Across the Pastor’s Desk by Jill Marin

Life can be hard for all of us at times. Things can happen in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones that can feel overwhelming. We may wonder how we can hold ourselves together while our world seems to be falling apart around us. Many people feel this way at times. We are not alone.

Tell someone. So many times, people suffer in silence. Sometimes we think we are the only ones with this type of problem, or we feel shame, guilt, or embarrassment about the situation. These feelings are normal as well. There are people who want to help us. Is there a trusted individual in our life with whom we can share our situation? Perhaps there is a friend or family member who can lend a helpful listening ear. Sometimes individuals may be too close to a situation to give us all the support we need, but they may be able to connect us with someone who can. The WarmLine for non-crisis peer support is available to us from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays 507-287-7161. And, the suicide prevention crisis hotline is available at all times at 800-273-8255.

Take care of ourselves. Sometimes, when we get wrapped up in a situation, we can lose ourselves in a way. We must be purposeful to make time for ourselves, and care for our own needs. Perhaps taking a walk, being around others, or having some quiet time alone will help bring some balance into our lives. Getting some good rest, having a checkup, eating well, and being active can help our bodies become more in line with health and strength. And, our mental health is just as important as our physical health. The United Way of Freeborn County resources include the Mental Health Resource Directory, which can be accessed online or by contacting them.

Use spirituality. Oftentimes, when we are overwhelmed, our spiritual health can be out of balance as well. We can abandon spirituality by seeing the situation as hopeless, letting anger with God get in our way, or feeling like He does not care about what we are experiencing. Or, we can focus so much on spirituality alone, that we do not make healthy choices in what we can control in the situation, somehow believing God will make everything happen without our contribution in the effort. We must make healthy decisions about what is in our control, and we can take this opportunity to make spiritual connections. We can talk with our spiritual leader about our situation. Our church family is an important part of our support group. If we are not a part of a body of believers, we can take that step and make a call or drop in on an activity at the church of our choice. We can talk to the people and the pastor, and find out what God can do for us. In the darkest of times, He is the light.

Again, please remember, we are not alone. God is here to help, and others are as well. We are in this together. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint,” Isaiah 40:31.

 

Jill Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea.