget not His benefits” … REMEMBER!
Yes, there are benefits to loving/following/serving Jesus. What are some of those benefits?

• He forgives ALL our iniquity.
• He heals ALL our diseases … either here on earth or in eternity with Him.
• He redeems/rescues His people from Hell.
• He lavishes His steadfast love and mercy on His people. The Hebrew word for “steadfast love” is hesed. It is used some 250 times in the Old Testament. The LORD’s hesed stirs Him to loving action on our behalf.
• He satisfies/renews us through His ordinary means of grace. Things like worship, reading/teaching of the sacred Scriptures, praying, fellowship with other believers, etc … We have to lean in to the Word of God!
• He delivers His people and brings justice to their oppressors.
• He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love (hesed).

BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!

In verses 10-13, we are reminded to “forget not your justification and adoption” …

• Justification is a legal term … it’s what happens when we repent of our sins and acknowledge Jesus as the LORD of our lives. God the Father sees us as if we were Jesus … and on Calvary, Jesus was seen and treated as if He were you and me. Experiencing the full wrath of God … why? For redemption.
• Adoption … what a precious term! Not only are we legally declared innocent, we are brought into the family of God … to be loved eternally! 

One of the most radical statements from today’s sermon was that the Father loves His adopted children (Christians) as much as He loves His Son (Jesus Christ)! I still can’t wrap my brain around this!!! Can you??
BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!

In verses 14-19, we are reminded to “forget not who God is … who we are”. We have to remember our King! The only true Sovereign who is eternally reigning on high. Through tumultuous political seasons, traumatic medical issues, loss, grief, heartache of any kind, and so much more. We must remember our King! And as we remember Him and His love for us, we are to remember to obey! Not from a sense of duty but from a heart of love and great gratitude.
BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!

The psalmist ends the psalm how he started it …
BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!
May you and I remember!
May we forget not!
And may we -no matter the trials we WILL face in this life- praise the One who has a plan and a purpose.
​May we never neglect to say BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!
​

​To be a writer, one must simply write.
Good. Bad. Biased or not. It doesn’t matter.
One simply puts pen to paper to be a writer.
My writing journey began when I was in the 6th grade. While there have been extended seasons when I didn’t write anything, for whatever reason, I’m ALWAYS called back to it. There’s something about arranging 26 simple letters in such a way that you impact someone’s life … even if it’s just your own life. After my recent book signing with An Ugly Kind of Beautiful, ideas for new projects seemed to blossom. Currently, I have 2 projects that have been started … and one that is in the planning stages.
After receiving feedback from a few of my readers, I decided to create a brand for my writing.
What goes into a brand? What exactly is a brand?
A brand is simple and specific. Using colors, fonts, and a few design elements, one can artistically share their specific message … their purpose … their mission.
I believe that this “gift” of writing is from the LORD … so the purpose behind what I write, why I write, and to whom I write all played a major role in the actual branding.

THE WHAT. The purpose behind my desire to write is quite simple. Our words matter. John 1:1 tells us that Jesus is the Word. He created language. He is the Originator of words … words are powerful. They can either speak life or death, hope or despair. I long to speak life and hope over people.
No matter our individual background stories, our ability levels, our socioeconomic status … or whatever … we are ALL in the same position before a holy God … and He is able to transform any life.
No matter the topic …
No matter the genre.
The ultimate goal/purpose is the same. To point my readers to Jesus, the One who is hope and life … and to do it in such a way that isn’t self-righteous or arrogant.
THE WHO. My audience was chosen by the LORD Himself when He commanded His followers to go into all the world. Simply put, my audience is whoever reads what I write.
THE WHY. Darkness is real. Despair and depression are real. I fight these battles … almost daily. I write to let people know that they aren’t alone. Jesus has set/is setting me free, and I long to share His freedom with as many people as I possibly can.

THE BRAND … Our design is simple … Wait! OUR? Yes! Our! Because we are communal creatures … and I didn’t create this brand design alone.

• The blue/teal colors. I was diagnosed with c-PTSD in 2023. The awareness ribbon is often a blue/teal color. I chose this color scheme because people who struggle with mental health issues are often limited by labels and the stigma that surrounds that label. While the struggles are very real and provide very real challenges, they need not limit us. Far too often, these man-made labels completely hinder the one who bears them; however, true freedom is seeking to live out who we are in Christ … I am learning to let Jesus define me … NOT a man-made label. And I want that for every person.
• The butterfly. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are made new when Jesus saves us. Earlier this year, I watched butterflies emerge from their chrysalis … and it was fascinating! It, also, brought this particular Scripture to life for me. The butterfly looked NOTHING like the worm it once was. There, truly, is NEW LIFE when a butterfly emerges. A butterfly is also one of the Native symbols for HOPE … A simple creature reminding us that we can have hope and life … in Jesus Christ.
• “A small town author with a great big God” … It’s so true! And it’s my way to acknowledge the One who has called me to this. The LORD can use whomever He chooses … from any background … and I’m eternally thankful.

May the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world be honored by every word thought, spoken, or written. He alone is worthy!
Soli Deo Gloria!

It's taken a lot to get me here ... to see the breaking of last year as a gift, but indeed, it was a gift. Being completely free from the environment in which I broke, effective May 25th, there are no words to describe what it's like. The fears that continued to have a hold on my heart every week were intense, at times.
And the Lord saw fit to release me. 
One year later, I see that in the darkness of the unknown, the Truth held strong ... and although I couldn't see what was ahead, I was seen by the One who holds all my tomorrows in His hands. These last few weeks have been surreal as I've thought a lot about last May.

The mental breakdown.
The breaking of relationships.
The breaking of, what felt to be, a less-than-solid foundation. 
The breaking away from man-made religiosity cleverly -not so cleverly- disguised as Christianity.

In the breaking, I can say that it's been in the brokenness that a choice had to be made. Keep running away, into greater darkness. Or run into His rest ... leaning in to the Rock of Ages, the One who never shakes, never breaks. With my inner circle around me, we faced the darkness of a mental breakdown together ...

And Truth stood firm ... when all else seemed unsteady ... and it is STILL standing today. Why? because life isn't about my truth or your truth. Life is about THE Truth ... and His name is Jesus.

Learning to live completely dependent in His truth isn't easy when there seems to be much to heal, and the "remedies" offered are numerous. But if I've learned anything over the last year, I've learned/am learning ... 
~ standing for Truth is costly, but Jesus is worth it!
~ in the blackest darkness, Jesus' Light shines brightest ... through those who are TRULY His and who are seeking to follow Him and through His Word.
~ Jesus will protect and defend His own, especially when they are vulnerable! 
~ the foundation of my life will never be destroyed because I belong to the Father ... however, there are parts of my belief system that have been/are faulty ... and the Father is NOT willing for any of His children to live their lives believing lies. He will stop at nothing to set His children free. [and I might add that He does so gently]
~ Jesus has a place for His people. A place to serve. To love. To grow. To be sanctified.

Yes. Mental breakdowns happen. It's the sad reality of this life that's been tainted with sin. BUT Jesus is Lord over ANY mental breakdown because ... as someone once said ... He's either Lord of all or He's not Lord at all. 

In the breaking, there's a gift. From One who only gives good gifts to His children ... and for the child of God, I am convinced from personal experience that the gift in the breaking is Jesus Himself. 

It's been almost a year ... in two weeks, it will be a year ... A year since my life was completely engulfed in total darkness. I'm 42-years-old, and May 27th of 2023 could quite possibly be one of the most traumatic days of my entire life. I'd had mental breakdowns before, but that day ... that day was different. I felt disconnected from my mind, my body, and all of reality. While the events surrounding that day are extremely complex & the details aren't for public knowledge, today ... today, I find myself oddly thankful. And blessed. Only in being completely broken did I begin seeing that Jesus was essential for ALL areas of life, not just the spiritual endeavors of life. 
Although a handful of people sought to capitalize on the events of that day, there were others who got in the battle with me ... and FOR me. I was advocated for ... without judgment. From going with me to doctor appointments to making sure I was eating to conversations to them just helping me to live again, all I knew was that I wasn't alone. 
And I saw the hand of God in the darkness.
The two groups of people -those who capitalized on the mental health crisis and those who advocated for me-were polar opposites ... all claiming the same faith in the same God. And the nail-scarred hands of the God-Man, Jesus, were evident in the lives of my advocates. They sought to advocate for me, just as Jesus advocates for us.
As we waited for the light to return, I was given a safe place to process. To begin to heal. A place to belong. To be loved without condition or reservation. Endless prayers were lifted on my behalf. And I was incredibly loved.
The days of debilitating fear were met with encouraging text messages, love, and more prayers. On days when I thought I might go completely mad, I was met with strong arms that held onto me ... until I could find center again. Calm. And rest. 
And I saw the hand of God in the darkness.
As the weeks and months passed, there was great uncertainty. Where would the Lord take me? I didn't know. I have begun to see purpose in the pain. Joy returning. Hope restoring. Looking back, I see it more clearly than before. Confronting toxic, abusive Christianity -even imperfectly- came at a high cost. Standing for truth usually does. 
And I saw the hand of God in the darkness.
Finding a new center ... a new life ... a new church home. All while trying to navigate it with a fake smile. It hasn't been easy ... New relationships have been formed with boundaries established. Lies are being discovered and replaced with the eternal Truth of God. Faulty thinking patterns are being challenged on multiple levels. Even on hard days ... and believe me, there have been plenty! ... light is shining again! The darkness isn't as dark.
And I see the hand of God in the darkness.
It's been a long year, but I wouldn't change anything ... because I've seen the hand of God in great darkness. 

My Friend, the truth is ... we live in a broken world. Inside and outside the church. We're all broken! In our brokenness, Satan -the enemy of our souls- always seeks to destroy whoever he can. At the same time, Jesus steps in, as He did on May 27, to show His glory ... to use what man meant for evil for our good and His great glory!
​And we see the hand of God in our lives -no matter the season- if we will only look. 

As news broke this morning with the news about the tragic loss of Christian artist, Mandisa, I have struggled to put thoughts together. I’ve read the statements from other musicians who shared the stage with Mandisa … I’ve read the comments from the Facebook posts. A recurring comment has been “the depression won” … At the writing of this blog post, the cause of death hasn’t been released. There is an active investigation into her death by the authorities in Tennessee. So, the insinuation that she committed suicide is a bit off-putting. In the very least, the comment is extremely premature.
HOWEVER … “The depression won” is a common belief that is held when Christians make the tragic choice to end their lives. Since I understand this journey on an intensely personal level, I thought I’d try to put some coherent thoughts together.

{**DISCLAIMER: I am NOT saying that suicide is okay!!!! It is NOT! Suicide is murder. Murder, by definition, is the taking of an innocent life. Suicide is sin!}

DOES DEPRESSION WIN IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN WHO COMMITS SUICIDE?

I dare say that depression does NOT win in the life of a Christian who commits suicide. Why? Because of Calvary’s cross. The empty tomb. And the countless promises found in the Bible. If the life/death/resurrection of Jesus doesn’t win over everything -including depression and suicide- then it is powerless over everything!

2 Corinthians 5:8 says, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Revelation 21:4 says, “He [Jesus] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Two verses that bring us hope -as Christians- when death occurs. Nowhere within God’s Word does it say that suicide is the unpardonable sin … once again, I’m NOT saying suicide is okay … and I’ve been in the darkness of despair and depression. I’ve tried to commit suicide more times than I want to discuss. BUT … to say that depression won is to say that depression/suicide are bigger than God. GOD FORBID!!!
This life is hard. And not all of our questions can be answered; however, we do have enough information from God Himself (in the Bible) to know that we can trust Him. The question is: are we going to actually read the Bible??

NOW … I want/need to address the mental health crisis in our nation. We are, indeed, in a crisis! A crisis that is inside the church and outside the church. For someone who has battled extensive mental health issues, this topic is one that is near to my heart. THIS ISN’T A POST TO SHAME ANYONE!
I have borne over a dozen psychiatric labels most of my life. Sometimes, there have been multiple labels at a time. Only recently has that changed! I’m not shaming anyone on medication. Sometimes, medication is needed! But, my Friend, where is the real, life-giving Hope as we fight to live?! Where do we find the grace to wake up another day in the face of life’s difficulties? I want to tell you where I have found Hope, in spite of the daily struggles. Hope that has turned my heart’s focus. From the storms that still rage … onto Him. Yes. Hope isn’t a medication or a diagnosis. Hope isn’t a therapy method. Hope is a Person … and His name is Jesus Christ.
I am discovering that Jesus is quite practical as He enters the mental health issues I face. What do I mean?

• Isolation -which is different from solitude- is breeding ground for despair. The Lord created us for relationships and community. To isolate leaves us stuck, and it’s in this stuck place that Satan -the enemy of our souls- comes to wreak havoc into our minds. In seasons where we want to be away from every person -for whatever reason- it is there where we have to set aside “self” desires to isolate and get with other people. On the flip side of this is the fact that if we know someone is struggling mentally, we’d be wise to reach out … because from personal experience, the darkness is thick. Heavy. And, at times, it can be consuming.
• Although psychiatric terms are new, the actual symptoms that people are dealing with are not new. From Genesis to Revelation, people struggled with life. Relationally. Physically. Financially. Politically. Economically. When I realized this recently, I started to understand just how practical Scripture really is. Proverbs 18:16 says, “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. (NIV)” Does having a solid foundation in Jesus Christ and looking to Him for everything solve every issue of life? No, but He gives us the framework for peace. For joy. For grief. 
• As a Christian, I’m learning that I MUST have a sound, biblical theology in regards to who God is & His sovereignty. Will it ever be comprehensive? NO! I am to discover who God is! FROM HIS WORD! And, in the process, ask Him to help me believe it so much so that it changes me.
• Based on Scripture, the scars from my painful past WILL be swallowed up in victory … because I belong to Jesus. Romans 8:28-29, 35-39 says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters … Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we face all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)” This is one of the passages that I am asking God to help me believe so much so that it changes me. Our pasts affect us … make no mistake about it, I understand this, but one thing I’m discovering is that NO amount of processing the pain, the abuse, the trauma helps permanently. It kept me stuck in a broken past ... and, at times, the homework caused more issues. But Jesus … He’s acknowledged it. And He bore it … at Calvary. And He's made a way for me to accept my broken past with grace and to "move on."
• Pain and suffering never … NEVER … NEVER … negate the goodness/love of God.

The podcast “Truth in Love” was recommended to me … and I recommend it to you, Dear Friend. It’s a practical podcast full of truth … from people who offer real help in pointing you and me to the One who is our Hope, Jesus Christ. They address everything from PTSD (which is the first episode I ever listened to) and counseling, anger and anxiety … and a host of other things.

If you need a friend to just talk to … to help you find your way to Hope, please feel free to comment here (it’s not public until approved by me) with your email address and a message. There is real help. Real healing. Real HOPE.

If you are considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1800=273-8255.
Or dial 988.

​You are created imago Deo … in the image of God. You were created by God for God.
Depression will never win in the life of a Christian .. EVER!
JESUS WINS!

One thing is for certain ... life is hard. 
Relationships. Health. Home. Church. Work. Day in, day out. Life's just hard. There is NO escaping it! 
No amount of money makes it stop being hard. No amount of drugs, alcohol, sex, or medication stops the hard. For Christians, no amount of religious activity or ministry stops the hard. 
Life is hard. Period. ... so ... what choices are we left with to function on this spinning sphere called Earth? Actually, my Friend, we only have ONE. We must consciously choose our hard. 
From a Christian/biblical standpoint ... because I am a Christ-follower ... I want to remind us that we have a sure, steady foundation. One on which we can anchor our lives ... even in the hard stuff of life ... come what may.

Recently, choose your hard became a mental theme, of sorts, as I've wrestled with many deeply personal issues. In His great kindness, the Lord has met me in the hard ... and I came to bring this to you. In hopes that you will set aside the time to be still. Be before the risen Lord and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. That's a scary prayer to pray! But it's a beautiful thing ... if you are willing to do what the old hymn says "Trust and Obey" ... there truly is no other way to be happy in Jesus ... but to trust and obey.

Relationships. They are our greatest earthly joy, and our greatest earthly sorrow. They're difficult to navigate on a good day. Why? because when you have two sinners who are doing life together - in whatever capacity it may be - there will be conflict. That's a given. But our response to the conflict is key. In His lovingkindness, the Lord has given us His prescription for living in "hard" harmony with others. All throughout the pages of Scripture, we see principles of living a lifestyle of forgiveness and deference to one another. The Lord, knowing we are a narcissistic bunch of folks, has also given us His prescription to live with the hard reality of broken relationships. We are to live a lifestyle of forgiveness ... surrendered to Him, humble, and open to restoration ... We can do it God's way, which is hard. Or ... we can do it our way ... which is harder. Choose your hard.

Health. The most obvious area of health is our physical health. Self-control isn't fun, nor is it easy. I know. I love cookies, candy, coffee, any form of caffeine ... But we must choose our hard if we desire to live with more productivity for the kingdom of God. Ironically, there are principles within sacred Scripture that address this. Passages concerning self-control ... and our bodies belonging to God ... or even those verses about how we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our physical health plays a direct role in our mental and emotional health, as well. So ... we might as well look at our mental and emotional health next. What we feed into becomes the prevailing voice in our head. Once again, we must choose our hard. This particular area is very tender for me because I struggle with the effect of complex-PTSD ... but even in the struggles I deal with (which few know about and even fewer understand), truth still stands. Philippians 4:8 [NLT] says it well. "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." From the music and podcasts I listen to, to the tv shows and movies I watch to the books I read ... it all matters! And it ALL affects my mental/emotional health. It won't be the same parameters for everyone, but within the context of Scripture are principles that we can - and MUST - apply in order to help us navigate the hard mental battles we fight.
**Before moving to the area of spiritual health, I want -and need- to address the issue of medication as it pertains to mental health. Medication, I believe, is overprescribed. It is misused and abuse; however, we live in a very fallen world, and some of the effects of sin has led to mental health issues ... I take medication to help lessen the severity of some very real physiological symptoms. This is needed, for now. The medication does NOT eliminate my responsibility to actively take thoughts captive. Nor does the medication eliminate my responsibility to meditate on what God says to me in His word. Is it hard? ABSOLUTELY! Especially on days when I'm struggling with an overactive nervous system ... but I must choose my hard ... be obedient to Scripture asking God for help or fight the physical/mental symptoms in my own strength. The choice is mine ... and in your life, the choice is yours. Choose your hard.** 
One final area of health that I want to look at is our spiritual health. As with any relationship, we have to nurture our relationship with the Lord. Why? Because to love Him, we MUST know Him! To say we love Jesus without spending time with Him is utterly ridiculous! In John, we see that to love God is to obey Him (see John 14:23). If we consistently/habitually disobey God's word, with little to no thought about it, how can we say we love God? Is this a hard truth to face? YES! But so is living in habitual sin and living a lie. Choose your hard. 

Home. Church. Work. Three different places that often have us struggling to be the same across the board. What do I mean? We act one way at home ... usually our worst. We act another way at church ... usually our best with all sorts of religiosity spewing forth. And we act another way at work ... usually it's some smashed up version of our home and church life personalities combined. Why do we live like this? Scripture is our authority for ALL of life ... so why is this even an issue? I'm afraid that the American church has a lot to repent of because this is a PLAGUE! We are so accustomed to wearing masks and being phonies that it's going to take us being willing to take a deep, hard look at our individual lives and with the Holy Spirit bringing genuine revival for this to change. Is this hard? Unbelievably! But so is being a fraud! Jesus and His glory are worth the change! Choose your hard.

As I work within one ministry and have connections to missionaries and Christians that span this entire globe, this has been burning within me ... not just as a communal conviction ... but it's gotten personal over the last few weeks. And the fire was set ablaze last week as I received counsel on some life things. We, in the American church, know NOTHING about persecution ... The American church is dividing over music styles and dress codes. People are getting offended because someone didn't speak or they went to another small group. What nonsense is this?! All the while, the church in North Korea, China, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Cuba, and other such places are growing ... some places, these churches are growing exponentially! What's the difference? Unity in choosing the hard.

That's not happening in the American church. 

May we seek the LORD's face on behalf of our nation, yes. But may we also seek His face as we CHOOSE OUR HARD for His eternal glory and great name! 
He is worthy! 

~A fellow pilgrim~