This post is a follow-up from my previous post 'To Live or Not To Live' which looks at the Mental Health crisis our world is facing today in relation to suicide. It is a very touchy subject, but one that is very close to my heart. In a world riddled with challenges (especially in recent years), people tend to seek out ways to escape and it's understable that no one wants to hear bad news. But the reality of the matter is this: 'Life is imperfect and that's perfectly okay'. There are times when I wonder (just for a split second), whether I'm doing the right thing by addressing these Mental Health issues. And articles like the one in the Evening Standard on Thursday 23rd March 2023, reaffirms (to me) that I am. I've come to realise that, there is much work to be done and mine (as a follower of Christ), is to do my little part to make the world a bearable place to live.

We walk past people daily, though we may not know them, it's proof that you are not an isolated being. We all have our struggles, but if we keep on fighting, WE CAN OVERCOME anything life brings our way. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HERE just like everyone else. So fight for your life!

There are organisations out there, doing their utmost best to address the issue, so that we can keep on fighting the good fight of living life the best way we can. Organisations such as the Samaritans and United Christian Broadcasters. I know the tremendous work these organisations do, as I've had the privilege of using both provisions myself.  Additionally, the article in the evening Standard mentioned 'Shout', a free text messaging support service for those tackling Mental Health Crisis in Britain. Their work sounds promising. Feel free to visit their websites yourselves or share it with those you know may find it useful.

God loves us all, after all we are all his creation. This is what the Bible says to you when you're struggling to wade through the current of life. It says in the book of  Isaiah 41:10,

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:10)

So, when you're struggling to keep your head above water, remember that you can reach out to God and to others for help.

Please note: This is my personal perspective and it's by no means an endorsement. The decision to use any of these provisions is ultimately down to you.

Stay blessed and keep on going. Because, you are not alone in the fight, for this thing called life!

Seeing campaigns around town encouraging people to STAY, got me thinking. Life can be unpredictably volatile sometimes and it is important to have something to focus on during those challenging times. For a Christian, that focus is the HOPE that we have in Christ. It is what keeps us going even at the most difficult of times. To share the words of an early Christian, the Apostle Paul, who went through hardships that made him despair for life. He said,

" I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm."
 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, New Living Translation

These were some of the things Paul faced in his life's journey. Which shows that no one really, not even Jesus Christ was immune to life's sufferings. That is why the Bible says,

" We have a high priest (Jesus Christ) who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But he did not sin."
Hebrews 4:15 - New International Reader's Version

What got Jesus through his ordeal? It was having his focus and his hope on God. Because during one of his most trying times Jesus said this to his followers:

“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me."
John 16:32 - New International Version

That is why Jesus is the perfect one to help anyone at a time of crisis, because he's been through it all and understands what we are going through. So focus on Jesus, make him your hope and he will be your anchor.

Stay blesssed and I humbly pray, that the Lord gives you the strength to keep on going.

Please note: Do find someone to speak to, if you're going through a hard time. There could be charity organisations in your neighbourhood or country that may be able to help you (if you do an online search). Here in the UK, we have the Samaritans at www.samaritans.org (available to anyone in need) or United Christian Broadcasters www.ucb.co.uk (there to help those wanting to know Christ or grow in their walk with him). You can also feel free to look through this website for posts you may find useful.

Glad to see the Mental Health conversation is still taking place in the form of this encouraging video by artist Doe. It's called, 'So glad we met'. Hope it encourages you to hold on and keep keeping on. See video below: