Reflecting on my pastor’s homily from last Sunday, if we do not operate in our relationship with God with a healthy mind, life can seem impossible. For many, the phrase “life’s a bitch then you die” is more than a phrase, it’s a reality. With repeated tragedy and struggle, living life for many of us is anything but enjoyable…It is a BITCH. After getting through one struggle, all they can think about is the next tragedy looming around the corner. For this reason, all some of us do is live life waiting to die.
When we have a mind of Christ, we know that struggle is a part of life; God is with us through our struggles and if we trust and believe in Him with a pure heart and a healthy mind, life will be enjoyable. Having a mind like Christ allows us to walk in our purpose and build up The Kingdom of God; making life more than a BITCH, but truly happy until we die.
In the black community, especially, and as Christians, it is important that we understand that being able to have an intimate relationship with God, grow deeper in our faith, and truly discern God’s purpose for our life, we must be mentally well. It is nearly impossible to know where God is leading us and hear His voice without knowing who we are as individuals and being mentally healthy. In having the mind of Christ, we have Faith and not Fear; fear is of Satan. Therefore, a healthy mind focuses on Christ and believes that He will protect us, resulting in a lack of fear.
Although we may not realize it, we already have the mind of Christ; some of us have neglected ourselves mentally and have allowed fear, trauma, anxiety, depression and various mental illnesses to take our mind off Christ. We have failed and are continuing to fail to walk into our purpose. The Holy Spirit works to put the Mind of Christ in us, but if we do not welcome the Spirit’s guidance, nothing will change our mind; we then lose focus, miss God’s purpose for our life and fail to do His work. This causes misery, making every day unenjoyable, and simply, a BITCH. Therefore, taking care of our mental health and being true to who we are is imperative.
As Christians, we carry an enormous amount of hurt from past relationships, childhood traumas, carrying dual roles as parents, mates, friends, employees, etc. Oftentimes, we are taught that mental health is a negative subject. Even the Bible references the importance of a healthy mind as it pertains to our having a healthy relationship with God. James 1:5-8 speaks of lacking wisdom, being double-minded and unstable in what we do. This state of mind is a dangerous place for believers to be as if we are suspended between Christ and the world.
Finally, I realized that improving my mental health in order to discern my purpose, allowed me to operate from a place of clarity. I was then able to assist others in finding their purpose. I am convinced that this is our first step in doing our part in rebuilding The Kingdom of God. When we, one by one, as believers with Minds Like Christ, Walk in Our Purpose, we will complete our journey successfully and assist others in doing so as well. Then we will experience the true meaning of life, and we can see firsthand that life can be more than a BITCH before we die.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Defy the Stigma!
Dying to be Perfect 